MWeb tests WiMAX

South African internet service provider (ISP) MWeb is to trial WiMAX (worldwide interoperability for microwave access) mobile broadband in Cape Town and Johannesburg. The trial will involve around a thousand home and business users. MWeb has recently been allocated a WiMAX test licence by regulator Icasa, and is hoping to secure a commercial WiMAX licence when the remaining spectrum is allocated later in the year. MWeb successfully deployed a WiMAX network in neighbouring Namibia in February 2007. Eight base stations will be installed for the trial using equipment from Israeli vendor Alvarion — five in Johannesburg and three in Cape Town.