What is WiMax?

WiMAX is a wireless digital communications system, also known as IEEE 802.16, that is intended for wireless “metropolitan area networks”.   WiMAX can provide broadband wireless access (BWA) up to 30 miles (50 km) for fixed stations, and 3 – 10 miles (5 – 15 km) for mobile stations.  In contrast, the WiFi/802.11 wireless local area network standard is limited in most cases to only 100 – 300 feet (30 – 100m).

With WiMAX, WiFi-like data rates are easily supported, but the issue of interference is lessened.   WiMAX operates on both licensed and non-licensed frequencies, providing a regulated environment and viable economic model for wireless carriers.

WiMAX can be used for wireless networking in much the same way as the more common WiFi protocol.  WiMAX is a second-generation protocol that allows for more efficient bandwidth use, interference avoidance, and is intended to allow higher data rates over longer distances.

The IEEE 802.16 standard defines the technical features of the communications protocol.  The WiMAX Forum offers a means of testing manufacturer’s equipment for compatibility, as well as an industry group dedicated to fostering the development and commercialization of the technology.

Soon, WiMAX will be a very well recognized term to describe wireless Internet access throughout the world.

India-270 million 3G subscribers by 2013′

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India likely to have 270 million 3G subscribers by 2013′

New Delhi: India is likely to have 270 million 3G subscribers by 2013, becoming the leading 3G market
among emerging countries. Research agency Strategy Analytics’ VP, Wireless Practice, David A Kerr said,
“In terms of subscribers, India is going to be the largest market for 3G users among all emerging
markets…India could have 270 million users subscribing to 3G services by 2013.”
Currently, the country’s overall mobile subscriber base is around 290 million.
The research agency informed that 3G subscribers would account for over one third of the total wireless
subscribers by 2013. In the beginning, most of the subscribers would be from metro and ‘A’ category cities,
with the user base mostly comprising of enterprises and business customers. “India has 700 million
untapped customers and it is very much possible to have 270 million 3G subscribers in next five years,”
revealed Kerr. “At the initial stage corporate and enterprise users as well as tech-savvy young generation
would drive this market,” he added.
The guidelines for 3G services have been issued, and the Government hopes to introduce the services by
December.