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How do WiMAX operators select subscriber devices?
- Find out what the WiMAX operators requirements and preferences are in the selection of devices
- Data from WiMAX Forum includes 74 responses to a 60-question survey
Who are the operators?
- Operator type: 71% greenfield, 29% incumbent
- Region: APAC (27%), Europe (28%), MEA (23%), North America (8%), South America (14%)
- Operator background: New entrants (20), fixed line operators (19), cellular operators (17), fixed-line ISP (22), wireless ISPs (31), virtual operators (6)
- Frequency: 700 MHz (2), 2.3 GHz (23), 2.5 GHz (31), 3.5 GHz (38), multiple bands (19)
- Network status: Commercial (32%), commercial trials (9%), in deployment (18%), active planning (11%), technical trials (20%), investigating (5%)
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About the Report
WiMAX operators are the first to build and deliver services over all-IP data-centric networks. They have the unprecedented opportunity to offer a new proposition to their subscribers, to introduce new services, and to build new business models. The selection of subscriber devices plays a central role in enabling operators to innovate the way mobile data services are marketed and consumed.
The report from Senza Fili Consulting analyzes the results of a 60-question survey conducted by the WiMAX Forum on the requirements and selection process of subscriber devices. Seventy four respondents participated in the survey. They represent greenfield and incumbent operators from Asia Pacific, Europe, Middle East and Africa, North America, and South America, using a variety of frequencies (700 MHz, 2.3 GHz, 2.5 GHz, 3.5 GHz) and of business models.
WiMAX operators' requirements and preferences for WiMAX mobile and desktop phones, mobile Internet devices (MIDs), USB dongles and desktop modems are discussed and summarized in 40 detailed charts that show the differences across regions.
The survey results show that WiMAX operators are carefully developing innovative device strategies. Their initial focus is on go-to-market basic devices that are reliable and have the features users want. Within the next year, operators expect to see a wider range of affordable, feature-packed mobile devices that will also support Wi-Fi and cellular interfaces.
Many of the requirements (e.g., for certification, multivendor interoperability, multiband support, and multiple form factors and applications supported) stem from the desire of WiMAX operators to move to a retail distribution model, in which subscribers buy their own devices and register them in the operator's network. Operators' responses reveal the underlying strategies they have developed to introduce a compelling business proposition for their subscribers.
The report provides detailed information to vendors who want to understand the operators' approach, and develop the chipsets and devices that meet their requirements. It also provides useful benchmarks for WiMAX operators as they refine their device strategy and assess that strategy in relation to what other operators are doing.
About the Senza Fili Consulting
Senza Fili Consulting provides advisory support on wireless data technologies and services since 2003. At Senza Fili we have in-depth expertise in financial modeling, market forecasts and research, white paper preparation, business plan support, RFP preparation and management, due diligence, and training. Our client base is international and spans the entire value chain: clients include wireline, fixed wireless, and mobile operators, other service providers, enterprises and other vertical players, vendors, system integrators, investors, regulators, and industry associations.
We provide a bridge between technologies and services, helping our clients assess established and emerging technologies, leverage these technologies to support new or existing services, and build solid, profitable business models. Independent advice, a strong quantitative backing, and an international perspective are the hallmarks of our work. For additional information, you can visit www.senzafiliconsulting.com, or contact us at info@senzafiliconsulting.com or at +1 425 657 4991.
About the author
Monica Paolini is the founder and president of Senza Fili Consulting. She is an expert in wireless technologies and has helped clients worldwide to understand technology and customer requirements, evaluate business plan opportunities, market their services and products, and estimate the market size and revenue opportunity of new and established wireless technologies. She has frequently been invited to give presentations at conferences and has written several reports on wireless broadband technologies.
She has a PhD in cognitive science from the University of California, San Diego (US), an MBA from the University of Oxford (UK), and a BA/MA in philosophy from the University of Bologna (Italy).
About the WiMAX Forum
The WiMAX Forum is an industry-led, not-for-profit organization formed to certify and promote the compatibility and interoperability of broadband wireless products based upon the harmonized IEEE 802.16/ETSI HiperMAN standard. One of the WiMAX Forum's goals is to accelerate the introduction of these systems into the marketplace. WiMAX Forum Certified™ products are fully interoperable and support broadband fixed, portable and mobile services. Along these lines, the WiMAX Forum works closely with service providers and regulators to ensure that WiMAX Forum Certified systems meet customer and government requirements.
"WiMAX Forum" is a registered trademark of the WiMAX Forum. "WiMAX," the WiMAX Forum logo, "WiMAX Forum Certified," and the WiMAX Forum Certified logo are trademarks of the WiMAX Forum. All other trademarks are the properties of their respective owners.