NextWave inks WiMAX TV deal with Alcatel-Lucent

NextWave Wireless Inc. has tapped Alcatel-Lucent to develop WiMAX broadcast solutions that the company plans to integrate with its recently announced MXtv technology.
NextWave plans to use the technology to give WiMAX operators the ability to deliver multimedia services like mobile TV and digital audio over their networks.
Alcatel-Lucent and NextWave will begin performing interoperability tests using the infrastructure vendor’s equipment next quarter. Products and services are slated to be available later this year. Alcatel-Lucent joins NextWave partner Huawei Technologies USA in integrating MXtv into its WiMAX products.
“User demand for mobile broadcast services is rapidly expanding and we believe that the exciting new applications offered through this alliance will provide mobile operators a unique ability to deliver the key differentiating feature of 4G networks, rich media content such as live television, movies and music on-demand, real-time video streaming and conferencing, radio, multi-player gaming and many other interactive streaming applications to mobile devices — anywhere, anytime,” said Allen Salmasi, CEO of NextWave Wireless.
The company plans to demonstrate the technology at CTIA Wireless 2008 next month in Las Vegas.