Comments on: Can WiMax make it in the U.S.?

Sprint Nextel and Clearwire have called off their partnership to build a nationwide WiMax network, and the break could spell trouble for the technology.

[equisoft]

Technological barrier ?!?

Is there really a technological barrier of are we just seing some propagada designed to protect the communication industry? I think a lot of people would prefer WIMAX not going omni present because it's going to force a lot of changes that could transform the communication mediums and their business models as we know them today.

[USDecliningDollar]

Exactly

I think that you are correct in that the omni-presence of WIMAX would break the existing business models - with this in mind, it is clear to see that we are slaves of the corporations and government.

[bobpanoff]

Not all-or-nothing. There's a place for WiMax

The most successful networks and network business models are typically those that can most flexibly deliver a mix of high value applications, content, and services. Voice is increasingly a commodity, and 3G voice network providers face the prospect of becoming "dumb pipes" with low profits. Certainly, providers in the most mature European markets are already seeing difficulty in replacing declining voice revenues and profits with premium data services on their networks. Service providers need WiMax because it is much better suited for these applications. In addition, WiMax's economics are much better for aggregating rural traffic and bringing broadband connectivity to many under-served regions in the US. The UDS market is big, and certainly not homogenous, requiring a mix of technologies and network designs.

[mikebeg]

Some minor errors in the story

Hi,

there are a few minor errors in the story.

Mobile WiMAX was certified by ITU as a 3G technology (not 4G). Also Mobile WiMAX delivers peak data rates between 30 and 38Mbps (depending on how you configure the TDD asymmetrical properties). This does not qualify Mobile WiMAX as 4G (defined as peak data rates >100 Mbps).

The next evolution of 3G (HSPA) coming in the 2nd half of 2008 will deliver peak data rates of 28Mbps (almost the same as Mobile WiMAX) and after that peak data rates of 42Mbps (faster than Mobile WiMAX) in late 2009.

LTE will arrive in the market late 2009/early 2010 (not 2012) and deliver peak data rates up to 150Mbps.

UMB is a little later than LTE, arriving approx 1 year later.

Mobile WiMAX was always going to have a tough time in the markets where 3G has already been rolled out (except in some niche scenarios) and now it looks like it will have an even tougher time.

/Mike

[rshimizu12]

We should not worry to much over Sprint's fallback

The media is viewing Wimax as being a ISP technology. I believe that Wimax will be adopted by businesses and consumers as well.

I think the media is overreacting to the Sprint's decision to call off it's Wimax alliance with Clearwire

Wimax is new and the so is the supply of new equipment. So this drives up the cost for new buyers of Wimax equipment. Carriers and businesses will adopt Wimax as they begin to realize the benefits and potential profits.

[Quemannn]

Technology shakedown

It takes time until a technology gets attention.
Investors are shrewd enough to wait until a tilting point comes up. Some people like to believe data rate is the only way to measure new wireless technolgies, WiMAX, LTE, or UMB. But there are interoperability and adaptability that will be more missiion critical. Investors always want something visible, and for now, WiMAX does not have its flagship mobile equipment in the marketplace, which keeps wary investors blind to the bright future of mobile WiMAX. Every good investor doesn't have to a visionary but has to be an opportunist.

[samhyatt76]

Woe to WiMax naysayers

If it is a viable technology then why not pursue it. I will tell you why, because nobody wants to give up the already terribly intricate web of hotspots all over the place that users get screwed on. It is very difficult to go anywhere wirelessly. Can you be on the move and find a spot that is available through your carrier? Sure...but WHERE? It is a pain for anyone out in the field to find 'A' solution. You would have to spend, under the current "blanket" and average of $42 to $49 a day using daily log in plans or $60 to $100 a month to subscribe to multiple carrier plans for monthly access. What these companies need to do is regionalize their buy in into WiMax and engage in revenue sharing, but thatt is an impossible dream because nothing is for the greater good of the American people and its businesses anymore it is all about greed and who can be the next billionaire with a moon rocket in his backyard. What happened to the greater good? Just like Barron Hilton deciding to donate what would have been Paris' inheritance to a charitable group...WHY??? If Im that old and I am going to give that much money away ($1.5B) then I would get my butt out on the street and look and see where I could apply it where it would most benefit the people of this country. Anyways I am off-topic...my apologies...

[carlconger]

Re: the article " Can WiMax make it in the U.S.?"
Those of us in rural areas without cable, or outside the distance limitation of DSL have only satellite technology to even come close to high-speed internet service. Has anyone in the WiMax industry bothered to do a market survey of those of us in these areas? I agree that the "big-city" folks have ample choices for their broadband needs, but the rest of us need some help.