WiMAX equipment revenue hits $16.4 mln

Worldwide WiMAX equipment revenue hit $16.4 million and is projected to grow to $124.5 million in 2005, according to Infonetics Research’s latest market outlook report, WiMAX and Outdoor Mesh Equipment.

WiMAX is initially being deployed as a wireless backhaul solution, but will be deployed as a mobility application starting in 2007-2008 once the 802.16e standard is ratified and WiMAX-capable client devices enter the market, marking a ramp-up in the market.

Outdoor mesh network access nodes, currently used primarily by municipal authorities to provide broadband network coverage for their mobile workers, also represent a small but rapidly growing wireless segment, totaling $8.8 million in 2004 and growing to $110.4 million this year.

“WiMAX promises many strategic opportunities, not just as a backhaul solution for WiFi, delivering additional bandwidth to hotspots, but potentially for 3G networks too,” said Richard Webb, author of the report. “WiMAX may become a viable DSL/cable broadband replacement technology for consumers, and may even offer nomadic or portable wireless Internet access for consumers and enterprise users. Operators could also use it to carry VoIP services.”

WiMAX could form part of a wider wireless broadband strategy, comprising both licensed and unlicensed technologies, including GSM or CDMA, UMTS, proprietary broadband fixed wireless (LMDS, MMDS), WiFi, and wireless mesh networks.