WiMAX: 2008 through 2013

Abstract

This study is an assessment of WiMAX equipment and service opportunities through 2013 within the mobile and traditional fixed wireless segments. Special attention is placed upon the competitive position of mobile WiMAX verses existing and future 3GPP and 3GPP2 mobile platforms (HSPA , EV-DO, LTE and UMB) and the potential impact 802.16e and 802.16m will have upon the mobile market.

Key trends and challenges to success are considered such as use of femtocells, availability of Wave 2 MIMO equipped devices, fixed vs. mobile services, spectrum availability, and potential for WiMAX within laptops and other devices. Analysis is also provided regarding the impact of mobile carriers' expected roll out of mobile WiMAX deployment.

The role of WiMAX within the traditional DSL/cable modem replacement segment is also carefully studied as this segment constitutes the industry' s main revenue source. Also detailed is the expected growth on several traditional WiMAX bands and on new bands utilized for fixed and portable applications.

Mobile and fixed WiMAX base station annual shipments and cumulative deployments are given as are revenues for the yearly shipments with all figures segmented by region. WiMAX subscribers and revenues are quantified and segmented by application and also broken down according to region and radio band.

BWA subscribers and revenues are also given as are shipments and revenues for WiMAX phones, CPE, modems, and chipsets. WiMAX user device shipments and chipsets are segmented according to operating band, and standard revision (802.16e, "802.16d," and 802.16m). Wave 2 devices, chipsets shipments and revenues are also provided. All forecasts are given through 2013.

The study provides two sets of forecasts for all figures with one set assuming a more limited mobile WiMAX deployment.

• Wave 2 Devices and Technology (MIMO)
• Fixed and Mobile Applications
• Competition from LTE, HSPA, EV-DO, and UMB
• 802.16m, 802.16e, and 802.16d
• Mobile WiMAX deployments
• Embedded WiMAX devices and Laptops
• Technical and Market Challenges to Mobility
• Vendor Market Share
• Regional WiMAX Market Opportunity

This report has been prepared in order to assess the global opportunity and potential of fixed and mobile WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access). In doing so, it analyzes existing wireless technologies and the potential of leading and future technologies on the segment. It considers competitors to WiMAX from both the traditional fixed line and mobile industries and it details the potential for WiMAX to disrupt existing mobile technology migration paths. Sources and Methodology

This report is the result of primary and secondary research. Primary research involved the use of a non-disguised judgment sampling. Interviews were conducted with marketing, engineering, and business development executives from various wireless operators and vendors. Secondary research sources included government agencies, industry associations, company reports, databases, journals, etc. Collected data was then interpreted and presented by an experienced analyst.

Visant studies are the result of primary and secondary research. Analysts gather information via interviews with marketing and engineering executives and through corporate reports, databases, and other secondary sources. Evaluations are made based on the current performance of various components of a particular technology, including need or expected need, market potential, technology evolution, maturation, price points, and the companies and resources being put towards the development or deployment as well as political considerations, when necessary.