Cablecos to work together on WiMAX

A group of around 140 Japanese CATV operators are reportedly planning to work together to launch wireless broadband services based on WiMAX technology, writes Telecompaper citing local newspaper The Nikkei. The cablecos intend to bid for 2.5GHz licences in the government’s forthcoming auction this summer, with plans for a commercial launch of services in 2008. The group hope to set up a formal platform to bid for the licences next month, with leading MSO J:COM and other operators associated with power and rail companies said to be already on board with the plan.