LONDON-Worldwide pre-WiMAX equipment sales rang up $16.4 million in 2004, and the market will grow to $124.5 million by the end of 2005, according to a report from Infonetics Research.
While the technology initially is being deployed as a wireless backhaul solution, it will begin to be used as a mobile application starting in 2007 once the 802.16e standard is ratified and WiMAX-capable devices hit the market, the firm said. Outdoor mesh network access nodes also represent a quickly growing wireless segment, with revenues expected to hit $110 million this year, according to Infonetics.
“WiMAX promises many strategic opportunities, not just as a backhaul solution for Wi-Fi, delivering additional bandwidth to hot spots, but potentially for 3G networks too,” said Richard Webb, who wrote the report. “WiMAX may become a viable DSL/cable broadband replacement technology for consumers, and may even offer nomadic or portable wireless Internet access for consumers and enterprise users. Operators could also use it to carry VoIP services.”
