Aug/Sept 2007

In a move that could give a further to boost the credibility of WiMAX as a mainstream mobile computing technology, Vodafone has joined the WiMAX Forum. Other big names in mobile telephony such as Motorola, NEC, Samsung and Sony Ericsson are already members.

WiMAX offers the potential for setting up mobile data 'cells' akin to those created by Wi-Fi, but operating over a far larger area. It has been slow to build up momentum, but some see it as eventually offering a strong challenge to GPRS and 3G telephony for mobile networking and Internet access.

Vodafone is presenting the step cautiously. Global chief technology officer Steve Pusey says it 'remains technology-neutral as far as our future network options are concerned,' adding: 'Joining the WiMAX Forum is a logical step as we seek to evaluate the full capabilities and potential of this technology.'

Underlining this neutrality, he points out that Vodafone is also a member of other key industry bodies such as the GSMA, 3GPP and the Next Generation Mobile Network initiative. Nevertheless, growing support from the mobile market is likely to give a boost to WiMAX.