SBMA to invest P160M in WiMax security network

THE SUBIC BAY METROPOLITAN Authority (SBMA) is investing about P160 million to build a security net powered by the rising star of wireless communications -- WiMax (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) technology.

SBMA Administrator and CEO Armand Arreza told the Inquirer that the government development arm is planning to acquire security cameras and install WiMax equipment all over Subic to connect these.

Arreza said that SBMA picked WiMax over other technologies because it is most suited to Subic’s mountainous terrain.

“From the airport to the central area, where we have our office, the distance is longer than Quezon City to Makati,” he said, adding that it would be better to use WiMax.

“We will be the one to make an investment on the infrastructure and then we will look for an operator to run it. Our primary goal is to have a wireless security network so we will not need all the bandwidth available. The operator can offer other services, including video streaming, and so on.”

Arreza added that SBMA will finalize plans before yearend so that the WiMax network can be deployed next year. By Riza T. Olchondra - Philippine Daily Inquirer