Frequently Asked Questions about Worldmax and WiMAX
Wireless communications, like mobile telephones, is a part of our everyday lifestyle. More than half of the Dutch households are subscribed to a broadband network. And the demand for expansion of broadband access of mobile devices is still growing.
It's our goal to maximize the possibilities of mobile wireless communications. Not only from a technical point of view, but also from a social community point of view. Our ultimate goal is to realize an effective and efficient solution to fulfill the growing demand for mobile broadband solutions.
To be able to assist you better, we have prepared a list of most frequently asked questions. If you have a question that is not mentioned in the list, please let us know.
Ask your question.
Worldmax General
Mobile Communications General
- How do mobile communications work?
- What is the difference between GSM and UMTS?
- Why do we need WiMAX next to GSM and UMTS?
Worldmax Products & Services
- What kind of services does Worldmax deliver?
- What is broadband?
- What is WiMAX?
- Where can I buy services from Worldmax?
- What are the advantages of WiMAX opposed to other mobile technologies?
WiMAX License
- Is it legal for Worldmax to transmit signals?
- What is the difference between the license formerly owned by Ziggo/Casema and the license of Worldmax?
- What period of time will the Worldmax license be valid?
- What is the role of the Dutch government in releasing and acquiring licenses?
Mobile Communications and our safety
- Are transmitters safe for people?
- What are the effects of radio waves on people?
- Who established the safety guidelines?
- Does Worldmax comply with the safety guidelines?
- What do the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Health Commission say on the influence of wireless networks on our health?
- What is the effect on children?
- What research has been carried out on the influence on antennas and health?
- Will the government stop doing research on the effect of radio waves on health?
- Is it allowed to place antennas for mobile communications near residential areas and schools?
- Will the number of antennas grow in period of time?
Worldmax General
Who is Worldmax?
Worldmax is the owner of the nationwide and exclusive 3.5 GHz license in the Netherlands. In Europe the 3.5 GHz frequency is the ideal spectrum for WiMAX technology. Worldmax offers services based on Mobile WiMAX (IEEE 802.16e), the perfect technology for fixed and mobile internet access, Voice over IP (VoiP) and multimedia applications.
What is the vision of Worldmax?
With a coordinated approach, "broadband-in-your-pocket" is within reach as a mass phenomenon. The Dutch Society will be able to experience Broadband-in-your-pocket from 2009 onwards.
What is the mission of Worldmax?
To be able to realize our growing demand for high-speed internet, Worldmax has developed an answer to customer needs: "broadband-in-your-pocket". Worldmax delivers the technological infrastructure and business framework to enable this new stage of adoption. Worldmax' mission is to enable and improve communication between people by offering "Broadband-in-Your-Pocket" accessibility.
Mobile Communications General
How do mobile communications work?
If you make a mobile call or send data, your notebook or phone connects to the closest transmitter/ receiver. This device will send your call or photo's and moving images to the person you want to connect with. Transportation via air will take place via radio waves. Traditional radio and television, navigation systems as well as baby phones also operate via radio waves.
What is the difference between GSM and UMTS?
GSM is a technique that has been used in the early nineties to transmit conversations and simple messages from and to mobile phones. Since the beginning of this century providers of mobile telephones are implementing a UMTS/HSDPA network. The UMTS network offers more possibilities than a GSM network, e.g. exchange of data at low speed.
Why do we need WiMAX next to GSM and UMTS?
WiMAX is needed because of the fact that the capacity of current technologies is not sufficient. GSM, UMTS/HSDPA are not equipped to handle the continuous demand of transportation of messages, photo's, moving images, etc. GSM and UMTS are not "internet based technologies." Just as its smaller brother, WiFi, WiMAX is specially developed for simple and fast communication via the internet.
Worldmax Products & Services
What kind of services does Worldmax deliver?
At this moment, Worldmax delivers nomadic wireless broadband services. This service is based on the Mobile WiMAX (IEEE 802.16e).
Please go to www.aerea.nl for a complete overview of our services.
What is broadband?
Broadband is a fast, high quality internet connection suitable for image and sound applications that exchange sizable data files or continues data streams, for example, television and video that have an always on connection.
What is WiMAX?
WiMAX is a world wide wireless standard technology defined by the telecom industry in cooperation with the WiMAX Forum (www.wimaxforum.org). This technique is an open standard and is fully optimised for internet data traffic. WiMAX makes mobile internet availability much faster than current available technologies.
Where can I actually buy services from Worldmax?
You can buy our service via our online store www.aerea.nl.
What are the advantages of WiMAX opposed to other mobile technologies?
Opposed to UMTS and other techniques, WiMAX is more efficient in usage of the available frequency space. This network enables us to send more information, faster and more cost efficient than via other networks.
WiMAX License
Is it legal for Worldmax to transmit signals?
In 2003, Worldmax has acquired a license from the government. This license entitles Worldmax to implement a national mobile network.
What is the difference between the license formerly owned by Ziggo/Casema and the license of Worldmax?
Ziggo's/Casema's WiMAX license expired 31 December 2007. Worldmax is the sole owner of the nationwide and exclusive 3.5 GHz license in the Netherlands.
What period of time will the Worldmax license be valid?
The license of Worldmax expires 31 December 2015.
What is the role of the Dutch government in releasing and acquiring licenses?
The Ministry of Economic Affairs is responsible for the frequency policy in the Netherlands. The frequency policy is aimed at efficient usage of space in the ether. Moreover, this policy draws up the rules for usages of the frequencies. This evolves mostly (mobile) telephony, radio and television broadcasting, communication via air, navigation and aid services. Usages of most of the frequencies are arranged via licenses. As for the distribution of scarce frequencies, Economic Affairs prefers to auction these licenses.
Mobile communications and our safety
Are transmitters safe for people?
Numerous researches have been done to be able to answer this question satisfactory. The results are clear, no indication has been found that radio waves of antennas cause health issues. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Health Commission agree with this conclusion. (source: VROM)
What are the effects of radio waves on people?
Research shows that the human body can be heated by exposure to radio waves. This exterior heating is a natural process that causes no problems for the human body. Similar effects will occur when you walk in the sun or take a warm bad. The degree of heating depends on the intensity of the radio waves and the span of exposure. Safety rules have been installed to prevent overly exposure to heating. These safety rules limit the permissible exposure and constrain possible heating to an absolute minimum. The positioning of antennas is developed in a way that the valid standards in public areas will never be exceeded. The influence on body temperature is therefore negligible, even when continuously exposed.
Who established the safety guidelines?
The standards are drawn up by an independent science commission in co operation with the World Health Organisation (WHO). The European Commission adopted these standards. A wide span of safety margins has been taken account for in setting up these exposure limits.
Does Worldmax comply with the safety guidelines?
Yes, measurements have shown that the ranges of radio waves in public areas in the Netherlands are far below the international standard. You can find more information on the most recent measurement reports at the website of the Antennebureau.
What do the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Health Commission say on the influence of wireless networks on our health?
According to the WHO and the Health Commission there are no indications that antennas or wireless networks cause long or short term health issues. Both organisations monitor the results of the health research closely. The influence of radio waves on our health is still being researched, not only on the human body, but also other effects. The Health Commission is monitoring the developments and the results of these surveys. When required, the Health Commission advises the First and the Second Chamber on the results. (Source: VROM)
What is the effect on children?
None. It is understandable that we want to give children extra protection. Research has shown that children do not react differently on the effects of radio waves than adults.
What research has been carried out on the influence on antennas and health?
In the past thirty years, a lot of research has taken place on the influence of radio waves on human health. There is more knowledge on this topic than for example on the influence of most chemical materials on our health. From the research results, the WHO concludes that exposure of people to radio waves, have no harmful consequences for our health. This evolves radio waves used by mobile telephones and networks as GSM, UMTS and WiMAX.
Will the government stop doing research on the effect of radio waves on health?
No, the government stays alert and monitors and stimulates research on the effect of radio waves on our health. An important task in this is reserved for the "Kennisplatform Elektromagnetische Velden en Gezondheid." This is an independent cooperative association of a Dutch knowledge centre and advisory bodies, where civilians and local government can receive up to date information on electromagnetic fields and health.
Is it allowed to place antennas for mobile communications near residential areas and schools?
Yes, this is allowed because antennas are installed according to a.o. "de Woningwet". Regulations of safety standards are being followed. There is no health risk and therefore no reason to ban antennas from residential areas and schools.
Will the number of antennas grow in period of time?
Due to the growing demand of wireless communications and the introduction of new technologies more antennas will be installed in the near future. Up till 2011 the number of locations will grow with approximately thirty to forty percent. The Netherlands have between 13.000 till 14.000 locations, with approximately 31.000 installed antennas. In the next couple of years antennas will be installed that enable wireless internet connection and digital radio and television. In December 2006 antennas for analogue television have been placed out of order. Eventually these types of antennas will disappear completely.