There is little doubt that people around the world want mobile connectivity that enables ubiquitous voice communications and data, even multimedia, access. The real question is: What is the communications vehicle that people perceive to be the best to accomplish this?

The three competing technologies are: cellular/cellular data, WiMAX and Wi-Fi.

Many cellular customers want more from their phones and service providers. Cellular operators have sweetened the pot in recent years by offering cellular data services at a premium. At a high cost and relatively low performance, many consumers have shied away.

So, is Wi-Fi-only VoIP and data access the answer? Recent surveys have revealed that people are not ready to place their trust in so called ‘Wi-Fi-only’ phones. Their fears include limited range, limited access and VoIP quality of service (QoS) issues. In the home this may be fine, but on the go the perception is that the reliability isn’t there.

Because of the Wi-Fi-only concerns and the cellular-only shortcomings, some manufacturers are busy designing Wi-Fi into cellular network phones to provide users with the voice communications QoS of the cellular infrastructure and the high-speed Internet access afforded via Wi-Fi. A Research and Markets survey indicated that consumers desired this combination and would accept it if the added cost was low (see Industry News section of this issue).

But what would happen if WiMAX built out to the point of ‘universal access’ and manufacturers and WiMAX network operators offered cell-phone-like devices that provided high-QoS VoIP and data access with the device doubling as an Internet gateway for the home network? Imagine a home docking station in which the handheld WiMAX device is cradled – through which the WiMAX device provides Internet access and telephony services to the home by routing voice access over the installed phone wiring and Internet access over the in-home network (either Wi-Fi or HomePlug PLC). Of course, VoIP access within the home can be accomplished wirelessly as well.

Not surprisingly, a recent In-Stat survey confirmed that a high percent of consumers would gladly discard their cellular services and ISP service if they could get their hands on WiMAX service that satisfied voice and data needs at home and on the go. It is assumed that this WiMAX-based voice and data service bundling would offer the consumer cost savings while maintaining QoS and cellular-like connectivity with as good or better reliability.

But there is another issue afloat here that will impact this scenario – streaming video. WiMAX networks are usually offering subscribers a modest bandwidth in the up to 3 Mbps range. That is good for most mobile needs, but not good for the delivery of IPTV service to the home’s standard- and high-definition TVs. Therefore, the consumer who wishes to migrate away from traditional cable services, or satellite services, to an IP-based video-on-demand/IPTV service must retain a broadband service, via xDSL or cable, that has the bandwidth to support it. For this type of consumer, the WiMAX scenario no longer has that cost-effective Swiss army knife feel.

Circumspectly, the WiMAX combined voice and data service connectivity may be the best solution for mobile voice and data access, over cellular-only and Wi-Fi-only phones. But the needs of the home are a whole different issue. For many, the truly broadband pipe to the home will always be needed.

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