AirStar is among the first of local companies to receive the MSC R&D Grant Scheme (MGS) approved by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment.

This research and development project is basically focussing on evaluating the wireless ATM technology for high communication usage in tropical climate during all weather conditions. This R&D project evaluates the performance level of wireless ATM Technology at 26 GHz in the CCIR P region of Malaysia (the toughest climate in the world),which is caused by the limitation of extensive rain attenuation that effect the wireless system in tropical regions. This R&D Project includes analysing of rain influence on wireless systems, monitoring the received signal level, and conducting a bit error testing and configuring the system.

We have just completed a R&D in wireless microwave point-to-point system in which it offers telecom carriers a “fibreless” alternative, which is expected to hit the market soon. The R&D project, commenced in July 1999, is collaboration with University Technology Malaysia (UTM) in Skudai, Johor.

Our objective is to develop a new prototype of Radio Transceiver Point to Point System based on 26GHz.

R&D will focus on enhancing the wireless microwave technology for high communication usage in tropical climate for all weather conditions in the 26GHz.

The R&D will then lead to manufacturing, supply and installing of AirStar’s own wireless products in line with the industry effort to develop the country’s wireless infrastructure in a fast and cost effective way.

The R&D has been a success and now we are proceeding with the commercialization of the project. By early 2005, we will be ready to see telecommunications companies (telcos) with our wireless point-to-point telecommunications systems that’ll meet the challenges of wide area network and metropolitan are network with high-speed wireless local loop solutions.

We recons the existing telecommunication networks optimised for voice, can’t handle the growing demand for multimedia traffic, what with the emergence of more Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC)- designated cities.

The advantages of commercialisation of the R&D project :

Will enhance development of government projects, medium-sized businesses, home offices, Internet users, campuses and cellular backhaul operators.

In future AirStar may plan to embark on future R&D projects and wish to focus on the wireless point-to-multipoint regardless to the demand for wireless communications technology and services in Asia that creates massive needs for the system deployment.