WiMAX is available in 2006 for commercial deployment. Infrastructure: requires backhaul to feed wireless network, base stations. The spectrum uses both licensed and unlicensed band.

WiMAX is a strong contender for high mobility enterprise applications. As the cost of WiMAX approaches that of WiFi, WiMAX becomes the next generation of wireless broadband technology. WiMAX targets multiple site mass metropolitan applications.

WiMAX is a lot like WiFi, but unlike WiFi's 200 Meter range, WiMAX has a reach of one to 25 to 30 KM, offering a way to bring the Internet to entire communities without having to invest billions of dollars to install phone or cable networks. WiMAX can deliver favorable cost, reach, security, and usability.

During the aftermath of hurricane Katrina in the U.S. gulf coast, the communications infrastructure collapsed, except for WiMAX, putting a spotlight on market opportunities for broadband wireless systems for all major metropolitan areas. UTStarcom equipment was used in combination with WiMAX switches to achieve connectivity.

Within five hours of the arrival of graduate students with a wireless network after hurricane Katrina struck the gulf coast, anyone with a laptop at the hospital where the network was installed could send e-mail, surf the Web and send instant messages. With an Internet telephone, they could make and receive calls over the connection that is similar to a low-priced DSL link.

To expand coverage, the students deployed broadband wireless equipment to set up additional wireless access points and mesh them together to form a single cloud that could extend for more than 10 miles. The military-grade equipment works even if one node goes down.

Worldwide WiMAX switch wireless WiMAX market forecasts at $34.5 million dollars are at 2005 anticipated to reach $19.9 billion by 2011. Broadband wireless markets are anticipated to grow as a result of the lower cost of implementing infrastructure using the WiMAX systems.

Key Topics

WiMAX Market Shares and Forecasts
WiMAX Market Driving Forces
Wireless Communications Market Trends
WiMAX Applications
Broadband Fixed Wireless Access Advantages
Wireless Networking
WiMAX Wireless Price/Performance Products
WiMAX Forum Certification Laboratory
Wireless Network Technologies
WiMAX Forum
Business Center Technology
Wi-Fi Alliance
Wireless Mobility For Small Business
Wireless Enhances Productivity
Hot Spot Access Points

Report Methodology
This is the 260th report in a series of market research reports that provide forecasts in communications, telecommunications, the internet, computer, software, and telephone equipment. The project leaders take direct responsibility for writing and preparing each report. They have significant experience preparing industry studies. Forecasts are based on primary research and proprietary data bases. Forecasts reflect analysis of the market trends in the segment and related segments. Unit and dollar shipments are analyzed through consideration of dollar volume of each market participation in the segment. Market share analysis includes conversations with key customers of products, industry segment leaders, marketing directors, distributors, leading market participants, and companies seeking to develop measurable market share. Over 200 in-depth interviews are conducted for each report with a broad range of key participants and opinion leaders in the market segment.