Even though some analysts are predicting that the credit
crunch will dampen the development of technology based on the WiMAX
broadband standard, new research is suggesting that low cost mobile
computing devices will drive service uptake.
A recent survey by Infonetics Research has found that
sales of fixed and mobile WiMAX
equipment and phones/Ultra Mobile PCs dropped 21% to
$245 million in 3Q08 from 2Q08 and that sales are expected to
continue to fall throughout 2009.
Yet when it comes to portable/mobile devices, argues technology
research firm In-Stat, the bulk of
early WiMAX device shipments will be in the form of external laptop
clients and embedded mobile PCs.
In-Stat predicts that even though
WiMAX device growth will be challenged by current 3G services,
LTE, and the current economic climate, the annual WiMAX device
shipments will break the 10 million mark in 2010.
It expects future WiMAX devices will contain multi-band radios
and chipsets that support both LTE and WiMAX. Growth in both
external clients and laptops will likely benefit from the lower
cost of the technology compared to cellular and in some cases, lack
of service contracts. In-Stat argues that these devices will
attract both monthly subscribers and session-based users.
"WiMAX will grow by meeting pent-up demand and offering users a
lower cost alternative to existing services," suggested Daryl
Schoolar, In-Stat analyst. "There will be different classes of
operator control over devices. Despite what some technology
advocates have said, not all WiMAX devices will follow the Wi-Fi
model of full consumer ownership and control."