WiMAX Becoming Super-Fast – Analyst Blog

The next-generation (4G) WiMAX network architecture still enjoys commendable growth potential and generates enthusiasm among several global telecom service providers. Recently, WiMAX Forum and the Institute Electronics and Electrical Engineers (IEEE), have taken initiatives to accelerate the development of WiMAX technology evaluation. The new advanced WiMAX standard is called as “WiMAX 2″.

 

Through WiMAX, broadband service providers will offer an alternative to cable and digital subscriber lines technology. The technology provides a low-cost, open network system with an all IP mobile Internet solution that enables efficient and scalable networks for voice, data, and video transmission. WiMAX has enormous potential to close the digital gap between competitive urban markets and underserved rural markets.

 

“WiMAX 2″ is designed to attain a peak download speed of 300 Mbps utilizing channel stacking techniques, greater frequency re-use and more complex arrays of smart antennas. The new speed is likely to be at par with the competing 4G LTE technology. However, it is still not clear when WiMAX Forum will certify the advanced WiMAX standard that will support interoperability among WiMAX service providers and easy interface for application development.

 

Major beneficiaries of this large scale WiMAX network deployment will be the WiMAX network infrastructure solutions providers. Motorola Inc. (MOT), Alvarion Ltd. (ALVR), Samsung Electronics, and Huawei Technologies are the prominent WiMAX equipment makers. In the U.S. Clearwire Corp. (CLWR) has started deploying its nationwide WiMAX networks. The largest two cable MSO in the country, namely, Comcast Corp. (CMCSA) and Time Warner Cable Inc. (TWC) have started offering WiMAX services using Clearwire’s network.

 

Outside the U.S., the government of India has decided to allocate spectrum for the WiMAX network together with 3G technologies. Chunghwa Telecom (CHT) of Taiwan, P.T. Telekomunikasi (TLK) of Indonesia, Aria SPA of Italy, and Mobitel Nigeria have decided to implement WiMAX broadband solutions. Millicom International Cellular (MICC), a leading telecom service provider in Central America and Africa, is also exploring an option to implement the WiMAX network.