Service provider Worldmax has launched what it claims is Europe’s first network based on mobile WiMAX technology, reports Reuters. The network – currently offering mobile broadband connection via PCs only, as WiMAX-enabled handsets are not yet available – initially covers the city centre of Amsterdam but plans to extend across the Netherlands in coming years. Alcatel-Lucent helped build the network, with backing from Intel and Greenfield Capital. According to Reuters, the mobile WiMAX service – dubbed ‘Aerea’ – will cost users about €20 per month for mobile broadband connection with unlimited data downloads.

Meanwhile, the WiMAX Forum this week announced the first ten 2.5GHz mobile WiMAX products to receive official certification, aimed at ensuring that terminals and basestations operating in this frequency band can connect to each other. They include products from Airspan Networks, Alvarion, Beceem Communications, Intel, Motorola, Samsung, Sequans Communications and ZyXEL. The WiMAX Forum believes that the 2.5GHz band is likely to be the main spectrum used by mobile WiMAX operators worldwide. The new Clearwire venture is expected to launch mobile WiMAX in the US later this year in this band. The WiMAX Forum plans for equipment in the 3.5GHz band to achieve certification by year-end.