Softbank, Motorola Launch 2.5GHz WiMax Trial In Japan

MANHASSET, N.Y. — Motorola Inc. has reached agreement with Softbank Group for the deployment of a WiMax (IEEE 802.16e-2005) trial network in Tokyo.Motorola is supplying an end-to-end trial system including access points, an access network, and prototype WiMax mobile handheld devices. The five-month trial, expected to begin in September, will enable the Softbank Group to assess the effectiveness of WiMax as a wireless broadband technology.

Softbank Group provides mobile communications, fixed-line telecommunications and fixed-line broadband services. The company acquired Vodafone K.K., the third largest mobile service operator in Japan, in April 2006 for $15.3 billion. Softbank currently has more than 26 million fixed-line and mobile communications customers in Japan.

Motorola will be deploying five WiMax access points and 25 prototype WiMax mobile handheld devices, operating in the 2.5GHz spectrum. The trial will also showcase MIMO (multi-input, multi-output) capabilities of Motorola's WiMax solutions in supporting multi- antenna telecommunications systems as well as enabling greater data throughput and range.