SANTIAGO (WiMAX Day). In Chile last week, Telmex announced the commercial launch of its WiMAX network. The Mexican telecommunications giant said it will provide WiMAX services throughout Chile, beginning first in Santiago and by the end of 2007 its network will cover nearly 90% of the population.

Telmex will launch WiMAX services not just in large cities, but also in remote areas that presently lack telephone or broadband connectivity, including Punta Arenas and Isla de Pascua.

Eduardo Diaz Corona, the general manager of Telmex in Chile, told journalists last week that “the WiMAX standard is quickly expanding around the world” and “represents the commitment of Telmex to equip Chile with the latest telecommunications infrastructure, and to support its development in the competitive global market.”

According to a press release issued by the company, Telmex has already invested some $15 million in the network, which is targeted to reach thousands of small and medium size companies.

Eduardo Diaz Corona added that WiMAX “will make an immediate impact in the development of telecommunications [in Chile],” and provide the infrastructure necessary for local companies to compete in the global information economy.

In December 2004, Telmex was awarded licenses to operate 3.4 ~ 3.6 GHz spectrum, however, shortly thereafter the company faced a battle with the office of the Undersecretary of Telecommunications which challenged the license. This conflict was resolved three months ago.

Entel takes the lead
Telmex is not the only WiMAX player in Chile. Entel, the second largest telecommunications company in Chile, announced last week that it has extended its network coverage to a total of 40 base stations, expanding the reach of the company’s services to 14 cities. The company plans to add another 30 base stations to its network by the end of 2007.

Entel launched its network in September 2006, and in a statement prepared by the company, Entel products and marketing manager Alfonso Emperanza said “in the first months of this operation we already have more than 2,000 clients.”

Similar to Telmex, Entel is targeting business subscribers, who are the most likely early adopters of the technology, and will reap the early benefit of wireless broadband.

Entel also operates their network using 3.4 ~ 3.6 GHz frequencies, and while the network is presently fixed “nomadic” WiMAX, Entel plans to evolve the service to provide mobility services “in the medium term.”