WiMAX - Opportunity or Threat for Satellite Communications?

Abstract

WiMAX is poised to become the key enabler of nomadic/mobile enterprise applications to ultimately foster anytime, anywhere digital lifestyles for consumers as well. Given ongoing progress in mobile WiMAX certifications, Intel' s push and Sprint' s multi-billion network build out acting as a catalyst, 2007 is considered an inflexion-point year toward accelerating widespread build out of mobile WiMAX networks.

WiMAX presents both opportunities and threats to the satellite industry in both developed and developing markets, simultaneously showing complementary and competing aspects, which even change as WiMAX makes its transition from fixed, to nomadic, to true mobile services. While interference from WiMAX is a serious issue to satellite C-band services, WiMAX increasing spectrum efficiency and coverage pose potential competition to rural satellite Ku/Ka broadband as well. However, WiMAX also brings opportunities for satellites ranging from WiMAX backhaul to digital divide programs to mobile TV, to DTH triple play and satellite mobile ATC-WiMAX integration.

This NSR report takes a look at the overall telecom environment, regional market considerations and trends to identify current and future WiMAX opportunities and threats for satellite service providers and operators.

• What opportunities does WiMAX present for satellite communications?
• Which regions will show the most demand for hybrid satellite-WiMAX services?
  • For WiMAX via satellite backhaul?
  • For WiMAX-satellite retail bundles?
• What are the complementary and competing aspects between WiMAX and satellites?
• What are the business timing considerations, due to the evolution of WiMAX, from fixed, to nomadic, to mobile?
• What is the additional threat of emerging Non-Line-of-Sight (NLOS) WiMAX deployments to satellite broadband?
• What are the implications of WiMAX interference to satellite C-Band?
• What are the synergies and issues for ATC - WiMAX integration?

Satellite Service Providers and Operators Satellite Equipment Vendors and Systems Integrators DBS Operators WiMAX Spectrum Holders Wireless and Satellite Broadband Service Providers Vendors Developing Satellite-WiMAX Solutions Any Other Companies Affected by the Cooperation/Competition Between Satellite and WiMAX