WiMAX Threatens 3G, Fixed Wireless

WiMAX provides the right mix of
features and pricing to appeal to consumers, though business users will provide more of a challenge, say researchers at In-Stat.

The commercial user frequently requires ubiquitous coverage, which will be an issue initially.

"While early WiMAX network coverage will not be as large as 3G cellular, it will be adequate to appeal to consumers," says Daryl Schoolar, In-Stat analyst.

"When respondents were presented with
service examples and picked the one they most preferred, the one representing WiMAX was picked more than two-to-one over the one representing 3G cellular data, he says

Respondents are very interested in a wireless broadband service that
will allow them to connect multiple devices under a single service
plan, Schoolar notes.

Respondents also say they want a service that can meet both their at home and away Internet needs.

For this reason, fixed broadband operators are vulnerable to losing subscribers to WiMAX.

Survey respondents reported increased usage of public wireless broadband between 2006 and 2007, with expectations for further increases in 2008.