WiMAX: most operators are focused on the less capital-intensive fixed and nomadic WiMAX broadband services now to address underserved markets

[infonetics] Market research firm Infonetics Research released results from its latest service provider survey, Global WiMAX Service Strategy 2009–2011, published last week as part of its WiMAX Continuous Research Service (CRS). Highlights follow.

ANALYST NOTE

"Although WiMAX service strategies differ from operator to operator and from market to market, most operators are focused on the less capital-intensive fixed and nomadic WiMAX broadband services now to address underserved markets seeking ‘wireless DSL,’ and many have formalized plans to migrate to full mobility WiMAX over the next couple of years. VoIP, CPE and device subsidization, and an emphasis on pre-paid and ad-hoc pricing are also integral service components for many operators we interviewed,” said Richard Webb, Infonetics Research’s Directing Analyst for WiMAX, Microwave, and Mobile Devices.

WiMAX SERVICE PROVIDER SURVEY HIGHLIGHTS

59% of respondents plan to offer VoIP over WiMAX services by 2011, indicating the strong potential of voice over WiMAX as an additional high-value revenue stream for operators
An increasing number of GSM operators are entering the WiMAX market, seeking to leverage their trusted consumer brand by offering basic broadband services, and WiMAX offers the more cost-effective delivery option
To move to full mobility WiMAX services, operators must continue to deploy network infrastructure to ensure coverage to support mobility and roaming, and wait for the mobile device ecosystem to become more diverse and affordable for consumers

REPORT SYNOPSIS

Infonetics’ Global WiMAX Service Strategy 2009–2011: Service Provider Survey captures a strategic overview from WiMAX network operators (WiMAX-only, competitive, mobile, and incumbent operators) to better understand how and why WiMAX networks are being deployed, the rationale behind the services offered, the business model, the target markets, and the subscriber and revenue numbers operators are projecting between now and 2011.

Of the operators surveyed, 41% are from Asia Pacific, 36% from Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), 18% from North America, and 5% from Central and Latin America (CALA).

Operator survey shows market reality of WiMAX services;
VoIP a key component