Just as phones, traditional wireline and cell have become a way of life and a necessity at home, in the office, or on the road, broadband connectivity is rapidly progressing to become a norm in these environments. Over the last few years, many have deployed DSL, cable modems, T-I lines or some other proprietary technology to tap the benefits of broadband connections to download high-resolution images or transmit large data files for work or for fun. The rate at which we work today, it is almost impossible to be productive without using these high-speed broadband connections. Meanwhile, a new standard for broadband wireless connectivity is emerging. Called WiMAX for worldwide interoperability for microwave access, this non-line-of-sight, point-to-multipoint broadband wireless access (BWA) technology, is emerging as a potential competitor to wireline DSL and cable for last-mile access and a strong backhaul option for cellular, Wi-Fi or similar other deployments.

While there are several technologies vying for this space, there is no single dominant player in this emerging market. Although, DSL and cable modems are popular wireline broadband solutions, Wi-Fi (up to 100 meters), and WiMAX (up to 50 kilometers) are expected to provide new broadband wireless connectivity options for consumers. Besides advances in technology, a few important developments lately in this space have given WiMAX-based BWA a new hope for growth.

Amongst them, the recent amendment to the original 802.16 standard to support lower frequency of operation in the 2 GHz to 11 GHz range was a significant shift in favor of the technology. Concurrently, the establishment of the industry forum, the WiMAX forum, like the Wi-Fi Alliance, is expected to propel the deployment of broadband access networks across the country. Toward that goal, WiMAX forum (www.wimaxforum.org) plans to establish a definition for testing and certifying products for interoperability compliance and conformance to IEEE 802.16a and the corresponding European standard, ETSI HiperMAN. Another boost to drive momentum in this sector is coming from the present administration. The government's promise to give BWA full support ensures that homes across America are broadband-enabled by 2007.

With the support growing for the amended 802.16a as a standard for connecting wireless hotspots, as well as homes and business locations to the wired Internet backbone in the metropolitan area, many silicon vendors, product developers and service providers have announced plans to deliver equipments and service for the WiMAX application. Thus, carving a path for it to become an attractive solution for broadband access throughout the metropolitan area network (MAN), whether you are at home, in the office or on the road.

Accordingly, analysts in research firms have begun to project its growth. In-Stat/MDR, for instance, forecasts that BWA infrastructure equipment market will grow from $558.7 million last year to more than $1.2 billion by 2007. Likewise, a recent survey of 400 smaller Internet service providers (WISPs) conducted by market research firm ABI Research indicates that WISPs intend to deploy WiMAX equipment as soon as possible in order to lower overall equipment costs.

Besides going after the incumbents, the ABI research found that nearly half of the small town WISP respondents plan to launch their initial service in areas served by two or more competing technologies. However, they are not blindly rushing toward WiMAX. And, is not on their high priority list in the short term, according to ABI Research. Although standardized equipment should be commercially available in 2005, the majority of the WISPs polled expect 2006 to be the year when WiMAX will have a tangible effect on business.

Consequently, several semiconductor vendors have announced plans to deliver chips that will enable systems conforming to WiMAX standard, meeting interoperability requirements as per the specs established by the WiMAX forum. The stage has been set to accelerate the introduction of standards-based broadband wireless access into the mainstream. Could it be the new alternative to wireline infrastructure? Or another addition to the existing list to give consumers one more option. Please send me your thoughts.