| With the emergence of Long Term Evolution (LTE) in the 4G wireless world, several companies such as Intel will have to decide whether or not to continue relying on WiMax. Many mobile phone networks that Intel works in conjunction with will be using LTE rather than WiMax. Intel has unfortunately put “all eggs in one basket”, by investing over one billion dollars in WiMax technologies. Currently, Intel has closed WiMax offices in Taiwan, but the company insists that they are not dropping the technology, rather they plan to undergo development and support in both WiMax and LTE. Alternatively, many network operators such as Sprint Nextel have recently decided to take the leap and begin investing in LTE. This will be a big setback for WiMax, as Sprint had been one of its top investors. Additionally, many Indian based companies (such as Reliance Industries) have declared their willingness to drop WiMax in exchange for LTE. Looks like WiMax has been served with the kiss of death? Think again. Julie Coppernoll, Director of WiMax at Sprint, insists that the two technologies can persevere alongside each other, and that there is little reason to believe one must exist over the other. Phil Kendall, wireless analyst at Strategy Analytics, asserts that the market is big enough for both to survive. However, from here on, WiMax will need to step up their game; as they will no longer be the sole wireless provider. |
