The number of worldwide WiMax users will soar to 47 million over the next five years, according to Juniper Research.

The intelligence firm predicts that the broadband wireless technology will grow to be a popular replacement for DSL services, bringing in global revenue of $20bn (£10.1bn) per year by 2013. By this time, WiMax is forecast to have replaced 13 per cent of the DSL market.

The strength of the WiMax format is its versatility, according to Juniper analyst Howard Wilcox. The technology will initially be used to provide fixed broadband access, but will eventually provide a range of connection options.

"WiMax can deliver broadband not only to unwired areas, but can also improve speeds for subscribers who are on the fringe of DSL coverage in metropolitan areas," said Wilcox.

"We anticipate that mobile usage will develop after initial demand for fixed and portable services. WiMAX 802.16e is a flexible platform that can operate in all three modes of usage."