Oct/Nov 2006

WiMAX, which in simplistic terms is like a long-range version of Wi-Fi wireless networking, has take a further step towards the mainstream with the launch by Azzurri Communications of a wireless broadband service in its home town of Hull. This follows previous launches in London and Oxford.

This is actually an example of fixed as opposed to mobile WiMAX, since it is primarily intended to replace other forms of broadband Internet connection. Azzuri is marketing it on the basis of offering improved Web hosting and business continuity, along with the latest features such as VoIP Internet phone calls.

However, every WiMAX roll-out brings further evidence of the effectiveness of the underlying technology, as well as raising awareness among all potential users, fixed and mobile.

Juniper Research has predicted that by 2012 mobile WiMAX will have become more popular than the fixed version, and some commentators think this will happen sooner. It has the potential to offer city-wide mobile Internet access with relatively few base stations, offering convincing competition with other current mobile technologies.