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Will I have WiMAX service on my Cell Phone?

by Mike Wolleben last modified 2008-11-28 03:33 PM

Eventually, the answer is yes.  Initially, one can expect to see Wi-Fi services converged with cellular devices.  The first GSM/WiMAX device was recently introduced into Russia.  This device operates on the carrier's WiMAX system when on its network and roams to GSM on other carrier's systems. 

This early foray will teach both the fixed and mobile wireless industries a great deal about technological co-existence.  In the US, T-Mobile began trials of a cellular/Wi-Fi fixed-mobile convergence handset in the Pacific Northwest.  A number of other firms have dual-mode phones in the marketplace, however, adoption has been slow.  T-Mobile is using a Nokia handset.  Reference designs for PC-Card form factor WiMAX cards are already in the marketplace from a number of different firms.  The short answer is that WiMAX on your phone is just around the corner.

The long term vision for broadband wireless utilizing WiMAX is clearly one of multiple technologies that fill different niches in the service delivery universe.  Clearly, mobile voice products are mature, well-realized, profitable and stable.  The truly mobile variant of mobile WiMAX will likely be the most technically difficult to achieve and may require the next version of the technology to reach really high speed access.  Of course, the equivalent fixed broadband wireless products are also enjoying innovation and already outstrip the speeds of planned mobile technology.  But as products like VoIP gain acceptance, the ability to utilize a fixed network while stationary and eventually a truly mobile broadband network (with somewhat different capabilities) will drive WiMAX/Cellular/and other technology convergences to the handheld cell phone.  In fact, this may happen much faster than previously anticipated, at least in terms of WiMAX and existing cellular technologies or LTE and existing cellular technologies.  In the long run, WiMAX and other wireless technologies offer unprecedented flexibility to consumers.



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