Vibo Telecom to set up HSPA+ network in Taiwan
Vibo Telecom will establish HSPA+ (3.75G) infrastructure in Taiwan as soon as possible this year and has signed an MOU with Palau Mobile Corporation for seven-year cooperation to set up a HSPA+ network in the Pacific island nation.
According to the company, it has submitted an application to the government for procuring HSPA+ equipment consisting of a core network and base stations from China-based ZTE, the procurement will include base stations for Palau Mobile.
Vibo noted that Palau Mobile is one of the two mobile telecom carriers in the country, the other being state-run Palau National Communication. There is large market potential of data roaming services for international tourists in Palau, with 70-80% of Palau Mobile’s revenues in 2010 coming from voice roaming services. HSPA+ data roaming services in Palau will be launched in second-quarter 2011.
In line with HSPA+ deployment in Taiwan, Vibo stated that it is planning to procure 400,000-500,000 handsets or other types of terminal devices in 2011, much more than 250,000 units procured in 2010. Smartphones and smart devices will account for at least 50% of the 2011 procurement volume, Vibo emphasized, adding it expects the number of its subscribers to increase from 1.85 million currently to 2.5 million by the end of 2011 and to reach break-even operation some time during the year.
ZTE Wins 3G Supply Contract in Taiwan
ZTE China has came into the Taiwanese market after signing a deal to supply WCDMA wireless equipment to VIBO Telecom. As per the agreement, ZTE will bring in more than 3,500 3G base-stations to replace VIBO’s existing 3G network around Taiwan within one year. The base-stations to be provided for VIBO are based on ZTE’s SDR (Software Defined Radio) technology.
According to Mr Zhang Jianguo, GM of GU product of ZTE Corporation, in Q1 2010, number of 3G subscribers accounted for 60% of the total subscribers from Taiwan, increased from about 40% in 2008. 3G communication has become the de facto standard for the local market. To address this growing need for high-speed 3G data services, ZTE will help VIBO roll out 21.6 Mbps HSPA+ mobile broadband services across the entire island of Taiwan for its users in the future. Our SDR platform can ensure the smooth and seamless upgrade of the network from GSM/UMTS to HSPA+ and LTE, allowing VIBO to dramatically reduce its operating and infrastructure costs.
According to Mr. Feng-Hsiung Chang, CEO of VIBO Telecom, in the telecommunications industry, it is critical to work with a trusted partner who can handle complex requirements and ensure a smooth delivery. ZTE is the one we have partnered with for a long time and we are always impressed by its capabilities to provide us with innovative, sustainable and cost-effective solutions.
Vibo Telecom launches teleconferencing services for it’s subscribers (Taiwan)
Vibo Telecom, Taiwan 3G mobile communication services, has launched the teleconferencing service for meetings among friends, families or company employees based on its 3G network.
With this service the Vibo subscribers can make 3G video phone call to up to 7 recievers. These calls will allow anyone to talk only designated broadcasters to talk, or in which only the caller can talk.
The subscribers will have to pay either a fixed monthly fee of NT$80 (US$2.50) plus a video communication fee of NT$0.04/second per person, or a platform service fee of NT$0.08/second plus video communication fee.
The operator which has nearly 700,000 3G subscribers and aims at one million at the end of 2008. The 3G provider will be launching an HSDPA service at the end of September 2008.
