INTERNET users can soon look forward to enhanced access with the launch last month of an expanded wireless network covering most of Yangon Division.

The Red Link Communi-cations Company launched WiMax (worldwide interoperability for microwave access) wireless internet service at Karaweik Place in conjunction with Myanmar Teleport under the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications (MTP).

“We are pleased to offer this service as WiMax internet service provider (ISP) with Myanmar Teleport,” said U Shein Thu Aung, the director of Red Link Communications.

“This wireless network service will offer cost-effective access to clients and build larger networks. We hope our service will expand WiMax use.”

WiMax covers a wide range and provides faster data transfer than traditional telephone links. Its outdoor unit is easy to install and requires no phone line. The service allows access for clients in the north, south and west of Yangon Division.

“Later we will expand the service across the country in conjunction with Myanmar Teleport,” said U Shein Thu Aung.

The area now covered includes Thanlyin, Hlaing Tharyar, Insein, Mingalar don, Shwe Pyi Thar, Ahlone, Bahan, Dagon, Hlaing, Kamaryut, Kyauktada, Pabedan, Sanchaung and Seikkanthar townships.

Myanmar Teleport, one of the country’s two internet service providers, has been offering wireless internet service around Yangon downtown since November 2007.

“The WiMax service differs from the Myanmar Teleport service in that it provides more locations, not only in downtown Yangon, and uses different equipment,” said U Myo Myint Nyunt, the marketing manager of Red Link.

“WiMax uses transmitters, like cell-phone towers, to carry its signal. The technology doesn’t require line-of-sight to the users and allows several users to connect to a tower even when travelling by car or train within the coverage area,” he said.

“We installed two base stations, one at Pyi Garden Condominium on Pyay Road, and the other at Ocean Supermarket in Mayangone township,” he added.

He said WiMax service allows the creation of indoor or outdoor networks like shopping malls, schools or airports to provide free internet access.

“For example, when a shopping mall has indoor networks to provide free internet access, customers with a wireless-facilitated laptop or a mobile with Bluetooth facility can access a free internet service,” he added. The company offers a consumer plan, an enterprise plan and a corporate plan for WiMax services. Each service plan will cost FEC1500, including service installation, activation fee, annual fee and equipment fee.

“The monthly fee will be FEC45 for the consumer plan, FEC75 for the enterprise plan and FEC130 for the corporate plan,” said U Myo Myint Nyunt.
The consumer plan allows the use of one computer, including a VOIP (Voice over IP) line at a speed of 128 Mb, while the enterprise plan allows four computers including VOIP with a speed of 256 Mb. The corporate plan allows 12 computers including two VOIP at 512 Mb.

“Charges are payable in FEC only for all plans. The number of email accounts is limited – three accounts for the consumer plan and 25 accounts for enterprise and corporate. But if you want an additional email account there will be an annual charge of FEC24 per account, payable one year in advance,” he said.

The company is located at Mya Yeik Nyo Hotel, Pale Road, in Bahan township.