With Long Term Evolution (LTE) to be launched in the near future, do you think that Green Packet will eventually incorporate LTE into its strategy? Being a next generation broadband solutions provider, we have been catering for all the broadband networks that has emerged over the years, both IP-based and GSM networks. LTE is an evolution from the GSM network to an all IP-based network. Naturally, we will support LTE as well. In fact, we are currently involved in R&D efforts in order for our solutions to support LTE.
Would you consider deploying WiMAX networks in the US along with your American partner Intel ? Green Packet was founded in the Silicon Valley, so the US is technically our home and we have one component of our R&D team based there. Intel is indeed a partner in that they are an investor in Greenpacket and Intel has indicated that in Malaysia (the location of our head office) we would be its preferred partner for all things WiMAX. To date, we have been focusing on emerging markets looking to deploy WiMAX because we have valuable and unique experience in this area. We supplied the CPE and Connection Manager to our sister company Packet One (P1) which was the first company to deploy WiMAX in Malaysia (an emerging market). So we are able to share our first-to-market experience with other Operators and supply them with our field-tested and interoperability proven products. In 2008 we attended the World WiMAX Exhibition and Conference in Chicago and we were very well received by both Operators and potential business partners who supply to WiMAX operators. We will attend the Conference again this year and hope to explore opportunities with US-based Companies who can see the potential in the value we bring to the table.
How has the global economic slump impacted your international deployment of broadband wireless networks ? If you follow WiMAX Forum and various analyst’s comments on the wireless broadband industry, you’ll see that wireless broadband deployments are still active. But what I’ve noticed is that many vendors have changed their strategy because of the crisis crunch. They are now financing deployments (through their partnerships with financial institutions) – Operators then pay for the investment in installments.
Another trend is that while wireless broadband deployments go on, vendor margins are getting thinner, vendors are looking for more innovative ways to finance deployment projects.
Now, Green Packet is ideally positioned to expand its business through partnerships with Operators and suppliers in most regions including South East Asia, South Asia, Middle East, Africa and Latin America. We (Greenpacket) have had a very successful year to date. We signed an agreement with GCT Semiconductor earlier this year to develop a truly seamless solution for wireless devices to roam between WiFi and WiMAX networks; the world’s first on a single chipset. We also signed an agreement with Tatung which will see Green Packet provide a customised and enhanced edition of our Intouch Connection Management Platform to deliver seamless mobility across networks over secured mobile VPN (Virtual Private Network). So, to summarize, although we have been cautious this year in light of the economic slump, we have managed to secure strategic agreements with key players in the WiMAX ecosystem which puts us in a strong position for the near future and long-term.
Tags: global, GSM, intel, Long Term, Middle East, Naturally, network, VPN, wimax
