Wireless Space Springing into Action

Intel Corp. recently announced at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) that it was still focusing on developing chipsets that use the Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) standard. In other news, Sprint Nextel and T-Mobile USA, Inc. advocated use of wireless “white space” spectrum, while Motorola, Inc. introduced a new 2.5Ghz-based customer premise equipment (CPE).

Focal Points:

• Intel recently demonstrated at CES that it still intended on developing next-generation WiMAX technology. While the technology is still in the project plans, some analysts are skeptical that WiMAX endpoints can be developed economically. In fact, some vendors have plans for WiMAX headsets that run as high as $1500. Intel officials stated that it had chipsets they have placed in various devices at the show the all used WiMAX in some fashion. Officials said its latest wireless devices will include Wi-Fi, WiMAX, and other 3G wireless technology. However, its latest devices are not planned for replacement until later in 2008.
• Officials from Sprint Nextel and T-Mobile recently told the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that they are in favor of opening up “white space” spectrum for use commercial. This “white space” is unlicensed spectrum that exists in between spectrum that is currently licensed for television broadcasting. The wireless service companies envision this bandwidth for use by wireless devices for backhaul of wireless services. Using this spectrum would allow wireless providers to bypass often large special-access charges placed on wireless service providers by local exchange carriers. Eliminating these access costs by using wireless backhaul would significantly reduce wireless service provider’s operational costs.
• Motorola officials recently introduced a new CPE device at the CES. The device, the Motorola CEPi 100, has a single data port. It operates using the WiMAX standard, operating in the 2.5 GHz frequency spectrum. Officials said the device is designed to be used with a desktop system and is the smallest WiMAX-based CPE device they have built to date. Motorola’s plans are to release this device later in 2008. Officials said it will be designed to work with Clearwire and Sprint’s WiMAX networks that are being built. Officials claim to have successfully done handoffs between WiMAX base stations in the Chicago area while driving 50 miles per hour.

Experton Group believes WiMAX is set for a significant breakout in 2008, with vendors starting to implement WiMAX technology and service providers expanding WiMAX footprints. At the same time, the upcoming wireless spectrum auction, both in the United States and in the United Kingdom, will set the stage for a broader rollout of solutions that will expand upon, and eventually replace, Wi-Fi services in Metropolitan areas. Experton Group expects further development to occur with wireless handsets, as Intel moves to puts WiMAX chipsets in more mobile devices. IT executives should develop a comprehensive network architecture that integrates wireless technology throughout the projected end user footprint.