Mobile WiMax could restrict fixed systems

Portable wireless technology may slow growth of stationary version, report warns

Fixed WiMax adoption is going to be blocked by widespread uptake of mobile WiMax, according to a report by Juniper Research.

Analysts at the firm believe that even though fixed WiMax systems will grow from 1.3 million this year to 8.5 million in 2011, the advent of mobile WiMax in 2007 will stunt its growth.

Report author Aditya Kaul says the current activity and interest levels in the market suggest that the next 2-3 years will see a healthy adoption of Fixed WiMAX.

'On the other hand, mobile WiMax seems to be on track for an early release in 2007, which brings with it a superior standard, a fixed wireless option and an immense value add in mobility,' he said.

Initial development for fixed WiMax will be likely to happen in the developed countries where infrastructure is most advanced, the report says.

However, this will soon be overtaken by developing countries like China and India where broadband infrastructure is low.

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