The government will invest at least NT$300 million (US$9.39 million) in the WiMax sector in 2010 and 2011, according to sources familiar with the issue.
Cloud computing and WiMax are among the 10 flagship investment promotion programs laid out by the Cabinet-level Council for Economic Planning and Development in July. The CEPD plans to attract NT$65 billion from local and international investors in the two emerging technologies.
To achieve this ambitious goal, sources said, the Ministry of Economic Affairs has selected proposals submitted by the Department of Health, National Police Agency and Ministry of Education to provide business to local firms. The move is expected to better prepare the private sector for the huge opportunities to be generated in the future.
The DOH’s plan will see the agency create a “government cloud” to access electronic medical records in the country’s hospitals and medical institutions using WiMax technology.
The NPA will employ the broadband wireless telecommunication standard in the country’s public surveillance system and develop a “smartphone” to enable law enforcement officers to track down stolen cars.
The MOE intends to create WiMax broadband networks around campuses on the island to ensure the safety of schoolchildren.
According to the sources, these projects will be carried out in two phases, with the DOH and NPA projects getting underway next month with nearly NT$100 million in public funds. Another NT$200 million will be earmarked for the second stage, which is set to kick off in early 2011.
Several firms have expressed interest in these projects, including mobile service carrier Far Eastone Telecommunications Co. Ltd., WiMax service providers VMax Telecom Co. Ltd., Global Mobile Corp. and VeeTime Corp., as well as IC design house MediaTek Inc., sources said. (SFC-THN)