Compal Communications to follow HTC and Qisda in mobile WiMAX devices

Following in the steps of High Tech Computer (HTC) and Qisda, Taiwan-based ODM handset maker Compal Communications has decided to venture into the production of mobile WiMAX devices, according to market sources.

Compal Communications has decided to team up with chipset maker Wavesat to develop mobile WiMAX devices, starting with a USB dongle, according to a Wavesat press release early this month.

Since Compal is to leverage Wavesat's multimode Odyssey 8500 chipset to develop its WiMAX product line, the company eventually aims to develop WiMAX-enabled handsets, said market sources in Taiwan.

As a major ODM handset maker for Motorola, Compal's move will help it secure orders for WiMAX CPE (customer premise equipment) products from Motorola, a major WiMAX equipment supplier, in the future, the sources noted.

HTC, a member company of the WiMAX Forum, previously stated that it has been engaged in the development of mobile handsets supporting WiMAX technology, in addition to a number of broadband wireless standards, including EV-DO, WCAMA/HSPA and TD-SCDMA.

It is highly possible for HTC to come out with an Android-based handset supporting WiMAX, the sources speculated.

Qisda is ahead of Compal Communications regarding the development of WiMAX by unveiling its EDGE/WiMAX dual-mode handset at the recently concluded 2008 Computex Taipei trade fair. Qisda's WiMAX-enabled handset uses chip solutions from Runcom, market sources indicated.

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