The Wi-Fi Alliance and the Wi-MAX Forum are two completely separate bodies with varying charters. However, there are similarities. The Wi-Fi Alliance is also a non-profit standards body designed to promote the IEEE 802.11 wireless LAN technology. Its mission includes Wi-Fi CERTIFIED™ interoperability testing of Wi-Fi WLAN products.

The WiMAX Forum has stated that it will work with other such standards bodies to ensure seamless transitions to and from each group’s certified products. The Forum’s vision appears to be to encourage eventual cross-handoffs between varying broadband wireless standards to the enhancement of all parties. Such capabilities should greatly strengthen the value proposition of all broadband wireless technology in the marketplace.

Another recent WiMAX alliance body is the WiMAX Global Roaming Alliance dedicated to smoother roaming experiences between broadband wireless carriers.