You are here: silicon.com > Networks > Mobile & Wireless

Mobile & Wireless

WiMax standards delay gives 3G and wi-fi the edge

But which standard to chose?

Tags: wimax

By Steve Ranger

Published: 8 December 2005 16:05 GMT

Continued delays in the WiMax certification process are posing a "real challenge" to the rollout of the long-range wireless broadband service in Europe.

The delays, combined with regulatory hold-ups, could give other technologies such as wi-fi and 3G a head start.

WiMax vendors have realised the need for common open standards, with the 802.16d standard the front runner.

While these vendors may claim to provide WiMax products at present, only a pre-WiMax solution exists and most vendors are undergoing the WiMax Forum certification testing for 802.16d standard, according to analyst Frost and Sullivan.

But once certification is available this will lead to a rollout of the fixed wireless service, the analyst predicted.

Frost and Sullivan senior research analyst, Luke Thomas, said in a statement: "Once fixed WiMax i.e. 802.16d equipment get WiMax certified, service providers would be more forthcoming in rolling out a nationwide WiMax service in the licensed bands."

The analyst house expects the first 802.16d certified products to hit the market in the first half of 2006. But this may give rival technologies a chance to gain momentum.

Thomas warned: "With continued delays in the certification process with 802.16d, and issues pertaining to spectrum allocation, other competing technologies such as wi-fi and 3G will gain more momentum within the European wireless industry."

The 802.16e mobile standard is only likely to be a ratified standard by the end of this year. This is not compatible with 802.11d, so service providers will need to decide whether to roll out the fixed wireless version or wait for the mobile option.

  1. Zones
  2. Management
  3. Networks
  4. Software
  5. IT Services
  6. Hardware
  1. Verticals
  2. Public Sector
  3. Financial Services
  4. Retail & Leisure

Read and write about internet access at the airports of the world at atlarge.com.

Peter Cochrane Peter Cochrane's Blog: How the telcos could save themselves Doomed network operators could thrive with a bit of innovation

Peter Cochrane Peter Cochrane's Blog: Facebook saves teen from prison Another unexpected impact of social networking


  • Jobs
Infrastructure Manager

As the Infrastructure Manager you will be leading a team of six highly skilled individuals in the UK and India and liaising with the different R&D ...

Software Architect

Software Architect This wireless comms semiconductor/silicon company is looking for a Software Architect, to assist systems architects on various ...

WLAN/Wi-Fi Account Manager (Major Telco) London, 60K+ 60K OTE

This is a high-profile, business-critical role within my client and as such will require an experienced Account Manager/Sales Manager who is able to ...

Agenda Setters 2009
Welcome to the ninth annual Agenda Setters poll – silicon.com's list of the top 50 most influential individuals in the technology and IT industries, from techies and CIOs to entrepreneurs and business leaders. Find out more in our latest special report.





Quick Sitemap Links: