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WiMax will revolutionize the fixed wireless broadband (FWB) market as expected, but it will be primarily a solution for fixed carriers argues Pyramid Research’s newest report, “Positioning WiMax: How WiMax Stands Up To DSL, Cable, Wi-Fi and 3G.” A survey from the report revealed that industry players expect WiMax to be deployed largely by fixed operators and ISPs to provide backhaul and high-speed internet access.
Pyramid Research forecasts WiMax subscribers to reach 10.9m by 2009, with the majority on 802.16d networks, but 802.16e subscribers are expected to show a 64% CAGR from 2009-2012. Many of these WiMax subscribers will migrate over from existing FWB networks. Adoption levels will increase more significantly if the costs associated with network deployment and subscriber adoption drop even faster than anticipated. Operators in developing countries and rural markets will have a great opportunity to use WiMax for backhaul and broadband access.
With WiMax 802.16d coming to market later this year, fixed operators will be the primary adopters of the technology. WiMax will be used for backhaul (cellular and hot spot), access (Internet and wireless local loop), private enterprise application (campus networking) and public safety/surveillance. The next generation of WiMax, 802.16e, is expected to arrive on the market sometime in 2007 and promises to deliver mobility solutions. Fixed operators with 802.16d networks will be the first to upgrade and could allow for strong competition for mobile service revenues.
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