WiMAX is between a crock and a hard place
Will the broadband play on?
AN ANALYST reckons that the failed alliance between Sprint Nextel and Clearwire means it’s no means certain that WiMAX has a future.
Andrew Parkin-White, principal analyst at Analysys, claimed this year is make or break for the wireless broadband tech.
"Several WiMAX networks were launched in developing markets in 2007, but most were small in scale and, given the low disposable income in these countries, operators will need to revise their business models if the cost of mobile WiMAX CPE continues to be high."
He also claims that alternative technologies like LTE are likely to offer advantages over WiMAX for mobile network operators and their customers.
“The future for WiMAX does not look healthy,” he said. µ
Comments
Downgraded
WiMAX is being downgraded to a complementary technology for cellular operators, rather than being the "ultimate" wireless technology.Last mile vs cell phone
When I first heard of WiMAX, it was being sold as a last mile solution - getting rid of the monopoly over wired links to the house/office that are dominated by the telco or cable TV operators. Now it's being bandied about as the ultimate cellphone connectivity solution. It may be a lack of focus as much as anything else that is the problem....
Analysts are often idiots too.