A new Juniper Research’s analysis forecasts that up to 12% of the global DSL installed base will be substituted by WiMAX by 2013, with Far East region leading with over one fifth of the 47 million subscribers in 2013.
Juniper explored how WiMAX is well suited to rapid deployment in the many underserved areas, not only in developing, but also in developed countries.
Report author Howard Wilcox suggests WiMAX will be an attractive offer in areas where there are no wired networks, and in areas where the existing DSL speed is suboptimal. WiMAX will solve the broadband access problem for users located at the fringes of DSL coverage even in a number of developed nations such as UK, USA, Ireland and Scandinavia.
The vast majority of the WiMAX 802.16e trials and network contracts which are being announced will begin by providing fixed broadband, with mobile usage set to develop after initial demand for fixed and portable services as an added benefit for subscribers.
Highlights from the report include:
- The annual fixed WiMAX global market size will exceed 13 million subscribers by 2013
- The WiMAX device market comprising CPE, chipsets, minicards, and USB dongles will approach $6 billion per year by 2013
- The top 3 regions (Far East, N. America and W. Europe) will represent over 60% of the $20bn per annum global WiMAX service revenues by 2013
However, Howard Wilcox cautioned that brand identification and service differentiation are major marketing challenges facing new WiMAX operators. “Many of the existing broadband providers are household names that already have widespread market presence and recognition. WiMAX operators will need to identify and promote their USPs, whilst avoiding entering the market on the basis of price,” he added.
More information about the report is available on Juniper Research’s website.