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BCS500 News Stories
http://www.product-reviews.net/2010/02/23/verizon-and-iphone-4g-beceem-chip-offers-wimax-and-lte/ February 23, 2010 We have an interesting article for you to read now, which reports that 4G communications within mobile phones may not be so far away after all, with the introduction of Beceem’s new 4G chips. As reported from MacVideo, Beceem is the only company to provide a 4G chip which has support for both WiMax and LTE standards, meaning that they remain a potential candidate for future handsets from both Apple and Verizon. Lars Johnson, Beceem’s Vice President Marketing & Business Development, thinks that LTE will become the standard of the mobile communications market in five years time, with a 90% percent prediction that LTE will favor Wimax. Right now though, WiMax is the most common option for the market, offering around 150MBPs in terms of speed. It has been no secret that Verizon is already preparing their network for 4G LTE compatibility, so it will be interesting to see whether the company can roll it out to customers before the end of the year.
Motorola's 4G WiMAX Infrastructure to Power Upcoming 4G Chip from Beceem February 22, 2010 Santa Clara, Calif.- based provider of 4G chips Beceem Communications has announced a partnership with Motorola (News - Alert) to integrate Motorola's advanced 4G WiMAX infrastructure with Beceem's upcoming BCS500 4G chip. The BCS500 4G chip supports WiMAX (News - Alert) 16e and 16m as well as UE Class 4 LTE capabilities in both the TDD and FDD configurations, including plans for handoff between WiMAX and LTE. Many operators with disparate spectrum holdings are expected to benefit from optimization of TDD and FDD coexistence for LTE. Beceem's (News - Alert) BCS500 4G chips will be the first to achieve the distinction of supporting TDD and FDD flavors for LTE with future plans for LTE-to-WiMAX roaming. "The know-how gained during the development and deployment of our leading 4G WiMAX solution has contributed to our work with Beceem to offer this advanced chipset solution," Bruce Brda, senior vice president, Motorola enterprise mobility solutions and networks business, said "We look forward to the opportunities provided by this capability to address market demand." "Our 4G-WiMAX chips are powering every device in Clearwire's (News - Alert) network, and we would not have been able to achieve this level of performance and market success without our collaboration with Motorola," Babu Mandava, CEO of Beceem Communications (News - Alert), said. "We are pleased to enter the 4G-LTE market later this year with our new BCS500 4G-LTE/WiMAX chip that will become the performance benchmark of the 4G industry." Beceem Communications has been providing mobile WiMAX semiconductors with proven over-the-air data speeds exceeding 30 Mbps. Beceem's products are WiMAX certified, XOHM qualified and are validated against the WiMAX base stations from all major OEMs. In another article, TMCnet reported that Beceem has integrated the Comcerto 100 broadband gateway processor from Mindspeed in its BCS5200 customer premise equipment chip for residential, small office/home office, SMB and enterprise applications.
MWC: Beceem BCS500 Chip Brings 4G to Market We catch up with the leading 4G chip manufacturer to talk about the rollout of 4G networks http://www.macvideo.tv/encoding/news/index.cfm?newsId=3213219&pagType=samechandate February 20, 2010 Most of us will be familiar with 3G, which stands for third-generation and in the case of mobile phones means the third-generation of mobile communication standards (typically GSM, EDGE, and UMTS). If for no other reason than Apple's iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS which make use of the 3G networks to enable faster internet access. Where there's a third generation of something, there's bound to be a fourth on the horizon, and much has been said about 4G communication technology. In particular the prospect of an iPhone 4G that offers much faster internet connection. But it's early days for the technology at the moment, and most people remain largely unfamiliar with the issues going on behind 4G. We caught up with Lars Johnson, Beceem's Vice President Marketing & Business Development to chat about the evolution of 4G. And discover what Beceem has planned for the chips that sit behind (and in most cases inside) 4G technology. Beceem is one of those 'behind the scenes' companies that make the chips that power mobile communication devices. Typically Beceem chips power most of the USB 3G dongles on the market, sold under brand-names such as T-Mobile, Orange, and so on. To date it has shipped over 3 million of its chips. With 4G on the horizon, it has just introduced the BCS500, which is the only chip to incorporate both Wimax and LTE (Long Term Evolution). These are two competing 4G standards operating in the market. "I think there's no surprise as to which way the industry is heading" said Lars, "in five years time I predict about 90 per cent of the market will be offering LTE. But for now about 99% of the 4G market is Wimax". Basically, as the market grows it will be the LTE standard that starts to be rolled out. This prediction is backed up by the recent announcement of US network Verizon, that has begun testing 4G LTE service in the United States with the aim of launching a commercial service in 2010. So we'll probably see 4G on the market later this year, and certainly rolled out to most networks in 2011. LTE has an advantage over Wimax in that it can be overlaid on top of existing 3G networks, so it's a much easier choice for network providers looking to build upon an existing 3G network. There are technical advantages to Wimax though. "Wimax uses a FDD system that separates download from upload, which helps ensure data quality. LTE uses TDD which integrates download and upload with more space allocated to download". In terms of speed LTE and Wimax both offer a considerable improvement over current technology, offering theoretical maximum speeds of 100MBPs and 150MBPs respectively. "This is a theoretical maximum" explains Lars, "if you got 150MBPs you'd be the only person on the network so it probably wouldn't be good business for the network provider". However, you can still expect to see considerable improvements. "Where you see 1MBPs on 3G you'll see around 10MBPs on one of the 4G networks". However, by integrating support for both LTE and Wimax into a single chip Beceem has ensured that consumers and manufacturers can take advantage of both systems. "The advantage of the BCS500 for the consumer is largely to do with roaming. If you are on a LTE network most of the time (under contract) but move into an area with Wimax you can continue to use the device for internet access." From the manufacturer's standpoint, it enables them to create a device (typically a handset) that can be used on all networks. For the time being the chip is being developed for 4G dongles, but Beceem is talking to handset manufacturers. Lars Johnson wouldn't confirm any names though. Plus the chip has support for both WiFi a-n and Bluetooth. Beceem is particularly proud that it is offering seamless LTE, Wimax, and WiFi handoff in its BCS500 chip. "You can move from one to the other without noticing". Handsets aside, Lars also explained how a prototype for a 4G wireless network point would work. You could purchase a device that turns a 4G signal into a WiFi hotspot. For your own home you could replace your broadband connection with a single 4G contract, using the 4G wireless network point to power WiFi networks. Alternatively you could use it to set up a mobile hotspot to create a temporary wireless network, such as at an event. The development and rollout of 4G is particularly important in emerging markets (typically these are in the developing world). Lars explains, "in many countries such as African and India there isn't much infrastructure, and in some cases the copper line is of poor quality, so in these countries we don't think they'll install wired infrastructure. instead they'll go straight to 4G technologies and provide wireless internet access".
Beceem & Motorola to Combine WiMAX & LTE In A Single Chip http://hothardware.com/News/Beceem--Motorola-To-Combine-WiMAX--LTE-In-A-Single-Chip/ February 20, 2010 When it comes to 4G technologies, there are two competing standards: WiMAX and LTE. While LTE has potential to be more prevalent long-term once Verizon Wireless, AT&T, and T-Mobile all deploy the technology, Sprint and Clearwire's WiMAX offering has a head start since it's already available. Thanks to a new chip that's being developed from Beceem and Motorola, however, you may never have to choose one type of technology over the other. Beceem makes the WiMAX chips inside "every device in Clearwire's network." The company is working with Motorola to pair Motorola's 4G WiMAX infrastructure with Beceem's upcoming BCS500 4G chips. The 4G modem that will result will be able to handle both LTE and WiMAX. As an added benefit, the new modem will be able to move seamlessly between both standards to provide the best connectivity possible. The new dual-mode chips are scheduled to start sampling later this year and reach mass production by early 2011. Beceem and Motorola Accelerate Availability of 4G Chip Solution Collaborative Effort Will Enhance Product Performance BARCELONA, Spain, Feb. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Mobile World Congress -- Beceem Communications, the leading provider of 4G chips, and Motorola announced today that both companies are working together to pair Motorola's advanced 4G WiMAX infrastructure with Beceem's upcoming BCS500 4G chip. The BCS500 4G chip supports WiMAX 16e and 16m as well as UE Class 4 LTE capabilities in both the TDD and FDD configurations, including plans for handoff between WiMAX and LTE. The optimization of TDD and FDD coexistence for LTE is important for many operators with disparate spectrum holdings. This WiMAX chip is expected to be the first to support TDD and FDD flavors for LTE with future plans for LTE-to-WiMAX roaming. "The know-how gained during the development and deployment of our leading 4G WiMAX solution has contributed to our work with Beceem to offer this advanced chipset solution," said Bruce Brda, senior vice president, Motorola Enterprise Mobility Solutions and Networks business. "We look forward to the opportunities provided by this capability to address market demand." "Our 4G-WiMAX chips are powering every device in Clearwire's network, and we would not have been able to achieve this level of performance and market success without our collaboration with Motorola," said Babu Mandava, CEO of Beceem Communications. "We are pleased to enter the 4G-LTE market later this year with our new BCS500 4G-LTE/WiMAX chip that will become the performance benchmark of the 4G industry."
Beceem BCS500 integrates LTE and WiMAX in a single chip http://serkadis.com/index/342773 February 20, 2010 Provider of 4G chips Beceem Communications used the Mobile World Congress to announce the ―game-changing‖ BCS500 chip that integrates 4G LTE/WiMAX technology. The multi-mode chip supports the latest revisions of the IEEE 802.16 standard (16e and 16m), as well as the 3GPP-LTE standard, based on Release 8 specifications. Beceem goes on to add it‘s the only device chip to support UE Class 4 capabilities, and also TDD and FDD configurations for LTE and IEEE 802.16m. This in turn enables real-time band/channel reconfiguration through the so called ―autosense‖ feature that automatically detects the network type. You may not care about the tech mumbo-jumbo above, but you do care to know it supports up to 150Mbps downlink speeds, which is awesome. On the downside, Beceem said we‘ll have to wait for the second quarter of 2011 to see the BCS500 hitting mass production. Sampling, however, starts in Q4 2010.
Beceem’s BCS500 4G modem splices WiMAX and LTE into one chip, sampling later this year February 20, 2010 When we were told market research spinous to WiMAX and LTE standards for 4G connectivity coexisting, we didn‘t wait they‘d do it quite so closely. Beceem, the concern of the WiMAX chips exclusive ―every figure in Clearwire‘s network,‖ is employed on a 4G modem that crapper appendage both WiMAX and LTE, with the additional player of existence healthy to advise seamlessly between the digit networks in visit to encounter the prizewinning communication possible. The mashup of the digit standards makes significance in reddened of every the ambiguity from Clearwire and Sprint on the person of which digit they‘d prefer, and would be a more than recognize change of our agglomerated 4G future. Anyhow, the stylish utilization is that Beceem and Motorola are employed to unify the BCS500 to the latter‘s WiMAX 4G infrastructure, with the prototypal dual-mode chips ordered to move distribution ―later this year‖ and impact accumulation creation in primeval 2011.
Beceem BCS500 Integrates LTE and WiMAX In a Single Chip http://www.intomobile.com/2010/02/20/beceem-bcs500-integrates-lte-and-wimax-in-a-single-chip.html February 20, 2010 Provider of 4G chips Beceem Communications used the Mobile World Congress to announce the ―game-changing‖ BCS500 chip that integrates 4G LTE/WiMAX technology. The multi-mode chip supports the latest revisions of the IEEE 802.16 standard (16e and 16m), as well as the 3GPP-LTE standard, based on Release 8 specifications. Beceem goes on to add it‘s the only device chip to support UE Class 4 capabilities, and also TDD and FDD configurations for LTE and IEEE 802.16m. This in turn enables real-time band/channel reconfiguration through the so called ―autosense‖ feature that automatically detects the network type. You may not care about the tech mumbo-jumbo above, but you do care to know it supports up to 150Mbps downlink speeds, which is awesome. On the downside, Beceem said we‘ll have to wait for the second quarter of 2011 to see the BCS500 hitting mass production. Sampling, however, starts in Q4 2010.
For WiMax & LTE, the Future Is Not Either/Or http://www.wirelessweek.com/News/Feeds/2010/02/wireless-for-wimax-lte-the-future-is-not-either-or/ February 19, 2010 Competition between the future of WiMax and LTE has been misconstrued as a heated battle where one is destined to succeed while the other will inevitably fail. The reality is that these technologies shouldn‘t be pitted against each other because they have the potential to concurrently play an important part in the future of wireless. WiMax has already grown to over 7 million subscribers worldwide with upwards of 400 WiMax deployments. Early developers and adopters of WiMax – Yota, Clearwire, and Packet One – have been joined by new industry partnerships and alliances with common interests in both LTE and WiMax. Intel and Nokia have looked to the future of the two technologies as have Ericsson and Sprint. A number of WiMax IC/SOC suppliers have announced that they are working on LTE and WiMax + LTE multiple mode chips. The Mobile World Congress held in Barcelona this week was another place where WiMax and LTE were discussed in terms of collaboration rather than competition. This being said, timing is a crucial component that must be taken into consideration. Many experts are predicting a wane in the current LTE hype because though the prospect is exciting, rollout is not expected until 2012 and inevitably, the hype will die down. "Boatloads of bad press and public complaints will likely ensue for LTE, just as it did for WiMax, because the industry and the public will want to get their hands on what they‘ve been promised for the last couple of years…once LTE networks become available and people fall in love with the service, the tides will change and LTE will become hot again," said Robb Henshaw, Director of Marketing and Communications at Proxim Wireless. In the future, the widespread use of both technologies will be very dependent upon location and availability. Certain areas may only have access to either WiMax or LTE. This being said, even if WiMax does not become the technology of choice, experts have said that it can be expected that it will still play a major role as a backhaul technology for both 4G and Wi-Fi networks. As seen in the past, different technologies are ultimately pushed together based on what they have in common and not what makes them different because the market simply wants to provide the best products and services in their interests. It is in the interest of both suppliers and providers to develop both technologies which will then lead to a new overlapping of these two 4G ecosystems. "Neither of these technologies will emerge as victorious over the other, and neither will be forced to accept a role as the 'also-ran‘ in the annals of tech history. In fact, both WiMax and LTE can and likely will play equally important roles in the future of wireless networks," said Henshaw. Such overlapping is already apparent. Sequans, a pioneer supplier of WiMax SOCs, will also be supplying USB dongles for China Mobile for LTE deployment. WiMax superstar Clearwire has discussed the possibility of supporting LTE based on opportunities within the market, referencing LTE‘s ability to be used in pre-existing locations of WiMax deployment. This prospect has also been supported by their main suppliers including Motorola, Samsung, and Huawei. Beceem also released its latest chipset offering in Barcelona at the Mobile World Congress this week, including a chip that offers a bridge between WiMax and LTE. The Femto Forum released findings as well about how femtocells will be helpful in the deployment of both WiMax and LTE. The future of WiMax and LTE is not an either/or situation – timing, availability, demand, and collaboration will all affect the development of both technologies and only time will tell which respective niche each will serve.
LTE or WiMAX: Why Not Both? by Michael Kassner http://blogs.techrepublic.com.com/networking/?p=2653 February 19, 2010 Determining which one should become the 4G standard has been a lively debate among techies. That may be moot now. There’s a new chip that supports both. The story starts with Beceem Communications, a well-known manufacturer of semiconductors. Not quite an Intel, but a force to be reckoned with when it comes to 4G. Their Web site mentions: “Beceem was founded in October, 2003, as a fabless semiconductor company specializing in the emerging 4G-WiMAX marketplace. We offer baseband & RF chips as well as complete hardware & software solutions.” That’s certainly true, considering Beceem was selected by Clearwire to provide chipsets for their mobile WiMAX devices. Needless to say, that’s a lot of chips. Some History There are two divergent ideologies vying to be the next cellular standard, — the technology allowing cell phones to communicate and exchange data. WiMAX is one. Albeit the new kid on the block, it has significant traction. Sprint is the major proponent for WiMAX and betting the house on it. LTE is the other standard. It’s more in line with existing telecom technology and why providers like AT&T and Verizon are in favor of it. I personally feel that LTE will dominate, simply because most telecom service providers are behind it. BCS500 Now let’s get back to Beceem. This year’s Mobile World Congress was held in Barcelona, Spain and that’s where Beceem introduced the BCS500. The BCS500 is a chipset that integrates LTE and WiMAX technology into one device. Once that sunk in, I realized the significance. It completely redefines what is possible. In their news release, Beceem’s Vice President of Marketing Lars Johnsson mentions: “Our BCS500 will end the 4G debate by connecting to any 4G LTE or WiMAX network with seamless roaming, and switching between TDD and FDD configuration as needed, freeing operators from concerns how best to utilize their available spectrum assets.” Here are a few of the more prominent features built into the BCS500:
The killer feature is how the BCS500 can enable real-time band/channel reconfiguration by using what Beceem calls “multi-mode autosense”. That means the 4G device can automatically detect available LTE and WiMAX networks and switch seamlessly between them. The Beceem announcement quotes Caroline Gabriel, Research Director for Rethink Research Associates: “This advancement of Beceem’s 4G chipset dramatically helps the entire ecosystem by adding flexibility to network planning, equipment deployment and utilization, device manufacturing, and much more. The BCS500 chip solution will be an industry ‘game changer’ in terms of the interoperability that it enables.” Future Plans It was also announced at the Mobile World Congress that Beceem and Motorola are collaborating to pair the BCS500 with Motorola’s WiMAX 4G network. Bruce Brda, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Networks Motorola explains: “The know-how gained during the development and deployment of our leading 4G WiMAX solution has contributed to our work with Beceem to offer this advanced chipset solution. We look forward to the opportunities provided by this capability to address market demand.” It’s my understanding that Beceem and Motorola will start testing devices later this year, with plans to mass produce equipment in early 2011. Final thoughts Imagine the telecom service provider’s relief. They have more latitude as to which technology to choose, LTE or WiMAX, without having to worry if they made the wrong decision, ala Betamax versus VHS. Providers may now be willing to ramp up their deployment plans. This is good news for us consumers, since both LTE and WiMAX address the bandwidth problems we are encountering. BCS500 does appear to be a game changer.
Beceem Putting WiMax and LTE on Same Super 4G Chip http://www.gizmodo.com.au/2010/02/beceem-putting-wimax-and-and-lte-on-same-super-4g-chip/ February 19, 2010 Beecem‘s upcoming BCS500 4G chip is going to be able to handle both WiMax and LTE connectivity. Not only that, it‘ll be able to switch seamlessly between the two, depending on which provides the best signal in your location. The chip is the result of a collaboration with Motorola, with mass production starting early next year. That may sound like a long ways off, but our WiMax and 4G networks aren‘t built up enough now for there to be much of a rush anyway. And anything that‘ll simplify our manifold 4G options of the future makes me feel just a little more warm and fuzzy inside.
Unveilings in Barcelona http://www.goingwimax.com/unveilings-in-barcelona-8756/ February 19, 2010 Everyone in the wireless technology sector had their laptops fixed on the breaking news and latest offerings from the top companies that came out of Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. Runcom and IXI Mobile unveiled a dual-mode GSM/WiMax phone at the event. Showcasing devices was a common theme in Barcelona, with Sequans releasing MimoMAX 2.0. Sequans also helped Sagemcom in building their latest devices and Beceem released its latest chip offering, which offers a bridge between WiMax and LTE. Trinidad and Tobago will be getting WiMax soon, after its regulatory commission granted a license this week. In other deployment news, Alvarion and Iberbanda installed their 1000th base station in Spain. Taiwan continues to grow as a WiMax hotbed after FiTEL chose Motorola for its build out. Many reports and awards were handed out. Maravedis reported that mobile WiMax users surpassed the number of fixed WiMax users during the last part of 2009. The WiMax Forum released its forecast of the future of WiMax usage. Sprint released its B2B findings, highlighting the potential for WiMax in 2010 as well. The Femto Forum released findings about how femtocells can help with deployments in WiMax and LTE. MWC provided a glimpse into the future for WiMax and LTE. Both technologies can co-exist with all the wired infrastructure built in the U.S., though LTE will be more readily available because it works on existing 3G networks. WiMax is ideal in areas where the infrastructure isn‘t already installed. Top Five Stories of the Week 1. Beceem Releases Latest Chip, can be used for both WiMax and LTE 2. WiMax Forum Forecasts WiMax Future 3. Sprint‘s B2B Findings 4. Alvarion and Iberbanda Set Up 1000 base station 5. FiTEL Chooses Motorola
For WiMax & LTE, the Future Is Not Either/Or http://www.goingwimax.com/for-wimax-lte-the-future-is-not-eitheror-8779/ February 19, 2010 Competition between the future of WiMax and LTE has been misconstrued as a heated battle where one is destined to succeed while the other will inevitably fail. The reality is that these technologies shouldn‘t be pitted against each other because they have the potential to concurrently play an important part in the future of wireless. WiMax has already grown to over 7 million subscribers worldwide with upwards of 400 WiMax deployments. Early developers and adopters of WiMax – Yota, Clearwire, and Packet One – have been joined by new industry partnerships and alliances with common interests in both LTE and WiMax. Intel and Nokia have looked to the future of the two technologies as have Ericsson and Sprint. A number of WiMax IC/SOC suppliers have announced that they are working on LTE and WiMax + LTE multiple mode chips. The Mobile World Congress held in Barcelona this week was another place where WiMax and LTE were discussed in terms of collaboration rather than competition. This being said, timing is a crucial component that must be taken into consideration. Many experts are predicting a wane in the current LTE hype because though the prospect is exciting, rollout is not expected until 2012 and inevitably, the hype will die down. "Boatloads of bad press and public complaints will likely ensue for LTE, just as it did for WiMax, because the industry and the public will want to get their hands on what they‘ve been promised for the last couple of years…once LTE networks become available and people fall in love with the service, the tides will change and LTE will become hot again," said Robb Henshaw, Director of Marketing and Communications at Proxim Wireless. In the future, the widespread use of both technologies will be very dependent upon location and availability. Certain areas may only have access to either WiMax or LTE. This being said, even if WiMax does not become the technology of choice, experts have said that it can be expected that it will still play a major role as a backhaul technology for both 4G and Wi-Fi networks. As seen in the past, different technologies are ultimately pushed together based on what they have in common and not what makes them different because the market simply wants to provide the best products and services in their interests. It is in the interest of both suppliers and providers to develop both technologies which will then lead to a new overlapping of these two 4G ecosystems. "Neither of these technologies will emerge as victorious over the other, and neither will be forced to accept a role as the 'also-ran‘ in the annals of tech history. In fact, both WiMax and LTE can and likely will play equally important roles in the future of wireless networks," said Henshaw. Such overlapping is already apparent. Sequans, a pioneer supplier of WiMax SOCs, will also be supplying USB dongles for China Mobile for LTE deployment. WiMax superstar Clearwire has discussed the possibility of supporting LTE based on opportunities within the market, referencing LTE‘s ability to be used in pre-existing locations of WiMax deployment. This prospect has also been supported by their main suppliers including Motorola, Samsung, and Huawei. Beceem also released its latest chipset offering in Barcelona at the Mobile World Congress this week, including a chip that offers a bridge between WiMax and LTE. The Femto Forum released findings as well about how femtocells will be helpful in the deployment of both WiMax and LTE. The future of WiMax and LTE is not an either/or situation – timing, availability, demand, and collaboration will all affect the development of both technologies and only time will tell which respective niche each will serve.
BCS500 Chip to Offer WiMAX & LTE by David Stellmack http://www.fudzilla.com/content/view/17734/1/ February 19, 2010 If you have been following the 4G cellular data deployment wars, you know by now there are two competing standards: WiMax and LTE. While WiMax was first to start rolling out here in the U.S., the majority of the carriers in the U.S. as well as most everyone else have committed to LTE as their 4G solution. Only Sprint with partner ClearWire has been deploying WiMax in the U.S., which gives it the advantage of the first 4G deployments in the U.S. It does appear now that something might make the tables turn a bit, or at least throw a wrinkle into the choice between WiMax and LTE for handset providers; and that is the announcement from Beecem of the BCS500 4G chip solution. The BCS500 is a single-chip solution that is able to support both WiMax and LTE and seamlessly switch between either standard. While the chip isn’t ready yet, it will enter production early next year and it is expected to show up in devices before mid-year. The chip itself is said to be the result of what is being described as a collaboration with Motorola. Beecem still has a lot of hurdles to overcome and price might be one of the biggest, as the BCS500 could end up costing much more than single WiMax or LTE-only chip solutions. While next year might make some cringe at the thought of still having to wait that long, the reality is that while WiMax does at least have some deployment completed in the U.S., it is still far from widely available. LTE, on the other hand, is just starting its rollout in the U.S. and it is expected to be at least early next year before carriers have a significant presence of LTE within the U.S. The end result is that the estimated release timing of the BCS500 might be a very good move, as with the combination of WiMax and LTE you could have a good amount of 4G support. The bigger question is how much power the BCS500 will consume, and how many device makers can Beecem get on board to use their solution. As with 4G, it is really going to be a wait and see thing; but we have to admit that it is perhaps a step in the right direction.
WiMAX & LTE Available on Same Chip from Beceem & Motorola [New 4G Chip Announced at MWC 2010 Packs Both WiMAX & LTE Support] February 19, 2010 Who said that WiMAX and LTE have to be enemies? Maybe they can be friends ready to work together to offer us 4G speeds in the future. At least that‘s what Beceem‘s and Motorola‘s press release at MWC 2010 suggests. It looks like there‘s a way of combining the two 4G standards onto a single chip. Beceem Communications, a "leading provider of 4G chips" and Motorola are joining their efforts in order to pair Motorola‘s WiMAX infrastructure with Beceem‘s upcoming BCS500 4G chip. The BCS500 4G will apparently support WiMAX 16e and 16m as well as UE Class 4 LTE capabilities in TDD and FDD configurations which means WiMAX and LTE will coexist on the same chip supporting handoff between WiMAX and LTE when needed. That way you‘d be able to take advantage of the best network available to you in any given circumstance. Bruce Brda, senior vice president at Motorola Enterprise Mobility Solutions and Network business said: The know-how gained during the development and deployment of our leading 4G WiMAX solution has contributed to our work with Beceem to offer this advanced chipset solution. We look forward to the opportunities provided by this capability to address market demand. Beceem‘s 4G-WiMAX chips are currently powering ―every device in Clearwire‘s network‖ which is certainly impressive. But there are other markets in the world that will also be interested in WiMAX, LTE or both in the near future. That‘s when a hybrid 4G chip capable to deal with both technologies could come in handy. Mass production of this WiMAX/LTE 4G chip is expected for next year and that‘s probably when we‘ll actually be able to use LTE and WiMAX in various markets. In the mean time we‘ll have to wait for carriers to properly upgrade their networks and make the appropriate changes to their infrastructure in preparation of either LTE or WiMAX full commercial launch.
Beceem’s BCS500 4G Modem Splices WiMAX As Well as LTE Into A Single Chip, Sampling After This Year February 19, 2010 When you were told marketplace research forked to WiMAX and LTE standards for 4G connectivity coexistent, we didn‘t design they‘d do it quite so closely. Beceem, a builder of the WiMAX chips inside ―each device in Clearwire‘s network,‖ is operative upon a 4G modem that can hoop both WiMAX and LTE, with a combined extra of being able to pierce seamlessly between the two networks in order to find a best signal probable. A mashup of a two standards creates clarity in light of all a equivocation from Clearwire as well as Scurry upon the theme of which one they‘d prefer, and would be the more than acquire simplification of our common 4G future. At any rate, a ultimate development is that Beceem and Motorola have been working to span the BCS500 to a latter‘s WiMAX 4G infrastructure, with the initial dual-mode chips set to begin sampling ―later this year‖ and hit mass prolongation in early 2011.
Beceem’s BCS500 4G Modem Splices WiMAX and LTE Into One Chip, Sampling Later This Year February 18, 2010 When we were told market research pointed to WiMAX and LTE standards for 4G connectivity coexisting, we didn't expect they'd do it quite so closely. Beceem, the maker of the WiMAX chips inside "every device in Clearwire's network," is working on a 4G modem that can handle both WiMAX and LTE, with the added extra of being able to move seamlessly between the two networks in order to find the best signal possible. The mashup of the two standards makes sense in light of all the equivocation from Clearwire and Sprint on the subject of which one they'd prefer, and would be a more than welcome simplification of our collective 4G future. Anyhow, the latest development is that Beceem and Motorola are working to pair the BCS500 to the latter's WiMAX 4G infrastructure, with the first dual-mode chips set to start sampling "later this year" and hit mass production in early 2011.
Full Nelson: 10 Most Memorable Moments of Mobile World Congress http://www.informationweek.com/news/mobility/smart_phones/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=223000199 February 18, 2010 Great phones, new apps, amazing technology demonstrations, photos, funny stories and more than you can cram into a single article. As the world's most amazing mobile event winds down, it's time to ponder some of the more significant and interesting things from Mobile World Congress and Barcelona. By all accounts, this was one of the busier, more successful shows in quite some time. While learning to speak fluent Spanish and master Flamenco dancing, I managed to collect the following highlight reel. 3.) My favorite chip. OK, that sounded silly, but BeCeem made a major announcement that seemed to fly under the radar a bit. This company claims to have shipped the most 4G chips in the world (3 million in 2009). So far, this success has come from WiMax, which is the more widely deployed 4G technology. But now BeCeem is making a chip that does WiMax, WiFi and LTE, and it can do hand offs between those networks while roaming. It will be available later this year, but the company has already signed a deal with Motorola, and is working with operators around the world. Below is a quick video with BeCeem (pronounced Be Seem) VP Lars Johnson.
Beceem and Motorola partner to develop 4G chip solution http://www.istockanalyst.com/article/viewiStockNews/articleid/3876022 February 18, 2010 Beceem Communications, a provider of 4G chips, and Motorola have announced that both companies are working together to pair Motorola's advanced 4G WiMAX infrastructure with Beceem's upcoming BCS500 4G chip. The BCS500 4G chip supports WiMAX 16e and 16m as well as UE Class 4 LTE capabilities in both the TDD and FDD configurations, including plans for handoff between WiMAX and LTE, said Motorola. This WiMAX chip is expected to be the first to support TDD and FDD flavors for LTE with future plans for LTE-to-WiMAX roaming. Bruce Brda, senior vice president for Motorola enterprise mobility solutions and networks business, said: "The know-how gained during the development and deployment of our leading 4G WiMAX solution has contributed to our work with Beceem to offer this advanced chipset solution. We look forward to the opportunities provided by this capability to address market demand." Babu Mandava, CEO of Beceem Communications, said: "Our 4G-WiMAX chips are powering every device in Clearwire's network, and we would not have been able to achieve this level of performance and market success without our collaboration with Motorola. We are pleased to enter the 4G-LTE market later this year with our new BCS500 4G-LTE/WiMAX chip that will become the performance benchmark of the 4G industry." 
Beceem’s BCS500 4G Modem Splices WiMAX and LTE Into One Chip, Sampling Later That Year February 18, 2010 When we were told market research pointed to WiMAX and LTE standards for 4G connectivity coexisting, we didn‘t expect they‘d do it quite so closely. Beceem, the maker of the WiMAX chips inside "every device in Clearwire‘s network," is working on a 4G modem that can handle both WiMAX and LTE, with the added additional of being able to move seamlessly amidst the two networks in order to find the best signal possible. The mashup of the two standards makes sense in light of all the equivocation from Clearwire and Sprint on the subject of which one they‘d prefer, and would be a more than welcome simplification of our collective 4G future. Anyhow, the latest development is that Beceem and Motorola are working to pair the BCS500 to the latter‘s WiMAX 4G infrastructure, with the first dual-mode chips set to start sampling "later that year" and hit mass production in early 2011.
Beceem's BCS500 4G Modem Splices WiMAX and LTE Into One Chip, Sampling Later This Year February 18, 2010 When we were told market research pointed to WiMAX and LTE standards for 4G connectivity coexisting, we didn't expect they'd do it quite so closely. Beceem, the maker of the WiMAX chips inside "every device in Clearwire's network," is working on a 4G modem that can handle both WiMAX and LTE, with the added extra of being able to move seamlessly between the two networks in order to find the best signal possible. The mashup of the two standards makes sense in light of all the equivocation from Clearwire and Sprint on the subject of which one they'd prefer, and would be a more than welcome simplification of our collective 4G future. Anyhow, the latest development is that Beceem and Motorola are working to pair the BCS500 to the latter's WiMAX 4G infrastructure, with the first dual-mode chips set to start sampling "later this year" and hit mass production in early 2011.Beceem's BCS500 4G modem splices WiMAX and LTE into one chip, sampling later this year originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 18 Feb 2010 11:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Beceem's BCS500 4G Modem Splices WiMAX and LTE Into One Chip, Sampling Later This Year http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/18/beceems-bcs500-4g-modem-splices-wimax-and-lte-into-one-chip-sa/ February 18, 2010 When we were told market research pointed to WiMAX and LTE standards for 4G connectivity coexisting, we didn't expect they'd do it quite so closely. Beceem, the maker of the WiMAX chips inside "every device in Clearwire's network," is working on a 4G modem that can handle both WiMAX and LTE, with the added extra of being able to move seamlessly between the two networks in order to find the best signal possible. The mashup of the two standards makes sense in light of all the equivocation from Clearwire and Sprint on the subject of which one they'd prefer, and would be a more than welcome simplification of our collective 4G future. Anyhow, the latest development is that Beceem and Motorola are working to pair the BCS500 to the latter's WiMAX 4G infrastructure, with the first dual-mode chips set to start sampling "later this year" and hit mass production in early 2011.
Beceem Announces LTE+WiMax Combo Chipset http://www.phonenews.com/beceem-announces-ltewimax-combo-chipset-10249/ February 18, 2010 Chipset solutions developer and manufacturer Beceem has announced that it is currently developing a combination WiMax/LTE chipset for integration into future devices. To that end, the manufacturer is pairing up with Motorola in order to integrate its BCS500 dual-mode chipset into Motorola‘s existing WiMax device and networking infrastructure with the chipset currently sampling and intended for mass production beginning next year.
Beceem’s BCS500 4G Modem Splices WiMAX and LTE Into One Chip, Sampling Later This Year February 18, 2010 When we were told market research pointed to WiMAX and LTE standards for 4G connectivity coexisting, we didn‘t expect they‘d do it quite so closely. Beceem, the maker of the WiMAX chips inside ―every device in Clearwire‘s network,‖ is working on a 4G modem that can handle both WiMAX and LTE, with the added extra of being able to move seamlessly between the two networks in order to find the best signal possible. The mashup of the two standards makes sense in light of all the equivocation from Clearwire and Sprint on the subject of which one they‘d prefer, and would be a more than welcome simplification of our collective 4G future. Anyhow, the latest development is that Beceem and Motorola are working to pair the BCS500 to the latter‘s WiMAX 4G infrastructure, with the first dual-mode chips set to start sampling "later this year" and hit mass production in early 2011. 
Beceem Announces LTE+WiMax Combo Chipset http://www.technews.biz/beceem-announces-ltewimax-combo-chipset-3506/ February 18, 2010 Chipset solutions developer and manufacturer Beceem has announced that it is currently developing a combination WiMax/LTE chipset for integration into future devices. To that end, the manufacturer is pairing up with Motorola in order to integrate its BCS500 dual-mode chipset into Motorola‘s existing WiMax device and networking infrastructure with the chipset currently sampling and intended for mass production beginning next year.
WiMAX & LTE: Together On One Chip At Last by Robert Evans http://www.i4u.com/article30991.html February 18, 2010 Everyone, let's give it up for Beceem. The company just sent out a press release announcing that they have finally succeeded in creating a chip that can support both LTE and WiMax. This BCS500 4G chip supports 16e and 16m, as well as UE Class 4 LTE capabilities. This chip will be able to switch smoothly from 4G to LTE, depending on which gives the better signal at the time. Engadget says that it is likely to be a while before this chip makes its way in to any mainstream products. They're probably right, but that doesn't make this any less exciting. The days of 3G-only mobile Internet connections are coming to an end. In just a year or two more, we'll really be cooking with gas.
Beceem announces the BCS500, a new WiMAX/LTE multi-mode chipset February 18, 2010 Well known WiMAX Chipset manufacturer Beceem announced this week that it is developing a dual 4G chip that offers both WiMAX and LTE connectivity at downlink speeds up to 150 Mbps. The new BCS500 multi-mode chip will seamlessly handoff a connection between WiMAX and LTE and supports the latest revision of both standards. The chip could be a boon to both hardware manufacturers and MVNOs who can now design hardware and sell connectivity solutions that utilize both 4G networks. A dual 4G device also enables drop dead easy global roaming as a customer on an LTE network in the U.S. can utilize a WiMAX network while visiting Russia. Just in time for the commercialization of LTE in the United States, the Beceem BCS500 is expected to be sampled to customers in Q4 2010 and available for mass production in Q2 2011.
Beceem and Motorola Pairing WiMAX and LTE On One Chip http://www.mobiletechnews.com/info/2010/02/17/111336.html February 17, 2010 Beceem Communications, the leading provider of 4G chips, and Motorola announced today that both companies are working together to pair Motorola's advanced 4G WiMAX infrastructure with Beceem's upcoming BCS500 4G chip. The BCS500 4G chip supports WiMAX 16e and 16m as well as UE Class 4 LTE capabilities in both the TDD and FDD configurations, including plans for handoff between WiMAX and LTE. The optimization of TDD and FDD coexistence for LTE is important for many operators with disparate spectrum holdings. This WiMAX chip is expected to be the first to support TDD and FDD flavors for LTE with future plans for LTE-to-WiMAX roaming. "The know-how gained during the development and deployment of our leading 4G WiMAX solution has contributed to our work with Beceem to offer this advanced chipset solution," said Bruce Brda, senior vice president, Motorola Enterprise Mobility Solutions and Networks business. "We look forward to the opportunities provided by this capability to address market demand." "Our 4G-WiMAX chips are powering every device in Clearwire's network, and we would not have been able to achieve this level of performance and market success without our collaboration with Motorola," said Babu Mandava, CEO of Beceem Communications. "We are pleased to enter the 4G-LTE market later this year with our new BCS500 4G-LTE/WiMAX chip that will become the performance benchmark of the 4G industry."
Beceem announces future availability of BCS500 chip http://www.istockanalyst.com/article/viewiStockNews/articleid/3871995 February 17, 2010 Beceem Communications, a US-based provider of 4G chips, has announced the future availability of the BCS500 chip that integrates 4G LTE/WiMAX technology. According to Beceem, the BCS500 multi-mode chip will support the latest revisions of the IEEE 802.16 standard, namely 16e and 16m, as well as the 3GPP-LTE standard, based on Release 8 specifications. The BCS500 multi-mode chip supports UE Class 4 capabilities. In addition, it will support both TDD and FDD configurations for LTE and IEEE 802.16m, even enabling real-time band/channel reconfiguration through a multi-mode autosense feature that automatically detects the network type. Lars Johnsson, vice president of marketing for Beceem Communications, said: "With our 4G-LTE/WiMAX chip that will support up to 150Mbps downlink speeds, we once again believe we are setting the gold standard for how 4G terminals should work with any technology, network or configuration. "Our BCS500 will end the 4G debate by connecting to any 4G LTE or WiMAX network with seamless roaming, and switching between TDD and FDD configuration as needed, freeing operators from concerns how best to utilize their available spectrum assets."
Beceem and Motorola Collaborate on 4G Chip Solution February 17, 2010 Provider of 4G chips and wireless, Beceem Communications and Motorola, a broadband communications company, are partnering to pair Motorola's advanced 4G WiMAX infrastructure with Beceem's upcoming BCS500 4G chip. Making this announcement today, the companies said that the BCS500 4G chip supports WiMAX 16e and 16m as well as UE Class 4 LTE capabilities in both the TDD and FDD configurations, including plans for handoff between WiMAX and LTE. The optimization of TDD and FDD co-existence for LTE is important for many operators with disparate spectrum holdings. This collaborative effort is expected to enhance product performance. This WiMAX chip is expected to be the first to support TDD and FDD flavours for LTE with future plans for LTE-to-WiMAX roaming.
Beceem Communications, Motorola Accelerate Availability Of 4G Chip Solution - Quick Facts February 17, 2010 (RTTNews) - Beceem Communications and Motorola (MOT: News ) said that both companies are working together to pair Motorola's advanced 4G WiMAX infrastructure with Beceem's upcoming BCS500 4G chip. The company stated that BCS500 4G chip supports WiMAX 16e and 16m as well as UE Class 4 LTE capabilities in both the TDD and FDD configurations, including plans for handoff between WiMAX and LTE. This WiMAX chip is expected to be the first to support TDD and FDD flavors for LTE with future plans for LTE-to-WiMAX roaming, Beceem Communications noted. Bruce Brda, senior vice president, Motorola Enterprise Mobility Solutions and Networks business explained, "The know-how gained during the development and deployment of our leading 4G WiMAX solution has contributed to our work with Beceem to offer this advanced chipset solution." 
Market Report -- In Play http://news.moneycentral.msn.com/provider/providerarticle.aspx?feed=BCOM&date=20100217&id=11124983 February 17, 2010 Beceem Communications and Motorola (MOT) announce that both companies are working together to pair Motorola's advanced 4G WiMAX infrastructure with Beceem's upcoming BCS500 4G chip.
Beceem and Motorola collaborate on 4G chip solution http://small-business-voip.tmcnet.com/news/2010/02/17/4626925.htm February 17, 2010 Provider of 4G chips and wireless, Beceem Communications and Motorola (NYSE: MOT), a broadband communications company, are partnering to pair Motorola's advanced 4G WiMAX infrastructure with Beceem's upcoming BCS500 4G chip. Making this announcement today, the companies said that the BCS500 4G chip supports WiMAX 16e and 16m as well as UE Class 4 LTE capabilities in both the TDD and FDD configurations, including plans for handoff between WiMAX and LTE. The optimization of TDD and FDD co-existence for LTE is important for many operators with disparate spectrum holdings. This collaborative effort is expected to enhance product performance. This WiMAX chip is expected to be the first to support TDD and FDD flavours for LTE with future plans for LTE-to-WiMAX roaming. 
Beceem and Motorola Accelerate Availability of 4G Chip Solution http://frontierindia.net/it/beceem-and-motorola-accelerate-availability-of-4g-chip-solution/1182/ February 17, 2010 Mobile World Congress — Beceem Communications, the leading provider of 4G chips, and Motorola (NYSE: MOT) announced today that both companies are working together to pair Motorola‘s advanced 4G WiMAX infrastructure with Beceem‘s upcoming BCS500 4G chip. The BCS500 4G chip supports WiMAX 16e and 16m as well as UE Class 4 LTE capabilities in both the TDD and FDD configurations, including plans for handoff between WiMAX and LTE. The optimization of TDD and FDD coexistence for LTE is important for many operators with disparate spectrum holdings. This WiMAX chip is expected to be the first to support TDD and FDD flavors for LTE with future plans for LTE-to-WiMAX roaming. "The know-how gained during the development and deployment of our leading 4G WiMAX solution has contributed to our work with Beceem to offer this advanced chipset solution," said Bruce Brda, senior vice president, Motorola Enterprise Mobility Solutions and Networks business. We look forward to the opportunities provided by this capability to address market demand." "Our 4G-WiMAX chips are powering every device in Clearwire‘s network, and we would not have been able to achieve this level of performance and market success without our collaboration with Motorola," said Babu Mandava, CEO of Beceem Communications. "We are pleased to enter the 4G-LTE market later this year with our new BCS500 4G-LTE/WiMAX chip that will become the performance benchmark of the 4G industry."
Beceem to Build Integrated 4G LTE/WiMAX Chip http://www.convergedigest.com/Silicon/siliconarticle.asp?ID=29672 February 17, 2010 Beceem Communications announced plans for a single chip that integrates both LTE and WiMAX technology. The BCS500 multi-mode chip will support the latest revisions of the IEEE 802.16 standard, namely 16e and 16m, as well as the 3GPP-LTE standard, based on Release 8 specifications. It is the only device chip to support UE Class 4 capabilities. In addition, it will support both TDD and FDD configurations for LTE and IEEE 802.16m, even enabling real-time band/channel reconfiguration through a unique multi-mode "autosense" feature that automatically detects the network type. Beceem expects to begin sampling in Q4 2010 with mass production in Q2 2011.
Beceem BCS500 Chip Brings 4G to Market http://news.idg.no/cw/art.cfm?id=D79D8BAA-1A64-6A71-CED2AAFA69AF33A7 February 16, 2010 With the 4G networks diverging between LTE and Wimax, one company is looking to bridge the divide with a new chipset. We catch up with Beceem to talk about it's BCS500 chip and look at some of the technology that could power the next generation of smartphones. Most of us will be familiar with 3G, which stands for third-generation and in the case of mobile phones means the third-generation of mobile communication standards (typically GSM, EDGE, and UMTS). If for no other reason than Apple's iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS which make use of the 3G networks to enable faster internet access. Where there's a third generation of something, there's bound to be a fourth on the horizon, and much has been said about 4G communication technology. In particular the prospect of an iPhone 4G that offers much faster internet connection. But its early days for the technology at the moment and most people remain largely unfamiliar with the issues going on behind 4G. We caught up with Lars Johnson, Beceem's Vice President Marketing & Business Development to chat about the evolution of 4G. And discover what Beceem has planned for the chips that sit behind (and in most cases inside) 4G technology. Beceem is one of those 'behind the scenes' companies that make the chips that power mobile communication devices. Typically Beceem chips power most of the USB 3G dongles on the market, sold under brand-names such as T-Mobile, Orange, and so on. To date it has shipped over 3 million of its chips. With 4G on the horizon, it has just introduced the BCS500, which is the only chip to incorporate both Wimax and LTE (Long Term Evolution). These are two competing 4G standards operating in the market. "I think there's no surprise as to which way the industry is heading" said Lars, "in five years time I predict about 90 per cent of the market will be offering LTE. But for now about 99% of the 4G market is Wimax". Basically, as the market grows it will be the LTE standard that starts to be rolled out. This prediction is backed up by the recent announcement of US network Verizon, which has begun testing 4G LTE service in the United States with the aim of launching a commercial service in 2010. So we'll probably see 4G on the market later this year, and certainly rolled out to most networks in 2011. LTE has an advantage over Wimax in that it can be overlaid on top of existing 3G networks, so it's a much easier choice for network providers looking to build upon an existing 3G network. There are technical advantages to Wimax though. "Wimax uses a FDD system that separates download from upload, which helps ensure data quality. LTE uses TDD which integrates download and upload with more space allocated to download". In terms of speed LTE and Wimax both offer a considerable improvement over current technology, offering theoretical maximum speeds of 100MBPs and 150MBPs respectively. "This is a theoretical maximum" explains Lars, "if you got 150MBPs you'd be the only person on the network so it probably wouldn't be good business for the network provider". However, you can still expect to see considerable improvements. "Where you see 1MBPs on 3G you'll see around 10MBPs on one of the 4G networks". However, by integrating support for both LTE and Wimax into a single chip Beceem has ensured that consumers and manufacturers can take advantage of both systems. "The advantage of the BCS500 for the consumer is largely to do with roaming. If you are on a LTE network most of the time (under contract) but move into an area with Wimax you can continue to use the device for internet access." From the manufacturer's standpoint, it enables them to create a device (typically a handset) that can be used on all networks. For the time being the chip is being developed for 4G dongles, but Beceem is talking to handset manufacturers. Lars Johnson wouldn't confirm any names though. Plus the chip has support for both WiFi a-n and Bluetooth. Beceem is particularly proud that it is offering seamless LTE, Wimax, and WiFi handoff in its BCS500 chip. "You can move from one to the other without noticing". Handsets aside, Lars also explained how a prototype for a 4G wireless network point would work. You could purchase a device that turns a 4G signal into a WiFi hotspot. For your own home you could replace your broadband connection with a single 4G contract, using the 4G wireless network point to power WiFi networks. Alternatively you could use it to set up a mobile hotspot to create a temporary wireless network, such as at an event. The development and rollout of 4G is particularly important in emerging markets (typically these are in the developing world). Lars explains, "in many countries such as African and India there isn't much infrastructure, and in some cases the copper line is of poor quality, so in these countries we don't think they'll install wired infrastructure. Instead they'll go straight to 4G technologies and provide wireless internet access".
Beceem Ends 4G Debate with Integrated 4G LTE/WiMAX Chip BCS500 Redefines the Possibilities and Performance of 4G Devices; Product Due in Q4/2010 for Customer Sampling February 17, 2010 Beceem Communications, a leading provider of 4G chips, announced today the future availability of the BCS500 chip that integrates 4G LTE/WiMAX technology, and redefines the possibilities and performance of 4G devices. "With our 4G-LTE/WiMAX chip that will support up to 150Mbps downlink speeds, we once again believe we are setting the gold standard for how 4G terminals should work with any technology, network or configuration," said Lars Johnsson, Vice President of Marketing for Beceem Communications. "Our BCS500 will end the 4G debate by connecting to any 4G LTE or WiMAX network with seamless roaming, and switching between TDD and FDD configuration as needed, freeing operators from concerns how best to utilize their available spectrum assets." The BCS500 multi-mode chip will support the latest revisions of the IEEE 802.16 standard, namely 16e and 16m, as well as the 3GPP-LTE standard, based on Release 8 specifications. It is the only device chip to support UE Class 4 capabilities. In addition, it will support both TDD and FDD configurations for LTE and IEEE 802.16m, even enabling real-time band/channel reconfiguration through a unique multi-mode "autosense" feature that automatically detects the network type. "This advancement of Beceem's 4G chipset dramatically helps the entire ecosystem by adding flexibility to network planning, equipment deployment and utilization, device manufacturing, and much more," said Caroline Gabriel, Research Director, Rethink Research Associates, a thought leader in quadruple play and emerging wireless technologies. "The BCS500 chip solution will be an industry 'game changer' in terms of the interoperability that it enables, and extends Beceem's current market and technology leadership." The BCS500 is expected to be sampling to customers in Q4/2010 and to be available for mass production in Q2/2011.
Beceem to build LTE/WiMAX Combo Chip by Sue Marek http://www.fiercewireless.com/story/embargoed-beceem-build-lte-wimax-combo-chip/2010-02-12 February 16, 2010 WiMAX chip vendor Beceem Communications announced an integrated LTE/WiMAX chip--the BCS500--the company said will support up to 150 Mbps downlink speeds. Beceem, which has always been a staunch advocate for WiMAX technology, said it is building the chip so that devices will able to seamlessly roam between LTE and WiMAX and between time division duplex and frequency division duplex configurations. The company said the BCS500 multi-mode chip will support the latest revisions of the IEEE 802.16 standard, as well as 3GPP-LTE standard Release 8. In an interview with FierceWireless, Beceem Vice President of Marketing Lars Johnson said the company has not stopped its focus on WiMAX but that it now believes the time is right to support LTE. And it believes that its chipset in unique. "Operators are interesting in roaming and developing partnership relationships," Johnson said. "Now device makers can address both networks." He added that he envisions a scenario where, for example, potential MVNOs using Clearwire's WiMAX network may want dual-mode devices with LTE and WIMAX. Or he believes that operators outside the U.S. may want to offer devices that work on LTE outside the U.S. but on WiMAX inside the U.S.
Beceem BCS500 Chip Brings 4G to Market http://www.thestandard.com/news/2010/02/16/beceem-bcs500-chip-brings-4g-market February 16, 2010 Most of us will be familiar with 3G, which stands for third-generation and in the case of mobile phones means the third-generation of mobile communication standards (typically GSM, EDGE, and UMTS). If for no other reason than Apple's iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS which make use of the 3G networks to enable faster internet access. Where there's a third generation of something, there's bound to be a fourth on the horizon, and much has been said about 4G communication technology. In particular the prospect of an iPhone 4G that offers much faster internet connection. But its early days for the technology at the moment and most people remain largely unfamiliar with the issues going on behind 4G. We caught up with Lars Johnson, Beceem's Vice President Marketing & Business Development to chat about the evolution of 4G. And discover what Beceem has planned for the chips that sit behind (and in most cases inside) 4G technology. Beceem is one of those 'behind the scenes' companies that make the chips that power mobile communication devices. Typically Beceem chips power most of the USB 3G dongles on the market, sold under brand-names such as T-Mobile, Orange, and so on. To date it has shipped over 3 million of its chips. With 4G on the horizon, it has just introduced the BCS500, which is the only chip to incorporate both Wimax and LTE (Long Term Evolution). These are two competing 4G standards operating in the market. With 4G on the horizon, it has just introduced the BCS500, which is the only chip to incorporate both Wimax and LTE (Long Term Evolution). These are two competing 4G standards operating in the market. "I think there's no surprise as to which way the industry is heading" said Lars, "in five years time I predict about 90 per cent of the market will be offering LTE. But for now about 99% of the 4G market is Wimax". Basically, as the market grows it will be the LTE standard that starts to be rolled out. This prediction is backed up by the recent announcement of US network Verizon, which has begun testing 4G LTE service in the United States with the aim of launching a commercial service in 2010. So we'll probably see 4G on the market later this year, and certainly rolled out to most networks in 2011. LTE has an advantage over Wimax in that it can be overlaid on top of existing 3G networks, so it's a much easier choice for network providers looking to build upon an existing 3G network. There are technical advantages to Wimax though. "Wimax uses a FDD system that separates download from upload, which helps ensure data quality. LTE uses TDD which integrates download and upload with more space allocated to download". In terms of speed LTE and Wimax both offer a considerable improvement over current technology, offering theoretical maximum speeds of 100MBPs and 150MBPs respectively. "This is a theoretical maximum" explains Lars, "if you got 150MBPs you'd be the only person on the network so it probably wouldn't be good business for the network provider". However, you can still expect to see considerable improvements. "Where you see 1MBPs on 3G you'll see around 10MBPs on one of the 4G networks". However, by integrating support for both LTE and Wimax into a single chip Beceem has ensured that consumers and manufacturers can take advantage of both systems. "The advantage of the BCS500 for the consumer is largely to do with roaming. If you are on a LTE network most of the time (under contract) but move into an area with Wimax you can continue to use the device for internet access." From the manufacturer's standpoint, it enables them to create a device (typically a handset) that can be used on all networks. For the time being the chip is being developed for 4G dongles, but Beceem is talking to handset manufacturers. Lars Johnson wouldn't confirm any names though. Plus the chip has support for both WiFi a-n and Bluetooth. Beceem is particularly proud that it is offering seamless LTE, Wimax, and WiFi handoff in its BCS500 chip. "You can move from one to the other without noticing". Handsets aside, Lars also explained how a prototype for a 4G wireless network point would work. You could purchase a device that turns a 4G signal into a WiFi hotspot. For your own home you could replace your broadband connection with a single 4G contract, using the 4G wireless network point to power WiFi networks. Alternatively you could use it to set up a mobile hotspot to create a temporary wireless network, such as at an event. The development and rollout of 4G is particularly important in emerging markets (typically these are in the developing world). Lars explains, "in many countries such as African and India there isn't much infrastructure, and in some cases the copper line is of poor quality, so in these countries we don't think they'll install wired infrastructure. instead they'll go straight to 4G technologies and provide wireless internet access".
Beceem BCS500 Chip Brings 4G to Market http://www.networkworld.com/news/2010/021610-beceem-bcs500-chip-brings-4g.html February 16, 2010 Most of us will be familiar with 3G, which stands for third-generation and in the case of mobile phones means the third-generation of mobile communication standards (typically GSM, EDGE, and UMTS). If for no other reason than Apple's iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS which make use of the 3G networks to enable faster internet access. Where there's a third generation of something, there's bound to be a fourth on the horizon, and much has been said about 4G communication technology. In particular the prospect of an iPhone 4G that offers much faster internet connection. But its early days for the technology at the moment and most people remain largely unfamiliar with the issues going on behind 4G. Beceem is one of those 'behind the scenes' companies that make the chips that power mobile communication devices. Typically Beceem chips power most of the USB 3G dongles on the market, sold under brand-names such as T-Mobile, Orange, and so on. To date it has shipped over 3 million of its chips. With 4G on the horizon, it has just introduced the BCS500, which is the only chip to incorporate both Wimax and LTE (Long Term Evolution). These are two competing 4G standards operating in the market. We caught up with Lars Johnson, Beceem's Vice President Marketing & Business Development to chat about the evolution of 4G. And discover what Beceem has planned for the chips that sit behind (and in most cases inside) 4G technology. "I think there's no surprise as to which way the industry is heading" said Lars, "in five years time I predict about 90 per cent of the market will be offering LTE. But for now about 99% of the 4G market is Wimax". Basically, as the market grows it will be the LTE standard that starts to be rolled out. This prediction is backed up by the recent announcement of US network Verizon, which has begun testing 4G LTE service in the United States with the aim of launching a commercial service in 2010. So we'll probably see 4G on the market later this year, and certainly rolled out to most networks in 2011. LTE has an advantage over Wimax in that it can be overlaid on top of existing 3G networks, so it's a much easier choice for network providers looking to build upon an existing 3G network. There are technical advantages to Wimax though. "Wimax uses a FDD system that separates download from upload, which helps ensure data quality. LTE uses TDD which integrates download and upload with more space allocated to download". In terms of speed LTE and Wimax both offer a considerable improvement over current technology, offering theoretical maximum speeds of 100MBPs and 150MBPs respectively. "This is a theoretical maximum" explains Lars, "if you got 150MBPs you'd be the only person on the network so it probably wouldn't be good business for the network provider". However, you can still expect to see considerable improvements. "Where you see 1MBPs on 3G you'll see around 10MBPs on one of the 4G networks". However, by integrating support for both LTE and Wimax into a single chip Beceem has ensured that consumers and manufacturers can take advantage of both systems. "The advantage of the BCS500 for the consumer is largely to do with roaming. If you are on a LTE network most of the time (under contract) but move into an area with Wimax you can continue to use the device for internet access." From the manufacturer's standpoint, it enables them to create a device (typically a handset) that can be used on all networks. For the time being the chip is being developed for 4G dongles, but Beceem is talking to handset manufacturers. Lars Johnson wouldn't confirm any names though. Handsets aside, Lars also explained how a prototype for a 4G wireless network point would work. You could purchase a device that turns a 4G signal into a WiFi hotspot. For your own home you could replace your broadband connection with a single 4G contract, using the 4G wireless network point to power WiFi networks. Alternatively you could use it to set up a mobile hotspot to create a temporary wireless network, such as at an event. The development and rollout of 4G is particularly important in emerging markets (typically these are in the developing world). Lars explains, "in many countries such as African and India there isn't much infrastructure, and in some cases the copper line is of poor quality, so in these countries we don't think they'll install wired infrastructure. Instead they'll go straight to 4G technologies and provide wireless internet access". Plus the chip has support for both WiFi a-n and Bluetooth. Beceem is particularly proud that it is offering seamless LTE, Wimax, and WiFi handoff in its BCS500 chip. "You can move from one to the other without noticing".
Beceem to Launch LTE-WiMAX Chip By Maisie Ramsay http://www.wirelessweek.com/News/2010/02/Technology-Beceem-Chip-LTE-WiMAX/ February 16, 2010 Beceem says it is creating a chip that supports both LTE and WiMAX technologies. The BCS500 chip will be sampled to customers by the end of this year and is expected to hit mass production in the second half of 2011. "Our BCS500 will end the 4G debate by connecting to any 4G LTE or WiMAX network with seamless roaming, and switching between TDD and FDD configuration as needed, freeing operators from concerns how best to utilize their available spectrum assets," said Beceem's Vice President of Marketing Lars Johnsson in a statement. The chip will support the latest revisions of the IEEE 802.16 standard as well as the 3GPP-LTE Release 8 specifications. It also supports both TDD and FDD configurations for LTE and IEEE 802.16m and features real-time channel reconfiguration with a multi-mode "autosense" feature that automatically detects the network type. A dual-mode LTE/WiMAX chip could come in handy in markets like the U.S., where it would enable roaming between coexisting WiMAX and LTE networks.
Beceem Bridges Divide with Latest Offering http://www.goingwimax.com/beceem-bridges-divide-with-latest-offering-8692/ February 15, 2010 Beceem Communications unveiled its latest chip. The BCS500 will help bridge the gap between two competing 4G technologies, with customers given the choice between WiMax and LTE. The BCS500 supports the 802.16 IEEE and the 3GPP-LTE standard’s Release 8 specifications. The chip will be available for sampling in the fourth quarter of this year with mass production expected in the second quarter of 2011.
MWC: Beceem BCS500 Chip Brings 4G to Market http://www.macworld.co.uk/business/news/index.cfm?newsid=28660&pagtype=allchandate February 15, 2010 Most of us will be familiar with 3G, which stands for third-generation and in the case of mobile phones means the third-generation of mobile communication standards (typically GSM, EDGE, and UMTS). If for no other reason than Apple's iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS which make use of the 3G networks to enable faster internet access. Where there's a third generation of something, there's bound to be a fourth on the horizon, and much has been said about 4G communication technology. In particular the prospect of an iPhone 4G that offers much faster internet connection. But its early days for the technology at the moment and most people remain largely unfamiliar with the issues going on behind 4G. We caught up with Lars Johnson, Beceem's Vice President Marketing & Business Development to chat about the evolution of 4G. And discover what Beceem has planned for the chips that sit behind (and in most cases inside) 4G technology. Beceem is one of those 'behind the scenes' companies that make the chips that power mobile communication devices. Typically Beceem chips power most of the USB 3G dongles on the market, sold under brand-names such as T-Mobile, Orange, and so on. To date it has shipped over 3 million of its chips. With 4G on the horizon, it has just introduced the BCS500, which is the only chip to incorporate both Wimax and LTE (Long Term Evolution). These are two competing 4G standards operating in the market. "I think there's no surprise as to which way the industry is heading" said Lars, "in five years time I predict about 90 per cent of the market will be offering LTE. But for now about 99% of the 4G market is Wimax". Basically, as the market grows it will be the LTE standard that starts to be rolled out. This prediction is backed up by the recent announcement of US network Verizon, which has begun testing 4G LTE service in the United States with the aim of launching a commercial service in 2010. So we'll probably see 4G on the market later this year, and certainly rolled out to most networks in 2011. LTE has an advantage over Wimax in that it can be overlaid on top of existing 3G networks, so it's a much easier choice for network providers looking to build upon an existing 3G network. There are technical advantages to Wimax though. "Wimax uses a FDD system that separates download from upload, which helps ensure data quality. LTE uses TDD which integrates download and upload with more space allocated to download". In terms of speed LTE and Wimax both offer a considerable improvement over current technology, offering theoretical maximum speeds of 100MBPs and 150MBPs respectively. "This is a theoretical maximum" explains Lars, "if you got 150MBPs you'd be the only person on the network so it probably wouldn't be good business for the network provider". However, you can still expect to see considerable improvements. "Where you see 1MBPs on 3G you'll see around 10MBPs on one of the 4G networks". However, by integrating support for both LTE and Wimax into a single chip Beceem has ensured that consumers and manufacturers can take advantage of both systems. "The advantage of the BCS500 for the consumer is largely to do with roaming. If you are on a LTE network most of the time (under contract) but move into an area with Wimax you can continue to use the device for internet access." From the manufacturer's standpoint, it enables them to create a device (typically a handset) that can be used on all networks. For the time being the chip is being developed for 4G dongles, but Beceem is talking to handset manufacturers. Lars Johnson wouldn't confirm any names though. Plus the chip has support for both WiFi a-n and Bluetooth. Beceem is particularly proud that it is offering seamless LTE, Wimax, and WiFi handoff in its BCS500 chip. "You can move from one to the other without noticing". would work. You could purchase a device that turns a 4G signal into a WiFi hotspot. For your own home you could replace your broadband connection with a single 4G contract, using the 4G wireless network point to power WiFi networks. Alternatively you could use it to set up a mobile hotspot to create a temporary wireless network, such as at an event. The development and rollout of 4G is particularly important in emerging markets (typically these are in the developing world). Lars explains, "In many countries such as African and India there isn't much infrastructure, and in some cases the copper line is of poor quality, so in these countries we don't think they'll install wired infrastructure. Instead they'll go straight to 4G technologies and provide wireless internet access".
Beceem Communications Launches BCS500 WiMAX/LTE 4G Chip http://www.mobileburn.com/news.jsp?Id=8704 February 15, 2010 Today Beceem Communications launched its new BCS500 chip that may help mend the divide between WiMax and Long-term Evolution (LTE) networks, giving its customers a choice of which 4G technology they want to use. Its functionality is similar to Qualcomm's GOBI technology for HSPA and EV-DO choices in the U.S., which allows customers to purchase a notebook, for example, and then activate it with either Sprint/Verizon or T-Mobile/AT&T 3G. The chip supports the latest IEEE 802.16 standard revisions and the 3GPP-LTE standard's Release 8 specs. The chip will be available for sampling in the fourth quarter of this year with mass production expected in the second quarter of 2011.
Beceem Intros Combo WiMAX/LTE Chipset http://www.phonescoop.com/news/item.php?n=5495 February 15, 2010 Today Beceem Communications announced the BCS500, which is the first chip that integrates LTE and WiMax onto the same silicon. The BCS500 is a multi-mode chip that supports IEEE 802.16e/m and the Release 8 3GPP-LTE standard. According to Beceem, it supports TDD and FDD configurations for LTE and IEEE 802.16e/m, which provides for real-time band/channel reconfiguration by automatically detecting what sort of networks are present and providing the best connectivity. Beceem is collaborating with Motorola on the BCS500, which will sample in the fourth quarter of 2010. The chip isn't expected to reach full production until the second quarter of 2011.
Beceem Bridges Divide with Latest Offering http://www.wirelessweek.com/News/Feeds/2010/02/wireless-beceem-bridges-divide-with-latest-offering/ February 15, 2010 Beceem Communications unveiled its latest chip. The BCS500 will help bridge the gap between two competing 4G technologies, with customers given the choice between WiMax and LTE. The BCS500 supports the 802.16 IEEE and the 3GPP-LTE standard’s Release 8 specifications. The chip will be available for sampling in the fourth quarter of this year with mass production expected in the second quarter of 2011. Visit Going WiMax, the premier website in the industry for 'Everything WiMax’! Read more about WiMax, 4G, LTE and Wireless technology at www.goingwimax.com
Beceem to Develop an Integrated LTE/WiMAX Chip http://www.cellular-news.com/story/41992.php February 15, 2010 Beceem Communications has announced today the future availability of a chip that integrates LTE and WiMAX technologies into a single platform. The BCS500 is expected to be sampling to customers in Q4/2010 and to be available for mass production in Q2/2011. "With our 4G-LTE/WiMAX chip that will support up to 150Mbps downlink speeds, we once again believe we are setting the gold standard for how 4G terminals should work with any technology, network or configuration," said Lars Johnsson, Vice President of Marketing for Beceem Communications. "Our BCS500 will end the 4G debate by connecting to any 4G LTE or WiMAX network with seamless roaming, and switching between TDD and FDD configuration as needed, freeing operators from concerns how best to utilize their available spectrum assets." The BCS500 multi-mode chip will support the latest revisions of the IEEE 802.16 standard, namely 16e and 16m, as well as the 3GPP-LTE standard, based on Release 8 specifications. It is the only device chip to support UE Class 4 capabilities. In addition, it will support both TDD and FDD configurations for LTE and IEEE 802.16m, even enabling real-time band/channel reconfiguration through a unique multi-mode "autosense" feature that automatically detects the network type. "This advancement of Beceem's 4G chipset dramatically helps the entire ecosystem by adding flexibility to network planning, equipment deployment and utilization, device manufacturing, and much more," said Caroline Gabriel, Research Director, Rethink Research Associates, a thought leader in quadruple play and emerging wireless technologies. "The BCS500 chip solution will be an industry 'game changer' in terms of the interoperability that it enables, and extends Beceem's current market and technology leadership."
Beceem Jumps into LTE Chip Market http://www.fiercebroadbandwireless.com/story/beceem-jumps-lte-chip-market/2010-02-14 February 14, 2010 WiMAX chipmaker Beceem Communications plans to announce its first LTE product at the Mobile World Congress this week. Rather than jumping into the LTE chip market head on, the company's strategy is to produce a dual-mode WiMAX-LTE chipset and targeting device manufacturers planning to include both connectivity solutions in one device. The chipset will also support both time-division duplexing (TDD) and frequency division duplexing (FDD), channel sizes up to 20 MHz seamless handoff between the two technologies and the various global bands where LTE will be deployed. "A TDD user on Clearwire could seamlessly roam on to Verizon's FDD LTE network if the two were on a friendly terms," Lars Johnsson, Beceem's vice president of business development, told Connected Planet. "We view this is a way of uniting the two technologies." While the dual-mode WiMAX/LTE market is considerably larger, Johnsson said there is demand for such a solution as many countries will have both WiMAX and LTE operating together, while some WiMAX operators could migrate to LTE going forward. The company has yet to announce how many WiMAX chips it shipped in 2009, but in December, Beceem said it was on track to ship 3 million chips in 2009.
WiMAX at MWC: Sequans and Beceem Make Progress http://www.rethink-wireless.com/2010/02/13/wimax-mwc-sequans-beceem-progress.htm February 13, 2010 Mobile World Congress is a tough show for WiMAX, being the official event of the GSM Association, but the rival standard usually manages to make a splash all the same. Last year, a lot of this was driven by the emerging stimulus plans round the world, and WiMAX' place in those. This year will be about WiMAX' credentials as a commercially proven platform, with more operators using it than LTE or HSPA+, and about emerging hot markets like India and Indonesia, as well as updates from flagwavers like Clearwire. But the WiMAX chipmakers will also be looking to diversify into other markets, especially LTE. Beceem, Altair, Comsys and Sequans all have parallel WiMAX and LTE roadmaps and all will be showing these off at MWC. Comsys and Beceem have been leveraging the natural closeness between Android and WiMAX to offer demonstrations of this combination, with HTC expected to announce an Android smartphone for Clearwire/Sprint, called Supersonic, in the coming weeks. In Barcelona, Comsys will show a reference platform for a WiMAX/EDGE handset running the Google OS. Sequans has boosted its profile recently by working with Motorola and Alcatel-Lucent to power a TD-LTE network for the upcoming Shanghai Expo in China. Now it is looking to another huge growth market for wireless, India, with its more traditional WiMAX range. The French firm has been chosen by Point Red, the product design subsidiary of India's Gemini Communications, to supply chips for Gemini's major contract with state operator BSNL. Once deployed over the coming year, BSNL's WiMAX network will be the largest in the world, with about 7,000 base stations across several states. Point Red/Gemini has 40% of the deal, with Alvarion and ZTE also involved. Sequans is providing silicon for several WiMAX devices, including USB dongles, simple modems, Wi-Fi/WiMAX/VoIP modems, and outdoor units. The chip firm could ride on the back of Point Red’s expansion program, to get its designs beyond India - the firm ships products to 45 countries and 120 cellcos. It will use Sequans' SQN1200 series of single-die 65nm semiconductor solutions, which reduce cost and power consumption, delivering up to 40Mbps with power consumption of less than 350mW in active mode. The integrated RF covers the three standard WiMAX bands, 2.3GHz, 2.5GHz and 3.5GHz, in TDD and H-FDD mode. The SQN1210 variant also supports 2 Tx and uplink MIMO to improve cell coverage. Also adopting Sequans' WiMAX technology is Sagemcom, for its new SX686 indoor WiMAX/Wi-Fi gateway and SX682 residential modem. The two French firms are partnering to deliver additional WiMAX/Wi-Fi gateway products in 2010 as well as USB dongles, including WiMAX/2G and WiMAX/3G versions. Boosting its range, Sequans will use MWC to unveil its release of mimoMAX 2.0, an upgrade to the patented technology at the heart of its WiMAX semiconductors. This combines a high efficiency 'maximum likelihood' MIMO decoder on the downlink with dual independent transmit channels on the uplink. The latter can realize a 3dB gain, significantly improving range and throughput. MimoMAX 2.0 adds a new algorithm, 2Tx Closed Loop Diversity (2T CLD), that further improves the performance of the uplink by for 5.5dB overall gain. "Every WiMAX device has two antennas and you must have two transmit channels on the uplink to fully exploit this, said CEO Georges Karam.”Sequans was the first and is still the only chipmaker providing this capability, and now with our new 2T CLD algorithm we have enhanced it." Fellow 4G chip independent Beceem will launch its dual-mode WiMAX/LTE silicon roadmap in Barcelona, and show off its first LTE device chip. It is focusing on a dual-mode WiMAX-LTE chipset for devices that need to support both standards, in both TDD and FDD modes, with channel sizes up to 20MHz, seamless hand-off and a wide range of frequencies. In the first years, neither LTE nor WiMAX operators will have massive coverage but will tend to focus on key metro areas. Many will look to sign roaming deals and even offload traffic to one another’s' systems, requiring multimode devices. Some carriers may even deploy both technologies in different locations. "A TDD user on Clearwire could seamlessly roam on to Verizon's FDD LTE network if the two were on a friendly terms," said VP of marketing Lars Johnsson said. While a relatively niche market, this focus will allow Beceem to avoid going head-to-head with Qualcomm or other giants, though it does expect to take share from them over time. By contrast, Altair has been hoping to create a partnership with a larger cell phone chipmaker, allowing them to acquire a 4G baseband quickly.
MWC: Beceem Looking to Play with the Big Boys in LTE WiMax chip maker to launch dual-mode WiMax-LTE silicon in hopes of establishing a foothold in the larger LTE market http://connectedplanetonline.com/3g4g/news/beceem-LTE-chipset-0211/ February 12, 2010 No longer satisfied with WiMax alone, Beceem Communications has fallen under the allure of long-term evolution. The WiMax chipset maker is set to announce its first LTE product at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona next week, hoping to transplant its success in one 4G technology to another. Beceem vice president of business development Lars Johnsson said Beceem isn‘t taking the much bigger LTE chipset market head on—at least not yet. Rather Beceem is producing a dual-mode WiMax-LTE chipset targeting device makers looking to encapsulate all 4G connectivity in a single device. The chipset won‘t just be dual-mode, it will support both time-division duplexing (TDD) and frequency division duplexing (FDD), channel sizes up to 20 MHz, seamless hand-off between radio technologies and the plethora of different 4G bands available globally. Combined, those capabilities make it the chipset for any flavor of 4G, Johnsson said. "A TDD user on Clearwire could seamlessly roam on to Verizon‘s FDD LTE network if the two were on a friendly terms," Johnsson said. "We view this is a way of uniting the two technologies." Johnsson acknowledged that dual-mode WiMax-LTE will be a much smaller market than the market for LTE only, but he said Beceem‘s customers have already expressed interest in that capability. Many countries have both WiMAX and LTE networks either running or planned. Some operators will be interested in supporting roaming between the two types of networks, and some device vendors will be interested in building a single product that works on both standards for those markets, Johnsson said. He also pointed out that many WiMax operators like Clearwire haven‘t ruled out migrating to LTE in the future. But Beceem‘s ultimate goal is to break into the lucrative LTE market, which would pit the small chipset maker against some of the largest silicon companies in the world, Johnsson said. Considering the size of that task, Beceem is starting slow, putting a stake in the ground with a dual-mode offering, where the competition is primarily with other small vendors such as Sequans Communications and Wavesat. If it can prove successful in that niche market, Beceem can take a stab at the larger LTE-only silicon market, Johnsson said. "We‘re not thinking now about competing with Sequans or GCT, but about taking market share from ST-Ericsson and Qualcomm," Johnsson said. Beceem hasn‘t revealed its total WiMax shipments for 2009, but in September it said it had shipped 2 million chipsets in the first three quarters of the year and was on target to reach 3 million by year end. Beceem estimated at the time it had 65% to 75% of the mobile WiMax (based on the IEEE 802.16e standard) device chip market. 4-traders CNNMoney.com Earthtimes EDA Café FOXBusiness IT News Online MarketWatch PR Newswire Stockhouse StreetInsider.com SunHerald.com SYS-CON Media Telecommunication News TMC Net Trading Markets Your-Story.org Earthtimes FOXBusiness IT News Online PR Newswire SunHerald.com SYS-CON Media Your-Story.org |
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