Comments on: WiMax or LTE? Your thoughts are welcome!

By: Kieth Daniels

Kieth Daniels — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 02:02:06 +0000

I think they will co-exist with LTE controlling true mobile devices and WiMAX for stationary devices and laptops. AT&T and Verizon are clearly going with LTE. I would bet on a steady migration to LTE as equipment costs drop and the coverage areas being so widespread. Also, devices will become more and more exclusively mobile, iphone-like high-speed internet access tools. This will be a long process and I see a level of co-existance for at least 3-5 years.

By: Steve Leong

Steve Leong — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 16:07:26 +0000

There’s no technical reason why a WiMAX device couldn’t be dual mode so that you fall back on 3G/2G service as well. WiMAX and LTE are both based on 4G technology (OFDM, MIMO, IP architecture) and in fact the differences between them seem to be some timing issues and a difference in the uplink. Neither of which would make one more compatible to 3G/2G. So the main differences seem to be political which would explain why there are 2 different standards that are pretty much the same. 1 requires a SIM card and all that jazz, and the other is built in and you use it when you want. All other things being equal, I’ll take the ease of use anyday.

By: Ali

Ali — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 11:05:14 +0000

LTE for sure.
1- LTE devices, it can keep you connected while on the move. Wimax can do the same but it is a little slower when connecting from 1 basestation to another. And in wimax it HAS to be the latest standard (which is 802.16e).
2- LTE will have better power consumption, wmax will be difficult to exceed it.
3- GSM (GPRS,EDGE,HSPA,HSPA+) already exists so it is a very good failsafe in the event that there is no LTE, wimax has nothing.

By: Tanio Amadeus

Tanio Amadeus — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 21:22:27 +0000

I Think Wimax will win out. It is first to market, less expensive and very strong backers.