It is important to remember that WiMAX is a global broadband wireless standard. The question of whether or not it could replace either DSL or Cable will vary from region to region. Many developing countries simply do not have the infrastructure to support either cable or DSL broadband technologies. In fact, many such countries are already widely using proprietary broadband wireless technologies. Even in such regions however, it is very unlikely that either Cable or DSL technologies would disappear. The business case and basic infrastructure often dictates that the cheapest solutions will predominate. In many areas in developing nations, it may be cheaper to deploy Cable and DSL in the cities at least for fixed applications, whereas WiMAX will dominate outside of major towns.
In the US, both Cable and DSL are growing extremely fast, but are not available for all customers. Rural and remote areas often lack broadband choices if any are available at all. When they are available, the DSL or cable plant may only exist within the town limits with no service outside the city limits. This offers a compelling argument that low-cost WiMAX gear can leverage access to many new customers. WiMAX also promises a whole new level of data access flexibility that will be much less location specific for customers. This type of robust mobile, portable or fixed broadband access will be unprecedented.
In addition, WiMAX will provide competitive options for carriers and users that will benefit traditional wireline carriers and customers by encouraging innovation and improved services.
With the advent of IPTV fiber plays are enjoying resurgence. It does not appear that WiMAX or broadband wireless will be ready to deliver IPTV in the immediate future. However, fixed WiMAX may offer the best potential for delivery of this potential content juggernaut. More recently some promising new compression technologies have reached the market. These technologies, while still new, allow the delivery of true IP-based TV signals to cellular devices. One company asserts that it could deliver high definition TV (HDTV) in as little as 2.5 Mbps of bandwidth, with standard resolution signal requiring 1.5 Mbps. These speeds are within the potential reach of WiMAX.
Qualcomm and its MediaFlo system are one good example of such technologies. It is important to note that the resolution of this TV or video system is not at the level of standard TV, but progress is occurring rapidly.
