WiMax may pose fresh challenge to broadband

Emerging wireless technology, backed by cell phone pioneer McCaw and others, is poised to compete with cable, DSL.

The story "WiMax may pose fresh challenge to broadband" published February 28, 2005 at 10:07 AM is no longer available on CNET News.

Content from Reuters expires after 30 days.

[domcelyea]

85 Percent , they must be on drugs

Where do they get that 85 percent of the population has access to broadband? Must be some foreign country they are talking about. Rural America does not have broadband unless they go to DirecWay, which is extremely pricey and not much better than dialup.

85 percent is absolutely wrong

Someone seems to have the numbers wrong.
Of the population of the entire US, only about 40% of the people have access to hi-speed connections (not counting the 'one-way' satellite option - which is around $100/mo).
I live in a rural area. If a provider setup WiMax at the edge of the city limits, they could almost DOUBLE the number of potential customers.
Instead of trying to wring out another 3-8% subscriber growth in areas with multiple vendors, how about opening hi-speed up to the 60% of the US that cannot get it?
How about spending time to make my freaking cell phone work 100% of the time?