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Exactly What Is WiMax?

The New Standard In High Speed Wireless Internet Access
by Richard Thomason - March 7th, 2009

You might have already heard the word WiMax mentioned as the replacement for WiFi and the current 3G wireless Internet. You might have also heard some of the marketing speak used to describe it, such as, "WiFi on steroids", "WiFi's big brother", and my favorite, "The Next Big Thing." Actually, WiMax really IS the next big thing -- at least when it comes to high speed Internet access in the United States.

In short, WiMax is a new wireless communications standard that will enable you to enjoy high speed data, voice, video and streaming media from virtually anywhere. The rest of this article explains exactly how that works, and more importantly, how it will affect your ability to access high speed Wireless Internet data -- from just about anywhere.

 

WiMax Is Short For What?

The term stands for "Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access". WiMax is a new fourth generation (4G) technology that is intended to be a replacement for WiFi, the current 3G technology currently being used for wireless Internet access. WiMax will reach much further than WiFi (see What is Wifi?) -- up to 30 miles from a tower -- and boasts speeds much faster than it's 3G predecessor -- up to 7 Mbps!

The technology operates on the IEEE 802.16 frequency, and functions in the same manner as your cell phone service. Several towers are set up in an area which broadcast the WiMax signals out to a range of around 30 miles. Customers of a WiMax provider will then be able to use the Internet from several devices, including laptops, mini-computers, iPhones, cell phones, and of course, your desktop at home.

WiMax is available for mobile use, as well, in cars and trains. The signal range for mobile use is a little shorter, only up to 10 miles.

 

Currently In Development (as of early 2009)

The serious push for WiMax began in September of 2008 when Sprint and Clearwire got together with some new money from some other big names in the industry. At the time, Google, Intel and most of the big cable companies invested three billion towards the cost (which is expected to start at five billion). This additional investment allowed Sprint and Clearwire to get busy with the development of WiMax.

Originally, it was said that WiMax should be available in most U.S. cities by the end of 2009, but the economic slowdown has hindered it's development to some extent. Sprint was originally developing a WiMax 4G network, but sold that division to Clearwire at the start of 2009. As of March, Clearwire has only a few cities covered, but expects to add about 10 more major cities this year. Verizon is also developing a 4G network, and they have basically just started rolling it out.

 

Don't Use The Ubiq-u-word Just Yet

Yes, the people who are going to sell it to you are going to call it "ubiquitous". That means basically it will be available everywhere to anyone. You will be able to use it from home, from your car, and while walking around the neighborhood. Once the wireless Internet companies have come in and developed the area with their towers, anyone who has the service (and an Internet-enabled device) on them should be able to access the Internet at speeds just as fast or faster than they currently do from their homes.

The great promise of WiMax and 4G wireless Internet access is that it actually has the potential to close what is called the "Digital Divide". WiMax networks, once fully deployed, will be able to cover those areas where DSL and cable never reached. Small towns with just one WiMax tower (and its 30 mile range) will be able to provided true high speed Internet access to all of its citizens, and at an affordable price.

Yes, the future of high speed Internet is wireless. Keep the word WiMax on your minds, but give it some time. The reality is that it will take a couple years to roll out these brand new 4G wireless networks. Only once they are fully fleshed out can we consider saying that high speed Internet in America is truly becoming "ubiquitous". Until then, the current 3G networks, such as EVDO, will simply have to do.

 
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