WiMAX subscriber base to cross 133 mn by 2012

BANGALORE, INDIA: WiMAX Forum, a worldwide consortium focused on global adoption of WiMAX, said that mobile WiMAX subscriber base in India would touch 19 million by 2012, and the same would be 133 million globally.

This projection was presented here during a panel discussion on Friday, which revolved around the global spectrum allocations and auctions of WiMAX.

The panel was chaired by C.S.Rao, chairman, WiMAX Forum India chapter. It also comprised a panel of visiting experts including Fred Campbell, Jr. president and CEO, Wireless Communications Associations International (WCAI); Tadashi Shinohara of KDDI, Japan; Alan Chisholm, Regulatory Working Group; Harry Perlow, specialist from Clearwire and a WiMAX Forum representative.

The panelists spoke about the global the spectrum allocations and auctions in WiMAX. They said that there are over 455 WiMAX commercial networks spanning over 135 countries.

WiMAX delivers highest wireless and mobile broadband speeds. It provides an average speed capability of 6Mbps DL and 512 Kbps UL.

“The WiMAX services offer consumers broadband connectivity and mobile Internet anywhere and anytime for any device and on any network,” said C.S.Rao.

“The purchase and the installation of WiMAX technology is faster, simpler and cheaper than other offered technologies,” he pointed out.

WiMAX has over 1700 global spectrum auctions in 140 countries till date since 2006.

While touching upon the network strength of WiMax, Fred Campbell, said, “The global WiMAX infrastructure covers over 430 million population today and expected to cover 800 million population by 2010.”

WiMAX operates in 2.3, 2.5 and 3.5 Ghz bands and conforms to IMT 2000 and ITU- R standards. The major global WiMAX service providers are Sprint, USA; KT, Korea; WorldMax, Europe etc while the Indian Telcos are BSNL, TCL, RCOM, Airtel to mention a few.

Rao later touched upon the facts that led to the delay of WiMAX launch in India and said that the launch would take place as per scheduled during July.