WiMAX is on Track to Compete For Dominance in the Wireless Markets

Maravedis today announced the publication of its fourth edition of "WiMAX and Broadband Wireless (Sub-11GHz) Worldwide Market Analysis and Trends 2006-2012" report. WiMAX is on track to compete for mainstream wireless markets according to Maravedis Report "Nothing points out the immediate course into mass market development than the planned introduction of multimode WiMAX mobile plus cellular semiconductors and devices" said Adlane Fellah, Senior Analyst at Maravedis, and co-author of the report.

The study exposes how the BWA market (sub-11GHz) has grown from US$562 million in 2004 to US$637 million in 2005, representing 18% of increase. According to Maravedis, the WiMAX-certified equipment will reach $140 million in 2006 representing 17% of the entire BWA industry, Furthermore, Maravedis predicts an accumulated 87 million BWA subscribers by the end of 2012, 67 million of which will be WiMAX subscribers.

Significant Regulatory Challenges

"While in most of Europe 2.5-2.69 GHz band is exclusively reserved for UMTS mobile services, the situation is evolving towards technology agnostic approach by regulators", said Fellah. The report provides important insights on spectrum availability and expected regulatory changes for 2006-2008 by region and key countries.

According to Robert Syputa, Senior Analyst of Maravedis and co-author of the report, "the major criticism against mass market acceptance of WiMAX has been the lack of spectrum. Multimode does more than just open up spectrum: Starting in 2008, WiMAX that combines seamlessly with cellular will open market access to hundreds of millions of existing wireless users. For operators positioned to leverage WiMAX, this is an economically viable and more immediate path to 4G than 3G-LTE for incumbent service providers who have access to mobile BWA spectrum."

Posted to the site on 13th September 2006