WiMAX: The rebel broadband
9 February 2005
News
WiMAX is a hot topic. The problem is, according to technology research group, In-Stat, there is more disinformation out there, from both sides, than there is solid fact.
On the one hand, there are those that talk about WiMAX reaching speeds of 70 Mbps at 30 miles and becoming the dominant form of broadband within three years. These statements are no more accurate than saying cars can go 250 mph with a fuel efficiency of 70 mpg and every human on the planet will have one by the end of the decade.
While there are cars that can reach 250 mph and some can hit 70 mpg, no one car can do both. Also, not everyone on the planet needs a car.
On the other hand, there are those that say WiMAX will fail because MMDS (multichannel multipoint distribution service) did, and that the cellphone companies will have no interest in WiMAX, so no one will back it. These statements are equally as false as the above.
To say that, because a previous generation of technology failed, a future generation will also, would be to imply that, because ISDN failed to reach critical mass, so too will DSL. We know this did not happen and it seems likely that WiMAX will similarly succeed where MMDS failed. Plus, there are numerous service providers that are part of the WiMAX forum.
A presentation, by Eric Mantion, that separates the truth from the hype, is available for free download from www.in-stat.com/e/8BD74E/6716F8/corpreg/wp_wimax.asp
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