Accelerating Nationwide Connectivity with WiMAX Broadband Deployment

Client Overview

A Tier-1 national telecom operator tasked with delivering broadband services across urban and rural areas faced mounting pressure to modernize digital infrastructure and expand service reach. To address these demands, the organization launched a strategic field trial to assess the viability of WiMAX technology for scalable, nationwide deployment.

Executive Summary

To meet the growing demand for broadband in underserved regions, the client initiated a 10-month wireless broadband field trial using WiMAX 802.16(d). The program aimed to validate the technology’s feasibility, build internal capability, and establish a replicable model for national rollout. Thirteen base stations and 120 subscriber units were deployed across 13 regions. Guided by PMI-based practices and Agile delivery, the project achieved technical integration, operational readiness, and strategic alignment for future expansion.

Background

Traditional wired broadband infrastructure was insufficient for national coverage and service equity, especially in low-density and hard-to-reach areas. Fiber or cable expansion was cost-prohibitive and slow. To overcome these barriers and support broader digital modernization, the organization piloted wireless broadband to test WiMAX’s reliability, scalability, and interoperability as an alternative solution.

Objectives

Project goals were defined to ensure technical validation, public service alignment, and operational sustainability:

Validate WiMAX Viability: Assess the performance and reliability of WiMAX 802.16(d) in diverse environments.
Accelerate Market Entry: Rapidly deploy broadband in underserved regions to reduce digital exclusion.
Build a Scalable Deployment Model: Develop a standardized, region-agnostic approach for national expansion.
Ensure Service Continuity Through Integration: Achieve seamless integration with NGN, PSTN, VPN, and VoIP systems.
Develop Internal Capability: Train engineering teams for independent support, maintenance, and scaling.

Problem Statement

Several structural and operational challenges prompted the field trial:

Limited Reach of Wired Infrastructure: Expansion was logistically and economically unsustainable in many regions.
Public Demand for Service Equity: Critical access gaps existed in underserved areas.
Insufficient Internal Wireless Expertise: Teams lacked WiMAX deployment and support experience.
Slow Deployment Agility: Traditional rollout models could not meet national targets on time.
Unproven Integration Fit: Integration with legacy telecom infrastructure was uncertain.

Methodology & Governance

A structured governance model combined PMI-based controls with Agile execution to balance rigour and flexibility:

PMI and Agile Integration: Predictive project controls paired with adaptive field execution.
Work Breakdown Structure (WBS): Tasks decomposed for better scheduling and resource alignment.
Integrated Governance Framework: RACI and RAM models clarified ownership and streamlined approvals.
Steering Committee and CCB Oversight: Tiered governance managed milestones, change requests, and issue escalation.
Centralized Documentation: Knowledge repositories ensured auditability and future reuse.

Solution Overview

The deployed solution featured a complete wireless broadband architecture, fully integrated with legacy systems and managed using industry-standard tools:

Full WiMAX Deployment Stack: 13 Base Terminal Stations (BTS) and 120 Subscriber Units (SU) deployed across 13 regions.
Core System Integration: Broadband connected to NGN, PSTN, Internet, VPN, and VoIP infrastructure.
Management & Support Tools: RedMax RMS, DHCP servers, and Linksys PAP2 enabled operations and service management.
Vendor Collaboration: Partnerships with Cisco, Microsoft, Redline, and Foundry ensured platform stability and support.
Security and Uptime: Redundancy protocols and access controls maintained availability and network protection.

Implementation Phases

Phases followed PMI’s five process groups for compliance and governance traceability:

Initiation and Planning:
- Conducted site feasibility assessments at 33 locations.
- Finalized scope, selected 13 regions, and documented stakeholder roles and risks.
Execution: Network Deployment:
- Installed BTS, SU, switching hardware, power equipment, and cabling.
- Managed vendor deliverables and performed QA inspections.
Execution: System Integration and Control:
- Integrated WiMAX with NGN, PSTN, VPN, Internet, and VoIP.
- Conducted FAT and FTA to verify performance and reliability.
Execution: Capability Building:
- Trained 12 engineers in RMS operations and wireless maintenance.
- Distributed operational documentation and support materials.
Monitoring, Acceptance, and Closure:
- Secured performance certifications and stakeholder approvals.
- Archived deliverables and lessons learned for future scaling.

Risk Management

Risks were proactively addressed using PMI-based risk planning:

Geographic Deployment: Site feasibility checks ensured readiness.
Vendor Coordination: SLAs and checkpoints-maintained accountability.
Integration Failure: Compatibility testing conducted before rollout.
Power Continuity: UPS systems and redundancy tested at each site.
Skill Gaps: Early-stage training reduced operational risk.
Oversight and Compliance: Legal and regulatory stakeholders consulted.
Security: Access controls and encryption-protected remote deployments.

Results & Impact

All performance, budget, and schedule targets were met. WiMAX broadband was successfully deployed in 13 regions with 120 active SU units. The client achieved early market readiness, integrated new wireless systems with existing infrastructure, and enhanced internal capacity through hands-on training. The project demonstrated a scalable, repeatable model aligned with national infrastructure goals.

Lessons Learned

Role Mapping Improves Execution: RACI/RAM frameworks accelerated decision-making and clarified ownership.
Training During Rollout Reduces Risk: Early investment in training improved support quality and stability.
Logistics Must Be Pre-Coordinated: Upfront hardware delivery and site readiness alignment ensured smooth execution.
Pilot Testing Uncovers Real Issues: Field conditions revealed integration challenges, enabling proactive fixes.
Documentation Supports Reuse: Standardized templates and guides now accelerate future planning.

Conclusion

The WiMAX field trial proved that wireless broadband can be delivered quickly, securely, and cost-effectively across diverse regions. The project’s alignment with PMI standards and public sector governance enabled the client to scale broadband access to support national digital transformation. With established internal capacity, the operator can extend wireless infrastructure nationwide using this validated model.

Call to Action

Are you looking to modernize broadband deployment across regions? We partner with government agencies and telecom leaders to implement scalable, PMI-aligned wireless infrastructure using proven delivery frameworks.