Mobile WiMAX Market Jumps a Third in Q1 2007

Mobile WiMAX equipment, which just started shipping enough product in the previous quarter to be appreciably counted, increased 35% in the first quarter of 2007, says Infonetics Research in its latest report. The small but fast growing outdoor wireless mesh access node segment is also posed for strong long-term growth, although worldwide revenue dipped 2% to $120.1 million in 1Q07 from 4Q06.

Meanwhile, after jumping 39% in 4Q06, the worldwide fixed WiMAX equipment market dropped 40% in 1Q07.

"The fixed WiMAX market could be inhibited by the launch of mobile WiMAX, but fixed remains viable where connectivity needs outweigh mobility needs, so this is just a growth blip following a strong previous quarter," said Richard Webb, wireless broadband analyst for Infonetics Research. "The mobile WiMAX ecosystem of components, equipment, handsets, and service providers is not yet fully realized and will take time, but we expect healthy growth. The key to a long- term future for these markets, including wireless mesh, will depend on how well these technologies work together with high speed cellular services in a multi-technology wireless environment."

Market Highlights

• The worldwide WiMAX equipment market (including fixed and mobile) is forecast to grow at a 5-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 70% between 2006 and 2010
• In 1Q07, Alvarion leads in fixed WiMAX equipment revenue share, followed by Airspan
• Tropos Networks is ahead of Strix Systems in the battle for leadership in outdoor mesh equipment revenue in 1Q07, while Motorola moves up to 3rd
• 35% of all fixed WiMAX equipment revenue came from Asia Pacific in 1Q07, 33% from EMEA, 18% from North America, and 14% from CALA; North America will lose share as the others gain share over the next few years

Posted to the site on 11th June 2007