So called precursor WiMAX radios are broadband wireless products (mostly developed by WiMAX Forum members---but not all) that submit to the IEEE 802.16 technical standard. These radios are claimed to mount the full functionality of the IEEE 802.16 standards base. However, they have not yet been physically tested for interoperability in field deployments. It is important to note that the technical capability of these radios is often very high and can deliver high quality broadband wireless access for users. For a variety of business case reasons, waiting for certified products to be available is considered a strategic mistake by some analysts. The opportunity to secure a broadband customer now and later defend that customer (perhaps with WiMAX upgrades) against competition is much more appealing than waiting for more competitive products to try to wrest that consumer away from the provider who initially seized the business.

In regards to Fixed WiMAX, the term precursor is quickly growing outdated as interoperability testing for the 802.16-2004 Fixed WiMAX standard is well underway. However, with Mobile WiMAX 802.16e testing rapidly becoming the focus of many Forum members, the term precursor Mobile WiMAX technology is very pertinent. Interoperability testing for Mobile WiMAX will be heavily underway by mid-year 2007.