Indian Operators' Adoption of WiMAX Technology Demonstrates
Strength of Ecosystem, Flexibility to Meet Country's Broadband Needs
PORTLAND, Ore.--(Business Wire)--
The WiMAX Forum(R) projects that more than 27.5 million Indians
will be WiMAX users by 2012. Additional data from this recent WiMAX
Forum study estimates that approximately 70 percent of the forecasted
WiMAX subscribers by 2012 will utilize mobile and portable WiMAX
devices to access broadband Internet services.
The WiMAX Forum Worldwide Subscriber and User Forecast examines
the progress of WiMAX service providers, equipment vendors, content
developers and subscribers in regions around the world. The results
reflect the accelerated growth of the WiMAX ecosystem, the acceptance
of WiMAX technology and demand form mobile Internet services across
the world. The forecast is based on results of an independently
commissioned research study published this year.
"WiMAX devices and networks are available now for deployment
worldwide delivering best in class broadband services at a cost to
consumers significantly lower than any other technology. India is
clearly making the commitment and taking the steps to ensure wireless
broadband services are a reality that enables operators to meet the
needs of India's diverse and growing population," said Ron Resnick,
president of the WiMAX Forum. "In addition, an operator's investment
to afford the build out of infrastructure and deployment of the
service is at the lowest capex and the best ROI models plus the
economies of scale created by this demand will help drive down the
cost of the wide range of diverse WiMAX devices. All of the leading
telecom equipment manufacturers are having their WiMAX Base station
and other infrastructure equipment WiMAX Forum Certified(TM) and are
ready to showcase their equipment in India."
WiMAX in India
Last week, the WiMAX Forum commended the Department of
Telecommunications of India for the allocation of and upcoming auction
relating to the 2.3 and 2.5 GHz frequency bands. The auction will
enable two 20 MHz blocks in both the 2.3 and 2.5 GHz bands.
The WiMAX Forum is pleased that the Indian government plans to
auction blocks in the 700 MHz and 3.3-3.6 GHz bands, as they become
available. The WiMAX Forum expects to certify the first 3.5 GHz WiMAX
products by the end of 2008 and views 700 MHz as a strong contender
for Mobile Internet services, especially in India's low-density rural
areas.
The availability of these key bands for WiMAX technology in India
will provide its consumers with much needed broadband connectivity
across the diverse economic and social needs of the entire population.
WiMAX technology has the potential to bridge India's digital divide,
offering broadband services in dense urban and suburban areas, rural
broadband connectivity to enable high speed wireless applications and
services, and enterprise broadband access across the country.
The WiMAX Forum plans to add an Indian certification lab to its
existing network by the end of 2008 to stay ahead of the demand for
products in this region. The WiMAX Forum's current network consists of
six labs in China, Korea, Spain, U.S. and two in Taiwan. The industry
body will also add a lab in Japan by the end of 2008 and a Brazilian
lab in 2009.
The Robust WiMAX Ecosystem
The WiMAX Forum is made up of more than 530 member companies, who
are committed to the success of the WiMAX standard. WiMAX Forum
membership consists of 144 ecosystem content developers, 162 service
providers, 92 silicon component manufacturers and 131 system vendors.
Currently, more than 35 WiMAX Forum member companies are producing
WiMAX base stations, 30 companies are providing PC Cards, USB modems,
MIDs, and other personal devices, 25 companies provide chipsets and
reference designs, and seven of the top eight global device
manufacturers are developing WiMAX products.
Further signifying the rapid growth of the WiMAX ecosystem, the
first Mobile WiMAX(TM) products have been WiMAX Forum Certified(TM) in
the 2.3 and 2.5 GHz bands. The WiMAX Forum estimates that by 2011
there will be more than 1,000 Mobile WiMAX Certified products found
throughout the world.
There are currently more than 305 deployments of WiMAX networks in
more than 118 counties. The WiMAX Forum also expects to have a
comprehensive global roaming plan available to operators by the end of
2008.
For more information on the WiMAX ecosystem, including the WiMAX
Forum Subscriber and User Forecast, please visit the WiMAX Forum
website at www.wimaxforum.org.
About WiMAX Forum(R)
The WiMAX Forum(R) is an industry-led, not-for-profit organization
formed to certify and promote the compatibility and interoperability
of broadband wireless products based upon the harmonized IEEE
802.16/ETSI HiperMAN standard. A WiMAX Forum goal is to accelerate the
introduction of these systems into the marketplace. WiMAX Forum
Certified products are interoperable and support broadband fixed,
nomadic, portable and mobile services. Along these lines, the WiMAX
Forum works closely with service providers and regulators to ensure
that WiMAX Forum Certified systems meet customer and government
requirements. Through the WiMAX Forum Congress Events Series of global
trade shows and events, the WiMAX Forum is committed to furthering
education, training and collaboration to expand the reach of the WiMAX
ecosystem. For more information, visit the trade show link at
www.wimaxforum.org.
"WiMAX Forum" and the WiMAX Forum Certified logo are registered
trademarks of the WiMAX Forum. "WiMAX," "Mobile WiMAX," "Fixed WiMAX,"
"WiMAX Certified," "WiMAX Forum Certified," and the WiMAX Forum logo
are trademarks of the WiMAX Forum. Third-party trademarks contained in
this document are the property of their respective owners.
GolinHarris for WiMAX Forum
Mari Hancock, 713-513-9574
mhancock@golinharris.com
Copyright Business Wire 2008
