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WIMAX, aka Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access, is a telecommunications technology that provides wireless transmission of data using a variety of transmission methods, from point-to-multipoint links to portable and fully mobile Internet broadband access. The technology provides up to 3 Mbit/s of broadband speed awithout the need for cable broadband or phone based systems.
Broadband in India has typically been delivered via wires, strung on top of buildings or laid underground. It’s a model that works in some countries, like the U.S., that have extensive fixed-line phone networks for routing data. But for broadband in India, the pricey fiber connections must be built out and frequently fail due to high winds, operators digging up each other’s cables. Consumers are eager to stay connected to the internet, snapping up 10-12 million mobile phone connections (Prepaid GSM and Postpaid connections) per month, according to some estimates. But broadband access has lagged far behind, which is around 3 million. “When people say city A is covered with broadband providers, it usually means 20% to 30% of the city has high speed internet broadband access,” notes Mr Prasad, Tata telecommunications India. Enter WiMax. The wireless technology is fast, covers broad areas, penetrates buildings well and can be rolled out rapidly to offer broadband pland to internet users in India.
According to a leading provider of chipsets for Mobile WiMAX technology Beceem there are at least three reasons why WiMAX broadband is a great fit for India:
- The demand for broadband connectivity from urban homes and small/medium businesses is growing rapidly and this cannot be met effectively by the existing wireline technologies. Wireless Internet or wireless broadband will be the dominant delivery mode for broadband services just as wireless now dominates voice services. Thanks to its true broadband performance, early availability and cost advantages, WiMAX is best-positioned to serve this huge Indian market.
- Several Indian service providers have already acquired suitable spectrum licenses to deploy wireless broadband services and are planning early rollouts in 2006. WiMAX is the first truly broadband technology available to meet Indian market needs.
- The presence of leading WiMAX technology vendors like Beceem Communications and other system integrators in India, will for the first time, usher significant local high technology value additions, and working with service providers also help fine tune WiMAX deployment in the country.
Currently WIMAX is offered in India by the following:
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- Tata Teleservices
- Reliance Telecom
- BSNL
Jitender Sharma
jeet@aajkideals.com
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