Roaming between WiMAX networks just got a boost after Airspan, an equipment maker, and FREEDOM4, a UK WiMAX operator, showed a laptop with a WiMAX USB dongle that allows the user to roam on WiMAX networks that use different spectrum bands. This is significant because it allows WiMAX operators to enter into roaming agreements with one another, across different countries, so that people who buy WiMAX service from one operator can simply use another operator’s network without additional fees or sign-up hassles. It is particularly interesting for users who want to roam between license-exempt networks or to licensed ones. Operators who own a very small slice of spectrum (say in the 2.6 GHz) can combine it with bigger slice (e.g. 3.6 GHz spectrum) to give users more capacity, and compete with 3G operators.
FREEDOM4 is a joint venture between the FREEDOM4 Group and Intel Capital. It is deploying WiMAX in the 3.6 GHz band in the UK. FREEDOM4’s service is available in Manchester, Milton Keynes and Warwick.
Download the technical specifications of the Airspan USB dongle.
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