WiMAX comes calling

There’s a new technology that is bringing high-speed Internet connections to homes and business across the planet. It’s called WiMAX. It’s a wireless technology that can connect your computer to the Internet even if you live in the middle of nowhere.

What is WiMAX?

WiMAX is short for Worldwide Interoperable Microwave Access. It’s a relatively new technology that allows you to get broadband (i.e. high-speed) Internet service to and from your home or business.

Who can use it?

WiMAX was designed for use in rural areas where wired broadband is not available, or difficult or expensive to implement. But it is also offered as an alternative to fixed wire broadband in cities and will compete with DSL and cable Internet.

What do I need?

You’ll need an account and a wireless modem from your provider. It plugs in like a DSL or cable modem using an Ethernet cable. In 2008 and beyond, WiMAX will be built into laptops (like Wi-Fi) or enabled using a PC Card device.

How much?

WiMAX will be priced like DSL or cable Internet. In Canada and the U.S., expect accounts available in the $50/month range.

How about some geeky stuff?

Radio spectrum: WiMAX works in various parts of the radio spectrum and is subject to regional licensing.

In North America, 2.5 GHz is primarily used. Bands used in other parts of the world include 3.5 GHz, 2.3/2.5 GHz or 5 GHz. In Asia, 2.3/2.5 GHz are the focus. Some countries like India, Vietnam and Indonesia will use 3.3 GHz.

WiMAX range: It has a range of about 30 miles line-of-sight with non-line-of-sight functionality from 3 to 5 miles. That means an antenna on a hill or mountain is ideal in a rural area. In an urban area where there are buildings and other obstructions, antennas can be mounted on high-rises and other places that house cellular towers.

WiMAX speed: WiMAX can transmit up to 75 Mbps per deployment, but consumer bandwidth offerings are likely to be competitive with wired broadband solutions, with connectivity between 512 Kbps and 5 MBps depending on what speeds the provider offers.

What’s next?

WiMAX is offered in 2007 as a fixed wireless solution. In future, it may be developed as a mobile broadband solution so that you can use it in your car or on your cell phone.

Who offers it?

In the U.S., look to Sprint/Nextel and Clearwire. In Canada, look to Bell and Rogers. In Australia, look to Austar. You can also check this list of WiMAX providers around the world.

More WiMAX resources

This article was originally created as show notes for Andy Walker’s appearance on The Lab with Leo Laporte and Lab Rats episode about WiMAX.

On the show, Andy showed a WiMAX modem from Bell in Canada. The service is a joint venture between Bell and Rogers Communications called Inukshuk Internet