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Mobile WiMAX Technology Set to Make Huge Gains in Years to Come

7:00 am on November 27, 2006 | Category: Business, WiMAX, Wireless Technology

The mobile version of WiMAX broadband technology is in for rapid growth over the next few years, according to a recent report by market research firm, In-Stat.

At this point in time, there are an estimated total of 222,000 WiMAX subscribers worldwide, most of whom use the 801.16d fixed wireless version of the technology. The more recently standardized 802.16e mobile WiMAX specification will make up the bulk of future growth, however, In-Stat predicts, with the global penetration of both technologies reaching 19.7 million by the end of 2010.

WiMAX, which is often described as a longer-range version of Wi-Fi, has already begun to pick up steam in rural and remote markets where wired and cellular internet access is limited or non-existent. To gain market share in more densely populated regions, however, the technology will be in for some tough competition from a number of existing cellular broadband solutions.

“WiMax will have difficulty competing in areas that already have established broadband services,” commented In-Stat analyst, Daryl Schoolar, in the research firmâ€™s report. “WiMax will need to provide a demonstratively superior service to win customers from the incumbent provider.”

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