Derrick
ლ(ಠ_ಠ )ლ
- Joined
- Nov 22, 2010
- Messages
- 5,085
- Reaction score
- 5
New data from Juniper Research show that WiMAX 802.16e broadband subscribers will approach 50 million globally by 2014, driven by the need to provide broadband to underserved areas.
The new WiMAX broadband report found that WiMAX will provide easier and more cost effective broadband connectivity in areas where it is logistically challenging and therefore expensive to install wired networks.
In South Africa Telkom has applied this model by offering WiMAX where they were unable to install a copper line. Unfortunately this ervice has been discontinued until further notice and one wonders if it was perhaps not cost effective.
Telkom offered a WiMAX service for the same price as an ADSL line. Since WiMAX equipment is far more expensive is stands to reason that it was not big money spinner for the incumbent operator.
But where Telkom is pulling back other operators are charging ahead. Companies like iBurst/Vodacom, Neotel and even the smaller players like MWEB and IS still see a great opportunities for WiMAX in SA.
WiMAX 16e has however been faced with a number of well publicised delays which have handicapped network operators resulting in slower subscriber growth than anticipated previously.
According to Juniper’s research some network operators are targeting specific niches such as high end business broadband in addition to DSL metro and rural applications.
The report also stated that Africa & the Middle East is set to exceed Western Europe with in excess of 15% of the subscriber base in 2014, this region is driven largely by growth of broadband connectivity to underserved and unserved areas, rather than faster connections.
The new WiMAX broadband report found that WiMAX will provide easier and more cost effective broadband connectivity in areas where it is logistically challenging and therefore expensive to install wired networks.
In South Africa Telkom has applied this model by offering WiMAX where they were unable to install a copper line. Unfortunately this ervice has been discontinued until further notice and one wonders if it was perhaps not cost effective.
Telkom offered a WiMAX service for the same price as an ADSL line. Since WiMAX equipment is far more expensive is stands to reason that it was not big money spinner for the incumbent operator.
But where Telkom is pulling back other operators are charging ahead. Companies like iBurst/Vodacom, Neotel and even the smaller players like MWEB and IS still see a great opportunities for WiMAX in SA.
WiMAX 16e has however been faced with a number of well publicised delays which have handicapped network operators resulting in slower subscriber growth than anticipated previously.
According to Juniper’s research some network operators are targeting specific niches such as high end business broadband in addition to DSL metro and rural applications.
The report also stated that Africa & the Middle East is set to exceed Western Europe with in excess of 15% of the subscriber base in 2014, this region is driven largely by growth of broadband connectivity to underserved and unserved areas, rather than faster connections.