Greece plans WiMAX, regional network tenders

Greece is preparing to launch licence tenders for regional broadband networks and a national WiMAX network, local daily Kathimerini reports. US wireless operator Clearwire is one of seven parties bidding for the WiMAX licence, while Orange is thought to be looking at the regional tender. The licences are part of the Greek government's attempts to raise the penetration of broadband in the country, currently one of the lowest in the European Union. The tender divides Greece into seven regions and interested bidders can bid for rights in up to three regions. The networks can be fixed or wireless, are subject to minimum coverage requirements and can offer services at a maximum EUR 33 per month for households and EUR 54 for businesses. The US company Amperion, which specializes in broadband over powerline, plans to set up consortium with Tellas, the telecoms subsidiary of the Greek Public Power Corp, in order to bid for regional licences. Siemens may also join the consortium.