ATIO bags WiMax distribution deal

Johannesburg, 20 Oct 2008

ATIO has signed a distribution agreement with US-based Mobile Metrics to move several of its products, including the Torrent 7100, 7200 and Airscan 750 WiMax test tools.

ATIO telecommunications MD Tim Courtenay says Mobile Metrics' solution in the WiMax space complements ATIO's performance management services, and allows it to offer an additional WiMax performance management solution to customers.

“Our target market includes WiMax service providers and equipment vendors in Africa. ATIO is proud to be able to offer these products in Africa, which is unique in its growth potential because of the current wireless, broadband and leased-line substitute potential of WiMax,” says Courtenay.

Huge WiMax potential

Several industry executives say the biggest impact of any sustained financial downturn will have an adverse impact on WiMax roll-outs in developed countries. Yet investment is likely to continue in developing nations, because the need for widespread Internet access is so great there.

"You can't think of a time in history where there is so much pent-up demand for WiMax," says Clearwire CEO Ben Wolff. Clearwire is setting up a joint venture with Sprint Nextel to run a nationwide WiMax network.

BMI-TechKnowledge telecoms analyst Brian Neilson says there is a strong niche market for WiMax. He points to his organisation's yearly report stating WiMax will potentially achieve up to 25% of the entire wireless broadband market in Africa.