Samsung brings commercial WiMax to US

Samsung's US unit this week unveiled plans to work with regional internet service provider Arialink to deploy what it claims is the first commercial mobile WiMax network in North America.

The Korean firm plans to provide its suite of WiMax-ready products, as well as installation, training and product support, enabling Arialink to launch commercial mobile WiMax in Muskegon County, Michigan in early 2007.

Samsung will be the exclusive provider of mobile WiMax services for Arialink, following similar trials and plans for mobile WiMax deployment in Europe and Asia.

The WiMax-ready product suite will allow for the delivery of home, business and vehicular applications that can include VoIP, video telephony, multimedia messaging and conferencing, location and telematic services, broadcast, and multimedia push and demand services.

This project will allow Arialink to provide network services to underserved areas and enhance broadband service choices throughout Muskegon County.

The State of Michigan is providing financial backing for the project as part of the Digital Divide Investment Programme.

"Arialink is pleased to be working with Samsung toward the first commercial mobile WiMax deployment in the country," said Jason Schreiber, Arialink broadband president.

"Mobile WiMax will change the way customers think about telecommunications services, and we're thrilled to be able to connect our county residents to the new services and applications that mobile WiMax enables."