CPqD

CPqD will launch its WiMAX Forum Certification service in 2010 to provide WiMAX Forum Certification for fixed and mobile products

WiMAX Forum® announced today that it has selected CPqD, a research and development center, to manage the first WiMAX Forum Designated Certification Laboratory (WFDCL) in Brazil in the second half of 2010. This laboratory will be part of WiMAX Forum's global initiative of establishing and operating such centers in key telecom markets, and will help ensure that Brazil's huge market demand for broadband Internet is satisfied.

"Brazil's ecosystem is strategic to the success of WiMAX technology, and we are committed to meeting the needs of our member companies as the demand for certification increases in Brazil," said Dr. Mo Shakouri, WiMAX Forum Vice President. "WiMAX devices and networks have the most extensive certification and interoperability testing in the industry in place to guarantee network performance and consumer satisfaction. Further, operators around the world are lining up to require that WiMAX products become certified prior to introduction to their network to ensure interoperability," added Dr. Shakouri.

"Today, CPqD has the largest testing lab for communication equipment in Latin America. We certify over 100 types of equipment and make more than 700 tests accredited by Inmetro for certification purposes. Some of these tests involve products based on WiMAX technology and meet the requirements of the Telecommunications National Agency (Anatel)," said Iran Lima Gonçalves, CPqD business manager. "Now, with the WiMAX Forum's support, we will expand our lab infrastructure to serve Brazilian and international WiMAX equipment vendors who want to become certified by this global organization," he added.

WiMAX Forum Certified^TM equipment provides operators with a powerful platform to roll out advanced services and applications across a wide range of devices. Establishing the Certification Laboratory in Brazil will enable WiMAX equipment vendors in Brazil to accelerate the certification process targeting the local market.

The Brazil lab complements the WiMAX Forum's current network of six WFDCL's in China, Korea, Spain, U.S. and two in Taiwan to handle the continued certification demand. The WiMAX Forum also plans to open a certification lab in Malaysia in 2010.

Products achieving WiMAX certification go through rigorous testing to ensure they meet the interoperability and conformance to standards of the WiMAX Forum. WiMAX is the only technology to certify base stations and terminals to ensure that interoperability is carried across all levels of the WiMAX network when WiMAX Forum Certified products are used in a deployment. The WiMAX Forum forecasts that more than 1,000 products will undergo Mobile WiMAX certification testing by 2011, representing an influx of new consumer devices and infrastructure equipment to support continued rapid WiMAX user adoption in the 2.3 GHz, 2.5 GHz, and 3.5 GHz frequency bands.

For more information on the WiMAX Forum, the WiMAX Forum Certified product registry or the WiMAX Forum Certified Program white paper, please visit the WiMAX Forum website at www.wimaxforum.org.

About the WiMAX Forum®

The WiMAX Forum® is an industry-led, not-for-profit organization formed to certify and promote the compatibility and interoperability of broadband wireless products based upon the harmonized IEEE 802.16e/ETSI HiperMAN standard. A WiMAX Forum goal is to accelerate the introduction of these systems into the marketplace. WiMAX Forum Certified products are interoperable and support broadband fixed, nomadic, portable and mobile services. Along these lines, the WiMAX Forum works closely with service providers and regulators to ensure that WiMAX Forum Certified systems meet customer and government requirements. Through the WiMAX Forum Congress Events Series of global trade shows and events, the WiMAX Forum is committed to furthering education, training and collaboration to expand the reach of the WiMAX ecosystem.

"WiMAX Forum," the WiMAX Forum logo and the WiMAX Forum Certified logo are registered trademarks of the WiMAX Forum. "WiMAX," "Mobile WiMAX," "Fixed WiMAX," "WiMAX Certified," and "WiMAX Forum Certified" are trademarks of the WiMAX Forum. Third-party trademarks contained in this document are the property of their respective owners.

About CPqD

CPqD is an independent research and development center focused on innovation in information and communication technologies (ICT). CPqD solutions are widely used by large corporations and organizations in the communications, electricity, financial and industrial fields, as well as government agencies. Established 33 years ago, CPQD has over 1,200 highly qualified employees, largely recognized by their creativity and their commitment to quality. Today, CPQD runs the most advanced R&D program in Latin America, aiming at helping improve Brazil competitiveness and promote digital inclusion by taking product technologies, critical mission systems, technological and consulting services into the market.

Source: WiMAX Forum: http://www.wimaxforum.org/node/1775