C/C/25. WiMAX: Mobile and broadband access technology

This paper examines the thrust of WiMAX technology in communication industry. It outlines IEEE 802.16 standards governing the deployment of WiMAX networks. It investigates the impact of WiMAX in a global wireless communication market, particularly its key market areas. It also examines the threat of WiMAX to 3G as well as comparing the technology performance between the two. Success factors and setbacks of WiMAX technology are also highlighted. The paper outlines the spectrum availability and licensing procedures of WiMAX with emphasis on operators' options to run WiMAX networks at 450 MHz, 700MHz, 1.9GHz, 2.3GHz, 3.5GHz, 4.9GHz and 5.9GHz. Technology time-to-market WiMAX is critically examined.