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WiMAX stands
for ‘Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access’.
It’s primarily a telecommunications technology, designed
with an objective of providing wireless data over long
distances in a number of ways. These ways could range
from full mobile cellular type access to point-to-point
links. Also known as WirelessMAN, it is based on IEEE
802.16 standard. The best part about Wimax is the
facility it allows to the users like browsing different
sites on a laptop without even physically connecting the
laptop to a wall jack. Wimax Forum is credited to coin
the term ‘Wimax’. This Wimax Forum was established in
summer of 2001 to promote conformance and
interoperability of the standard. |
As per the definition of this
forum, Wimax can be defined as "a standards-based technology
enabling the delivery of last mile wireless broadband access as
an alternative to cable and DSL."
Wimax in India: From India’s point of view, it has been
projected that by 2012 India will have almost 28 million Wimax
users. In other words, impressive figure of 20% out of all
global Wimax subscribers. The projections further estimate that,
of the 28 million Wimax users, 70% will be using mobile and
portable Wimax devices to access broadband Internet services.
However, there are several obstacles in between projected
estimate and actually realizing that number.
The important factor would be customer service, infrastructure,
pricing and finally gradual technological advancement in Wimax
as will be seen in promised delivery of the goods. However,
things have started well with increasing sales of PCs and
growing usage of broadband.
Consumers will also have different option in from of LTE
technology which is another wireless broadband technology and
waiting in the wings. Wimax is relatively a new thing in India
and that explains its low subscriber base and high monthly
prices. But then, it also assures users of a smooth working
experience. Problems like last mile connectivity issues or the
non-viability of installing wired connections in remote areas
are alien concepts to Wimax users.
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