WiMAX Forum Forecasts Rapid Growth -- 133 Million Users in 4 Years

The WiMAX Forum published a Worldwide Subscriber and User Forecast predicting more than 133 million WiMAX users globally by 2012. Additional data from the study estimates that approximately 70 percent of the forecasted WiMAX users by 2012 will utilize mobile and portable WiMAX devices to access broadband Internet services. The WiMAX Forum's report examines the progress of WiMAX service providers, equipment vendors, content developers and users in regions around the world.


"WiMAX is here now and is the catalyst in the global marketplace to grow demand for mobile broadband Internet access," said Ron Resnick, president of the WiMAX Forum. "This new subscriber and user forecast is a solid proof point of the future growth of the thriving mobile Internet ecosystem and presents reasonable predictions of the positive progress our industry is working to achieve."


The WiMAX Forum also announced the availability of a new 700 MHz white paper to clarify the organization's position on pursuing WiMAX deployment opportunities in this spectrum band. The WiMAX Forum said it views 700 MHz as a strong contender for mobile Internet services. WiMAX technology in the 700 MHz frequency has the capability to meet specific requirements of new subscriber and user segments, such as low cost deployment advantages in low-density rural areas.


The WiMAX Forum is also offering a map showing current deployment activities across the globe.


http://www.wimaxforum.org