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Broadband-to-Fixed WiMAX market 2008
08/05/08
A new analysis
of the global opportunity for WiMAX 802.16e forecasts that up to 12%
of the global DSL installed base will be substituted by WiMAX by
2013. The Far East will lead with over one fifth of the 47m
subscribers in 2013.
A region by region analysis by Juniper Research found that there is
a significant opportunity now for WiMAX as a DSL substitute
technology. The study explored how WiMAX is well suited to rapid
deployment in the many underserved areas, not only in developing
areas, but also in developed countries.
Report author Howard Wilcox said: "WiMAX will be an attractive offer
in areas where there are no wired networks, and in areas where the
existing DSL speed is suboptimal. WiMAX will solve the broadband
access problem for users located at the fringes of DSL coverage.
This is in fact the case in a number of developed nations such as
UK, USA, Ireland and Scandinavia, and WiMAX network operators are
deploying networks to address this market need. Additionally in
developing countries - such as India - network operators are aiming
to provide basic connectivity.”
The vast majority of the WiMAX 802.16e trials and network contracts
which are being announced almost daily will begin by providing fixed
broadband. Mobile usage will develop after initial demand for fixed
and portable services – this will be an added benefit for
subscribers.
Highlights from the report include:
• The annual
fixed WiMAX global market size will exceed 13m subscribers by 2013
• The WiMAX device market – comprising CPE, chipsets, minicards, and
USB dongles – will approach $6bn pa by 2013
• The top 3 regions (Far East, N. America and W. Europe) will
represent over 60% of the $20bn p.a. global WiMAX service revenues
by 2013
However, Howard Wilcox cautioned: “Brand identification and service
differentiation are major marketing challenges facing new WiMAX
operators. Many of the existing broadband providers are household
names that already have widespread market presence and recognition.
WiMAX operators will need to identify and promote their USPs, whilst
avoiding entering the market on the basis of price.”
The report provides five year regional forecasts for WiMAX 802.16e
as a 'local loop' technology, providing data on subscribers, service
revenues and devices as well as detailed deployment tables and case
studies. Juniper Research interviewed senior executives across a
wide range of vendors and operators.
Whitepapers and further details of the study "Fixed WiMAX:
Opportunities for “Last Mile” Broadband Access, 2008-2013" can be
freely downloaded from
www.juniperresearch.com.
Nick Gibson, editor
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