The VeriSign Custom Device Certificate Service (CDCS) allows embedding X.509-standard digital certificates into all WiMAX Forum Certified hardware devices based on IEEE 802.16-2004 and ETSI HiperMAN 1.2.1 standards.

"VeriSign's mission is to create and operate transformational infrastructures that become indispensable to society," said Nico Popp, vice president, Authentication Services for VeriSign.

"WiMAX promises a whole new level of data access flexibility that will be much less location specific for customers. This type of robust mobile, portable or fixed broadband access will be unprecedented, encouraging innovation and improved services," he said.

"VeriSign has proven experience creating interoperable trust models, and demonstrated a deep understanding of the WiMAX requirements, giving us the confidence that they are the best choice to secure the millions of WiMAX devices that will be deployed," said Ron Resnick, president and chair, WiMAX Forum. "VeriSign met the WiMAX requirements for a PKI Trust Model and can provide scalable, robust PKI trust services to our more than 350 member corporations worldwide."

Using strong certificate-based authentication allows service providers to ensure network access, digital content and software services can be secured from unauthorised access.

Austar and Unwired are likely to be the two major providers of high-speed WiMAX wireless broadband Internet access in Australia as they hold the rights to the spectrum normally associated with the technology.

Telstra, alternatively, is focussing on advances in GSM mobile phone technologies toprovide wireless broadband access.

Source: Verisign