Oct/Nov 2007

In what is being celebrated as a major breakthrough for WiMAX long-range wireless networking, the ITU Radiocommunication Assembly (the UN telecoms agency) is reported to have agreed to treat WiMAX in a similar way to third-generation mobile phone technology.

The agreement actually says that when transmission spectrums are being allocated, WiMAX will be considered to belong to the same 'family' as the IMT-2000, which includes the dominant 3G technologies - UMTS and CDMA-2000.

Previously backers of WiMAX technology in Europe wanted access to spectrum in the 2.5-2.69GHz band (similar to Wi-Fi and other such technologies) on what is termed a technology-neutral basis.

When this proved difficult they switched to the IMT-2000, which seemingly has now achieved their desired objective by a different route.

 

WiMAX has been touted for some years as an alternative both to 3G mobile data and to fixed broadband connections, and trials are already in progress in the UK. ABI Research says in a new report that mobile operators and other service providers are planning mobile WiMAX (802.16e) networks all over the world, mainly in the 2.5 GHz and 3.5 GHz bands. ABI predicts that there could be 200 million people using mobile WiMAX devices by 2012.

WiMAX allows wireless Internet access, somewhat like Wi-Fi, but over much long distances (up to several miles). WiMAX chips are likely to be fitted in mobile computers as standard within the next couple of years, according to Intel.

Uncertainty over technology standards was one of several impediments to faster growth, so the new decision could have a significant effect on development and take-up of the technology.