News

30 November 2006

 

WiMAX gaining momentum, but unlikely to threaten 3G in Asia/Pacific this decade

Telecom providers have made significant efforts to compete with wireless 3G services with various broadband wireless technology (BWA) in the Asia/Pacific market, says market research firm In-Stat in its report 'Cellular vs. Wireless Broadband in Asia/Pacific'. However, for at least another five years, BWA in the form of WiMAX is unlikely to pose a big threat to 3G, as it will take longer to mature.

"Telecom providers introduced BWA technologies to tap into the wireless trend, accelerate wide market diffusion, and to provide consumers with an alternative or complementary value proposition," says analyst Bryan Wang. "However, a lack of standardization and interoperability issues has not augured well in adoption rates for most proprietary BWA technologies."

In-Stat has found that:

• Wi-Fi proved not to be a successful business model, but WiMAX is now gathering momentum and is expected to reach 14m subscribers by 2011.
• Cellular subscribers reached 859m, with over 130m 3G users in the Asia/Pacific region in 2005.
• Mobile WiMAX devices are expected to be available starting from late 2007.

Visit: http://www.in-stat.com