The only hope for WiMax operations in South Asia will be India, according to the Yankee Group, since even in countries like the US and other advanced nations, the technology “cannot be rated as successful”.
WiMax or Worldwide Inter-operability for Microwave Access is a telecommunications technology that provides wireless transmission of data using a variety of transmission modes.
The wireless technology is said to deliver 70 Mbps over 50 kilometres. It, however, can either operate at higher bitrates or over longer distances but not both. Fixed WiMAX networks typically have a higher-gain directional antenna installed near the client (customer) which results in greatly-increased range and throughput.
Mobile WiMAX networks are usually made of indoor “customer premises equipment” (CPEs) such as desktop modems, laptops with integrated Mobile WiMAX or other Mobile WiMAX devices.
Even though some operators like Bharti Airtel, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (along with Soma Networks) and Reliance Communications (RCom) have begun offering WiMax services, the industry is awaiting allocation of Broadband Wireless (BWA) spectrum to offer full-fledged services.
At present, companies are offering WiMax services on 3.3 GHz, and with the government allocating the 2.3 and 2.5 GHz spectrum (considered superior), these firms would be able to offer full-fledged WiMax services. The telecom ministry had earlier announced simultaneous allocation of both 3G and BWA spectrum, which is yet to happen.
Bharti Airtel had earlier announced plans to launch services across 300 cities, while RCom has launched services in Bangalore and Pune, and BSNL across in Gujarat, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh. The WiMax Forum (India Chapter) had estimated that the delay in auctioning Broadband and Wireless Access (BWA) spectrum will cost the country around $2.2 billion (Rs 10,500 crore), excluding the estimated Rs 4,000-crore spectrum fee.
“We have Tata Communications leading the way here, with the company already rolling out fixed WiMax services and mobile (WiMax) services expected to follow soon. There is some hope for the technology in the country,” Yankee Group Senior Vice President Ashvin Vellody told Business Standard.
It would be a shame if the goverment, i.e. the Telecom Ministry does not endorse WIMAX. The father of WIMAX and MIMO ( an integrel part of the WIMAX offering) is Professor Arogyaswami J Paulraj of Stanford University, CA. He designed the sonar systems being used by the Indian Navy, while a serving officer in the navy.
With the election and recent terrorist attacks, the babu mentality has prevailed. BWA will bring internet access to remote areas of India, that would likely not happen for generations. The rural areas will therefore be able to access and contribute to the global economy, much as the cellular technology has done in the cities. The virgin minds of the rural youth can unleashed and harnessed for the betterment of the country.
Thanks.
Tata, Reliance, etc. are offering 3.3Ghz which is an unlicensed band and is prone to interferences. While BSNL is rolling our WiMAX with Soma Networks, Inc of US, on 2.5GHz which is the spectrum for BWA. BSNL has been allocated the spectrum, other private operators will get this when after the auction which won't happen until after elections and hence they are using unlicensed band to stay in Wireless Broadband using wiMAX. Amit
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The only hope for WiMax operations in South Asia will be India, according to the Yankee Group, since even in countries like the US and other advanced nations, the technology “cannot be rated as successful”.
