Taiwan’s WiMAX operator Global Mobile is planning to switch over to LTE technology from WiMAX.

Taiwan’s WiMAX operator Global Mobile is planning to switch over to LTE technology from WiMAX.

Global Mobile’s current infrastructure and base stations are running on WiMAX technology, however they are compatible with LTE, according a report by Taipei Times.

When Global Mobile’s WiMAX coverage hits more than 70 percent, the company will apply to the government to change its license from WiMAX to LTE, chairperson Rosemary Ho said.

To hit the 70 percent coverage target, Global Mobile has to have at least 1,000 base stations deployed — a number which Ho said should be achieved by the end of this year.

However, “the switch to LTE has several hurdles to overcome,” Ho said, adding that one is commercial viability, because LTE equipment is far costlier than WiMAX equipment, and that will dampen consumers’ willingness to subscribe.

Global Mobile is aiming 160,000 subscribers this year and expects to expand its user base to 250,000 in 2012.