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Taiwan – The National Communications Commission (NCC) has bared plans of transferring the WiMAX experimental base stations installed under the government initiated Mobile Taiwan (M-Taiwan) Program to licensed WiMAX operators for commercial use.

The move will allow all related companies to share resources with the NCC coordinating with related government agencies to set up a working group to help complete the transfer of related equipment. If necessary, the NCC said it would amend the criteria governing the management of wireless access business to help facilitate the transfer.

The M-Taiwan Program aims to build a boundless Internet communication network on the island. However, several companies—such as Chunghwa Telecom (CHT) and Taiwan Mobile—that have participated under the program have failed to secure operating licenses. On the other hand, companies such as Global Mobile, which did not join the Taiwan program have obtained a license to provide WiMAX services.

Under the M-Taiwan Program, 46 experimental base stations were set up in northern Taiwan and 32 in southern Taiwan. In addition, 112 terminal-end equipment systems were installed, according to NCC data.

Four out of the six WiMAX licensees—Far EasTone Communications (FET), Tatung Telecom, WiMAX Telecom, and First International Telecom (Fitel)—that took part in the M-Taiwan Program, either by themselves or through their parent companies.

The NCC also noted that the experimental WiMAX networks will expire by the end of of 2008 without further extension.