Faster, more reliable mobile broadband services based on WiMax technology could be available next year depending on license allocation.

But Ofcom’s planned auction of the 2.5/2.69GHz frequency spectrum in early 2008 is expected to attract fierce bidding amongst both mobile and fixed operators, which may bump up license costs and delay or even block WiMax services.

In an attempt to prove fourth generation (4G) technology, demonstrate demand for WiMax services and attract venture capital funding, service provider Urban Wimax has launched a ‘cross-market’ collaboration with hardware supplier Nortel to pre-test suitable mobile WiMax infrastructure solutions.

The WiVo trial will take place later this year, connecting around 100 mobile devices users across two or three base stations, at minimum speeds of 1Mbit/s, with 2Mbit/s expected and up to 5Mbit/s achievable, said Amrit Heer, Nortel EMEA head of wireless market development.

“The intent is to prove the [802.16e] WiMax standards, show that we can bring a viable commercial solution when it [the spectrum] comes to auction, and show Ofcom that there is demand,” he said.

Urban Wimax CEO Sasha Williamson says he would like to offer mobile WiMax, but needs the trial to help understand the user experience, identify demand in different market sectors and avoid ‘bill shock’ for customers.

The 2.5/2.69GHz auction will be technology agnostic, meaning existing mobile operators could buy a license to extend existing 3G/HSDPA services, however.

“It is going to be pretty competitive; people could buy spectrum for their own use or to block other people’s usage. 140 licenses could go to the mobile operators for expansion, leaving two national WiMax licenses granted which could be leased wholesale to local UK operators,” he said.