Samsung said that WiMAX networks based on its network infrastructure can now cover 200 million people and that number is set to hit 300 million by the end of the year. Unfortunately (for Samsung and WiMAX standard), only about 3 million subscribers (as of July 2010) connect to these networks, though the figure could grow to 8 million in the next couple of months.
In total, the Korean giant’s equipment is used by 56 Mobile WiMAX operators in 34 countries — Samsung is present in 13 countries in Asia, 8 countries in the Middle East and Africa, 7 countries in Europe and 6 countries in the Americas.
Overall, WiMAX subscribers across the industry are set to exceed 20 million in 2010 and 45 million in 2011.
Commenting on the numbers, Woonsub Kim, Executive Vice President and head of Telecom Systems Business at Samsung Electronics said: “More than 70% of Mobile WiMAX operators are new-comers such as Greenfield operators, Wireless ISPs, Broadcasters and service providers, and they are eager to provide differentiated and innovative services at a low cost. The flexibility of Mobile WiMAX gives these service providers a range of new opportunities because it can be adapted to a variety of devices including handsets, netbooks, tablet PCs, digital cameras as well as a range of consumer electronics.”
[Via: CellularNews]