Tokyo is going to get what will be the first major deployment of a WiMAX Metropolitan Area Network in the world. The Yozan MetroZone will deliver high speed IP connectivity, and support voice, video and broadband data services.

Airspan Networks and partner YOZAN will commence trials in the second quarter of 2005 and commercial rollout will begin in the fourth quarter of the year. Airspan, a leading provider of broadband wireless solutions in Japan, expects to complete delivery of the base stations by the end of March of 2006. The contract is valued in excess of $12m.

The initial network will be based on a rollout of 600 cells in central Tokyo, the companies outlined this week. Gradually the network will expand to provide coverage throughout the greater Tokyo Metropolitan area and surrounding eight prefectures. Airspan will use its software-upgradeable radio technology, which will initially support 802.16-2004 and will later be upgraded to support 802.16e. ®

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