Archive for January, 2008

According to Juniper Research, a number of Asian countries, including Pakistan, will be the driving force behind the growth of Mobile WiMax, or the 802.16e standard. The Asia and Australia region is expected to capture more than 50% of the total WiMax market by 2013.

Pakistan was one of the first countries in the world to roll-out a functional WiMax service. Now, it seems to be witnessing an explosive growth in demand after Wateen Telecom’s launch of its WiMax service and roll-out plans by the likes of Mobilink.

Besides political instability, the lack of stable and cost-effective communications has been a major hurdle for Pakistan in becoming a major technology player. This availability of affordable wireless alternatives may offer some hope for the large pool of talented people that can help spur the growth of this sector.

WiMax hasn’t been seen as a serious threat to 3G or many of the existing technologies. That is, until now. The WiMax forum is planning an FDD profile for Mobile WiMax which may see the light of day as early as 6 months from now and would provide stiff competition to the competing standards. From this TechWorld article:

FDD WiMax could well be pitched head-on against HSPA, EVDO, LTE and other 3G technologies in the 2.5Ghz band….