According to new data from Juniper Research, WiMAX 802.16e broadband subscribers will approach 50 million globally by 2014, “driven by the need to provide broadband to underserved areas.”
The research company found that WiMAX will provide easier and more cost effective broadband connectivity in areas where it is logistically challenging (i.e. expensive) to install wired networks.
However, WiMAX has been faced a number of delays resulting in slower subscriber growth than anticipated previously. Nonetheless there are examples of successful service providers in a range of countries from Pakistan to the USA. In that sense, report author Howard Wilcox believes that WiMAX 16e have opportunities not just in developing countries but also areas of developed countries where the DSL coverage is weak or non-existent.
Further findings include:
- The highest number of subscribers will be in the Far East & China region;
- Western Europe and, to a lesser extent, North America, are forecast to be driven by DSL churn – broadband provision in underserved areas;
- Africa & Middle East is set to exceed Western Europe with in excess of 15% of the subscriber base in 2014.
More information about Juniper’s WiMAX report is available from their website.