While some industry observers and vendors think WiMAX wireless broadband will be wildly successful and others believe it will fizzle, the truth undoubtedly lies somewhere between, according to a study released Thursday by ABI Research.
The study noted that those who don't give WiMAX much of a chance typically are selling non-standardised wireless broadband products while WiMAX vendors tend to be wildly optimistic about the technology's chances.
Phil Solis, a senior analyst for the research firm, noted that WiMAX will compete with DSL and cable access, but really will be most successful when sold to consumers who don't have access to either.
In addition, while the mobile version of WiMAX will compete against 3G offerings from wireless operators, it also will complement 3G, Solis said.
Specifically, he said WiMAX can serve as backhaul from 3G towers to internet backbones. It also will serve well as backhaul from Wi-Fi hotspots, he noted.
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