Fixed WiMAX Growth To Be Restricted By Widespread Adoption Of Mobile WiMAX

Hampshire, UK -- A new report from Juniper Research predicts that the number of Fixed WiMAX subscribers will grow from 1.3m in 2006 to 8.5m in 2011. However, the advent of certified Mobile WiMAX equipment in 2007 will lead to many subscribers adopting Mobile WiMAX instead of Fixed WiMAX.

Fixed WiMAX is expected to primarily serve as a last mile connection for fixed wireless broadband access to homes and businesses. There are also plans for it to be used as a backhaul solution for cellular, WiFi mesh and WiFi hotspot networks.

The initial growth for Fixed WiMAX is expected to occur largely in developed regions due to the high number of pre-Fixed WiMAX installations. But in due course countries/regions in the ‘developing world' like China, India and South America, will see a larger growth due to low broadband penetration levels. The report features country level forecasts with a breakdown between developing and developed regions.

According to the author of the report, Aditya Kaul, "The current activity and interest levels in the market suggest that the next 2-3 years will see a healthy adoption of Fixed WiMAX. On the other hand, Mobile WiMAX seems to be on track for an early release in 2007, which brings with it a superior standard, a fixed wireless option and an immense value add in mobility, making them complimentary as well as competitive solutions."

Other highlights and findings of the report include:

• The market for Fixed WiMAX equipment, which includes base station and CPE, is forecast to grow from $597m in 2006 to $1.4bn in 2011.
• The market for Fixed WiMAX services will see voice services taking a limited share of 11% of the total market in 2011, the rest of which will dominated by data services.
• Developed regions will see a larger focus on SME adoption, while the developing world will focus on residential users.

SOURCE: Juniper Research