Waiting for WiMAX? Don't Panic Advises ABI Research25 January 2005
There has been considerable wringing of hands and rending of garments in parts of the wireless industry since the story broke that WiMAX certification and certified products will be delayed by six months.
ABI Research, however, advises WiMAX watchers not to panic. Philip Solis, the firm's senior analyst of wireless connectivity, says that no great harm will result from the delay, which is said to be caused not by any tardiness in establishing interoperability certification testing, but by later than anticipated deliveries of compliant chipsets.
"These things take time," says Solis. "WiMAX's arrival was heavily hyped for early to mid-2005, but experienced observers aren't surprised by the holdup: we have seen similar situations often in other segments of the industry."
While some media commentaries have suggested that "WiMAX delay shakes investor confidence," and that any further procrastination will "cast doubt on the technology" as rival platforms vie for market share, Solis believes that this is blowing matters out of proportion. Operators are continuing to buy pre-standard equipment anyway.
"I have been assured by Mr. Shakouri of the WiMAX Forum that their interoperability testing is on target to commence in July. Chipsets have already been released from small and nimble companies such as Wavesat. Others such as Sequans, and larger producers like Intel and Fujitsu Microelectronics America, will most likely start shipping during the second quarter. So deployments of certified products are probably not going to be held up to a dangerous degree."
ABI Research's forecasts remain unchanged in light of these recent announcements, as the timing of the availability of chipsets has already been taken into consideration.
ABI Research's study, "WiMAX / 802.16: Opportunities for High Speed Wireless Data in Enterprise, SOHO, Residential and Portable (802.16e) Markets" study looks at the drivers for WiMAX, and the barriers to it, and profiles many of the leading players in the sector.
Founded in 1990 and headquartered in New York, ABI Research maintains global operations that support annual research programs, quarterly intelligence services and market reports in wireless, automotive, semiconductors, broadband, and energy. Their market research products can be found on the Web at www.abiresearch.com, or by calling 516.624.2500.
Contacts
ABI Research
Beth Schechner, 516-624-2542
pr@abiresearch.com
Source: Business Wire
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