Literally, dozens of firms have announced pre-WiMAX or precursor WiMAX products both Fixed and Mobile. Many of these are WiMAX Forum ™ Members.

The strategies these firms are choosing to employ in regards to WiMAX upgrade path do vary however. Many Forum members have chosen to shift from their current fixed or somewhat mobile precursor products to fully Mobile WiMAX systems with no pure Fixed WiMAX (802.16-2004) offering. Other firms have chosen to support more traditional Fixed WiMAX systems with product offerings and then later add mobility capability. Since the two standards appear to be gelling into mutually incompatible products, the ultimate winning strategy is likely to be one or the other. Here is an example of one company’s strategy.

As of late 2006, the clear winner appears to be the 802.16e mobile standard which can function well in a fixed wireless network. True Fixed WiMAX radios are likely to grow in sales for a time, but will eventually be supplanted by mobile capable products.