WiMax gains momentum with deployments worldwide
As I discussed in “WiMax wireless broadband, Fixed-flavor questions abound, mobile lurks,” WiMax is potentially a technology that could explode. WiMax may someday offer the breadth of cellular networks and the speed of Wi-Fi. And WiMax can be used alone or in hybrid deployments with technologies such as Wi-Fi.
Indeed one of the recently announced deployments in Canada will use WiMax as the high-speed backbone and Wi-Fi to connect to consumers. WebNet Converged Wireless Networks is rolling out the hybrid network in Abbotsford, British Columbia, and plans to offer service to as many as 250,000 customers in the area. The network will use WiMax gear from Wi-LAN and Wi-Fi gear from Radionet. Wi-LAN is also involved in a deployment in Perth, Australia with Bushcom, and Bushcom has just signed on the 300th customer to that network.
Meanwhile back in the US, CNET reported in “BellSouth launches wireless broadband service,” that the regional phone company is now operating a WiMax network in Athens, GA. The company is selling the requisite modem for $100 and offering service at $30 or $40 per month depending on speed. University of Georgia college students are the initial target according to CNET. But I find that target a bit odd given the prevalence of Internet connections on campuses today.
