Nov/Dec 2004

WiMAX wireless broadband technology could present a serious challenge to 3G data networks within five years, according to US-based analyst TelecomView. It says WiMAX could replace both fixed and 3G mobile phone-based broadband for many applications.

What's WiMAX anyway? In simple terms, it's something like a very wide-area Wi-Fi. Whereas standard 802.11b Wi-Fi wireless networking has a range of about a mile at the very most, 802.16 WiMAX can extend to 30 miles.

WiMAX "will be a clear winner among the new high-speed wireless technologies," according to TelecomView, and will compete directly with fixed DSL broadband. The business case for wireless broadband is significantly better than for 3G, the organisation argues, and in the case of WiMAX, is close to that of fixed broadband.

The vision for WiMAX is that it could provide wireless broadband Internet access to whole areas, almost like a series of joined-up Wi-Fi hotspots.