ECS reportedly to step out of WiMAX business

Elitegroup Computer Systems (ECS), which has investments in WiMAX, is reportedly planning to quit its WiMAX business, according to sources from WiMAX players. ECS' decision is believed to have been spurred by Intel's closing down of its WiMAX Program Office, but ECS has declined to comment on the rumors.

ECS started developing WiMAX modules in 2009 and originally planned to launch related products such as notebooks, handsets and mobile Internet devices (MIDs) in 2010.

However, affected by the WiMAX industry's uncertainty in the future, executives and technicians of the company's WiMAX department have started leaving and the business is generating monthly losses of NT$10 million for the company.

If ECS closes down its WiMAX department, ECS is expected to distribute related personnel to other departments.