Juniper Research: "Last Mile" WiMAX subscribers to reach 47 million within 5 years

WiMAX will begin to take off over the 2009 to 2011 period, exceeding 47 million subscribers globally by 2013, according to a new analysis of the global opportunity for WiMAX 802.16e to deliver "local loop" broadband connectivity. A region by region analysis by Juniper Research found that there is a significant opportunity now for WiMAX as a DSL substitute technology. The study explored how WiMAX is well suited to rapid deployment in the many underserved areas, not only in developing areas, but also in developed countries. Highlights from the report include:

• Global WiMAX service revenues, as a DSL replacement technology, will grow to over $20bn per annum by 2013.
• The top WiMAX regions for DSL substitution will be: The Far East, North America, Western Europe and Africa/Middle East.
• Around 12% of the forecast DSL subscriber base for 2013 will be replaced by WiMAX.

However, the report cautions that the two key issues dictating take-up for this technology will be the availability of suitable devices, and timely network construction. Service providers need to complete build programmes on time in order to achieve sustainable WiMAX based businesses and they also need to translate the many, usually well-publicised trials, into commercial networks offering reliable and attractively-packaged services. Whitepapers and further details of the study "The Last Mile: Opportunities for WiMAX, 2008-2013" can be freely downloaded from Juniper Research's website . --- Related Articles at IntoMobile:

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