WiMAX Program in Taiwan..

Now I would like to talk about the WiMAX application in Taiwan. As mentioned before, Taiwan is wanting to play a lead role in matters of adopting technology in WiMAX world. It has methodically created a delicated ecosystem to demonstrate WiMAX technology.

In recent years, Taiwan has already own largely to state sponsored incentives and ICT product manufaturing capability. Therefore it also has elevated itself in the overall global market to a enviable position. Supplying the entire range of IT products ranging from semiconductor, computer, consumer electronics and networking products, Taiwan is today considered to be the top ICT manufacture with a very successful WiFi industry enjoying more than 90% of world market share.

In the quest to identify the next generation product, Taiwan government chose WiMAX to open up another frontier in the wireless industry. In 2005, the Science & Technology Advisory Group of Executive Yuan developed a WiMAX blueprint, which states "WiMAX Technology will be a focus for th efuture of Taiwan ICT industry, and will be the preferred technology to deliver M-Service, M-Learning and M-Life in the M(Mobile)-Taiwan Program". The M-Taiwan program and WiMAX acceleration projects, which aim to develop chip set and base stations, were initiated under this blueprint. Towards this, Taiwan offers not only world class manufacturing capability, but also an entire service and application test bed, by forming its own ecosystem.

Forming a complete WiMAX system, including chipset, CPE, network elements, test labs, system integration, application, commercial operation and services, is part of the overall strategy adopted by Taiwan for development of technology. Cooperation with international players, and leveraging the strengths of its indigenous WiFi industry, Taiwan is able to speed up product development, manufacturing and marketing of WiMAX technologies.

To promote global interoperability Taiwan actively participates in international standards and promotes international collaborations. Taiwan has been working closely with the WiMAX Forum in promoting WiMAX and sharing M-Taiwan experiences.

In the short period since its inauguration, 'M-Taiwan' has undeniably achieved significant initial success. With a direct investment of $1.5 billion, Taiwan now has over 80 companies participating in the program, which strengthens the overall value chain of the industry. The early success of the M-Taiwan program proves that to support a new industry, it takes not only adequate demand, solid infrastructure and plentiful supply, but also a fair and competitive environment. The government has been mindful of this from the very inception, and thus has made substantial and meaningful investments to create a desirable and encouraging environment for participation in the program.

Taiwan is moving steadfastly with its planning of WiMAX spectrum and sticking to its original plan to issue a number of regional licenses. This will allow green-field operators to participate in the M-Taiwan program to join the ranks of established operators in providing WiMAX services. Several large scale WiMAX networks are expected to be created this year, making it easier for these networks to provide commercial services in the near future. In addition, the government is considering innovative WiMAX deployment approaches to create Wireless Cities and begin the study of using WiMAX technology for the newly inaugurated Taiwan High Speed Railway system. The M-Taiwan Program ultimately provides an effective template for any other country wanting to utilize WiMAX technology, and will essentially accelerate the WiMAX adoption process in the rest of the world.