KINGS PARK, N.Y.-WiMAX vendors and service providers shouldn’t forego traditional fixed wireless markets as they target wireless opportunities, according to a report from Visant Strategies.
The research firm said fixed wireless will represent the “bread and butter” for WiMAX technology through 2009, providing the bulk of its expected 40-percent annual growth for the next several years. Visant predicted a $3.4 billion annual market for fixed and portable broadband WiMAX equipment by 2010.
“The market for cable modem and digital subscriber line replacement is expanding today while WiMAX in the mobile network remains two to four years away,” said Andy Fuertes, the report’s author. Political, technical and competitive challenges will stall the mobile WiMAX market as the industry works to finalize the 802.16e specification, according to the report.
“Certified mobile WiMAX equipment will arrive during or after 2007, and mobile carriers typically test new technologies from 12 months to 18 months before implementing them throughout the network,” Fuertes said.
