WiMAX ambitions of Reliance

Reliance, India's second-largest mobile group, says its has taken a "a gigantic step" forward in achieving its global WiMAX ambitions following its acquisition of UK-based eWave World, a specialist WiMAX operator. The company said in a statement that the acquisition - made via the company's international unit, Reliance Globalcom - would allow it to rollout what it calls 4G services to around 50 countries by 2012, adding that it would invest US$500 million in WiMAX projects over the next two to three years. Reliance Globalcom said it will focus on emerging markets in Asia, Europe, Latin America and Africa, targeting both the consumer and enterprise markets. It notes that eWave World already has a joint venture in place with China and holds "WiMAX licenses and has received spectrum to commence WiMAX services in several countries." In a statement, Reliance Globalcom CEO Punit Garg said that the combination of a WiMAX network with its existing IP-enabled optic network would have the potential to reach 75% of the global population. Reliance said it had acquired 90% of eWave World but would not disclose financial terms ahead of its fiscal fourth quarter results.