Worldmax demonstrated Europe’s first citywide commercial wireless broadband network, based on WiMAX 802.16e technology, in Amsterdam.

A special ‘light’ version of the service is available as of June 17. Early adopter customers will be able to enjoy the basic features of the service, called Aerea, which enables wireless broadband access to the Internet. That means users within the Amsterdam city ring can play online videogames, download and watch movies or listen to streaming music wherever they are; in a park, at home or any other location. Worldmax is launching this light version to meet the numerous requests of internet users in Amsterdam, who want broadband internet access wherever they are in the city. The network was deployed by Alcatel-Lucent and Worldmax over the past five months.

After the summer Worldmax will have completed the full roll-out of the network, allowing consumers and business users to access the network in order to enjoy online entertainment and business applications from virtually any location in the city. New customers can be online within two working days and can choose from various flexible subscription fees, including prepaid and post paid subscriptions.

Initially customers will need a PC card and in a later stage a USB dongle to connect their laptops and other mobile devices to the network. Intel plans to begin delivering integrated mobile WiMAX silicon in the U.S. at the end of the year. These embedded WiMAX solutions for Centrino 2 processor technology-based laptops and a variety of other mobile devices, will support the promise of cost effective, high speed “broadband on the go”.

Worldmax will showcase the capabilities of the 16e network on June 17 and 18 during the WiMAX Forum Global Congress, in collaboration with Alcatel-Lucent and Intel, including a live video feed from moving “trikes” (three-wheeled pedal taxis) as well as live demos aboard a canal boat serving as a moving Internet cafe.

“While there are several wireless broadband initiatives in The Netherlands and in Europe, Worldmax is currently the only company planning such a thorough and complete offer for the consumer,” said Worldmax’ CEO Jeanine van der Vlist. “This new network will make it possible for us to have our customers online within two working days, with access to unlimited wireless data and transparent and flexible contracts at very competitive prices. We are very excited to introduce a preliminary light version of the service. This will help raise awareness about the compelling capabilities of ‘broadband in your pocket’.

In addition to supplying the WiMAX technology, Alcatel-Lucent will also maintain the network for Worldmax. During the WiMAX Forum Global Congress Alcatel-Lucent will also present its Open Customer Premises Equipment-program, designed to promote an open device ecosystem, ensuring that customers have access to the widest possible range of interoperable end-user devices at attractive pricing.