Global Mobile, a WiMAX operator in the northern half of Taiwan, has unveiled its first WiMAX/WCDMA dual-mode smartphone for launch in December 2011.

The chip of this smartphone is developed by MediaTek while Gemtek Technology is responsible for ODM production, company chairwoman Rosemary Ho indicated. Global Mobile has initially ordered 30,000 units of the smartphone and is talking with a 3G carrier about joint subsidization, Ho said.

Although Ho did not identify carrier, industry sources indicated that it is Vibo Telecom. Global Mobile plans to offer its second WiMAX/WCDMA dual-model smartphone model made by Quanta Computer in first-quarter 2012, the sources indicated.

Global Mobile has invested NT$3.5 billion (US$117 million) to set up WiMAX networks in the local market, covering at least 70% of the total population, Ho indicated, adding the company plans to add investment of NT$1.0 billion to expand its WiMAX coverage to 90%.

Global Mobile's WiMAX service offers a download speed of 75Mbps currently and it will be upgraded to 300Mbps in 2012, Ho said.