Russia's Yota to offer VoIP WiMAX device

Russian WiMAX carrier Yota said it will being offering WiMAX devices that can make VoIP calls and allow users to roam onto GSM networks when the user is out of range of the WiMAX network.

Last year, the carrier introduced a device from High Tech Computer that can make calls over GSM network and connect to WiMAX networks for data usage. But that device currently doesn't support an official VoIP offering from Yota.

Yota has not yet revealed the maker of the new device, but speculation is that the phones will be manufactured by Samsung, which also supplies the carrier with network infrastructure. Last week the two companies announced their commencement of a trial of WiMAX 2.0 equipment, which is based on the IEEE 802.16m standard, the next-generation path to WiMAX that boosts data speeds.

Samsung supplies Yota's network infrastructure, and on Tuesday the companies also announced they have begun testing WiMax 2.0 network equipment, based on the IEEE's 802.16m standard. The companies expect it to operate up to four times faster than the current generation of WiMax products, which are based on the IEEE 802.16e standard. Yota plans to put the first WiMax 2.0 units into service by the end of next year.

For more:
- see PC World [1]

Related articles:
Special Report: Is WiMAX hindered by a lack of devices [2]?
Samsung expects more mobile WiMAX contracts [3]
Samsung reveals WiMAX tablet details [4]
Samsung [5] developing own baseband for LTE and WiMAX