Taiwanese handset maker Hon Hai Precision Industry, also known as Foxconn Technology Group, is among the seven bidders for a 4G licence in Taiwan.
The move highlights the company’s strategy to diversify its activities by entering the services…
Taiwanese handset maker Hon Hai Precision Industry, also known as Foxconn Technology Group, is among the seven bidders for a 4G licence in Taiwan.
The move highlights the company’s strategy to diversify its activities by entering the services sector.
Foxconn is the main manufacturer of iPads and Iphones. Besides Apple, its main customers include Sony and Nintendo but, according to the Wall Street Journal, Foxconn’s revenues from PC and phone manufacturing have been slowing down.
The company was not immediately available for comment.
Taiwan’s National Communications Commission revealed that the other applicants for a 4G licence include Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan Mobile, Far EasTone, and Asia Pacific Telecom.
Shortlisted applicants will be announced by the end of August while the auction itself will take place in September. It is expected that a total of six licences will be awarded.
Taiwan is looking to offer capacity in the 700 MHz band, currently utilised by the military. The chosen spectrum will be allocated alongside frequencies in the 900 MHz and 1800 MHz, used for 2G operations.
The government was previously expected to wait until July 2015 to issue those licences because it was planning to retrieve some 2G spectrum that expires in June 2015.
By bringing forward the date for the issuance of licences, the government is reportedly hoping to catch up with South Korea, where 4G services are being rolled out.
Although the mobile penetration level is above 100% in Taiwan, only 3G services are currently available to customers.
