ATHENS (WiMAX Day). The largest telecommunications operator in Greece, Hellenic Telecommunications Organization (OTE), announced today that it’s pilot WiMAX network on Mount Athos is now operational.

Situated in northern Greece on a remote and inaccessible peninsula, Mount Athos, or “Holy Mountain” in Greek, is home to little more than twenty Eastern Orthodox monasteries.

The network represents an important achievement for OTE and WiMAX. The network uses a 3.5 GHz frequency and covers 50 kilometres using six base stations. This was a challenge for OTE given that the rough mountainous terrain of Mount Athos does not have any means of transport or other communications services, and does not even have an installed electricity network.

To provide power to the WiMAX base stations, OTE is using natural energy sources such as “photovoltaic [solar] systems in combination with small wind generators, providing the necessary electric energy without harming the environment,” according to an OTE press release.

The network first will connect users at several monasteries, as well as the small remote island of Ammouliani, the capital of Athos, Karyes, and the area of Ierissos. Since the project began it has operated without interruption, said OTE, “even under the most unfavourable weather conditions.”

The company has launched other WiMAX networks in Greece, principally in areas around Athens and at the Athens International Airport. OTE said that it plans to launch additional WiMAX networks in other areas of the country.

In addition to WiMAX, OTE operates the largest GSM and 3G network in Greece through its subsidiary Cosmote, and also provides ISDN, satellite, Internet, broadband ADSL and leased-line services.