With the Department of Telecommunications gearing up for simultaneous release of 3G and WiMax spectrum, analysts expect the two emerging wireless technologies to battle it out for supremacy.3G scores for voice; Wimax may lead to increased broadband penetration.
WiMax or Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access is a telecom technology that enables wireless transmission of data. The technology is available as IEEE 802.16D (fixed) and IEEE 802.16E (mobile). It offers downloads of up to 70 Mbps as compared to the 15 Mbps that 3G provides. Mobile WiMax offers download speeds of around 20 Mbps.
In India, companies l ike Tata Communications Internet Services, Intel, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd, Bharti Airtel and Reliance Communications are the proponents of WiMax. Most of the companies have had beta-runs of the technology.According to a top official with a service provider, telecom service providers are in various stages of WiMax implementation. Some companies have commercially launched fixed WiMax services in certain cities.
Another reason for the industry pinning its hopes on WiMax is its ability to increase the broadband penetration.Braham Singh, CEO of wireless broadband service provider, YouSnapper, says:
Digg
del.icio.us
Netvouz
DZone
ThisNext
MisterWong
Wists
Features