WiMAX Forum Forecasts 133 Million WiMAX Users by 2012

(Top News, 1 Apr 2008)

The WiMAX Forum projects more than 133 million WiMAX users globally by 2012, and 70 percent of them will utilize mobile and portable WiMAX devices to access broadband Internet services. The forecast is based on the results of an independently commissioned research study, entitled "WiMAX Forum Worldwide Subscriber and User Forecasts", to be published in April 2008.

The report examines the progress of WiMAX service providers, equipment vendors, content developers and users in regions around the world. The preliminary results released at CTIA Wireless in Las Vegas reflect the accelerated growth of the WiMAX ecosystem, the acceptance of WiMAX technology and demand for mobile Internet services across the world.

"WiMAX is here now and is the catalyst in the global marketplace to grow demand for mobile broadband Internet access," said Ron Resnick, President of the WiMAX Forum. "This new subscriber and user forecast is a solid proof point of the future growth of the thriving mobile Internet ecosystem and presents reasonable predictions of the positive progress our industry is working to achieve."

According to the study, a key driver of WiMAX subscriber and user growth will be the ambitious adoption of WiMAX technology in specific regions, including the Asia-Pacific and the Americas, where WiMAX technology is anticipated to be the leading technology selected to deliver broadband Internet access to a greater geography of these regional populations.

Further signifying the rapid growth of the WiMAX ecosystem, the first Mobile WiMAX Certified products are expected to achieve certification in the second quarter of 2008. This milestone will foster additional growth for the more than 260 service providers deploying WiMAX services in 110 countries worldwide. The WiMAX Forum estimates that by 2011 there will be more than 1,000 Mobile WiMAX Forum Certified products found throughout the world.

WiMAX Forum 700MHz Positioning Statement
The WiMAX Forum also announced the availability of a new 700MHz white paper to clarify the organization's position on pursuing WiMAX deployment opportunities in this spectrum band. The white paper offers the industry association's official position on 700MHz and specifically expresses the clarity of the US spectrum plan, trends and projections on 700MHz as well as covers spectrum allocations internationally.

The WiMAX Forum views 700MHz as a strong contender for mobile Internet services. WiMAX technology in the 700MHz frequency has the capability to meet specific requirements of new subscriber and user segments, such as low cost deployment advantages in low-density rural areas.

WiMAX Ecosystem on Display at CTIA Wireless
WiMAX products and services are on display at CTIA Wireless where more than 90 WiMAX Forum member companies are present to demonstrate the broad and growing network and delivery of best in class devices across the globe. The WiMAX Forum is participating in a host of activities at the show, including:

WiMAX Lounge
The WiMAX Forum will join industry leaders at the CTIA Wireless WiMAX Lounge located in the central lobby. On display at the lounge attendees will view a detailed map that identifies all of the global deployments of WiMAX technology.

CNET's "What's Next In Wireless" Panel
Alongside CNET's Brian Cooley and a team of expert editors, Dr. Mohammad Shakouri, vice president of marketing for the WiMAX Forum, will participate in a CNET panel that will explore the trends and happenings that are shaping today's wireless world. The CNET panel will be held on Tuesday, April 1, 2008 at 3 p.m. at the "Fashion in Motion" Stage at the Mobile Entertainment EXPO.

Walk of WiMAX Booth Tour
The WiMAX Forum will also sponsor a Walk of WiMAX at CTIA Wireless where more than 90 member companies plan to participate in an exciting, self-guided booth tour. To pick up a tour map, please visit the WiMAX Lounge located in the central lobby. The tour participants will include the following companies: 7 Layers Inc., Agilent, Aircom International Ltd, Airspan Network Systems, Albentia Systems, Alcatel-Lucent, Alvarion, Amdocs Management Ltd, Andrew Corp., Anite Telecoms Ltd, Anritsu Ltd, Aperto Networks, Aricent, ArrayComm, AT&T, ATDI, Azaire Networks, Beceem, Bechtel Communications Inc., Bridgewater Systems, Camiant Inc., CelPlan Technologies, Ceragon Networks, Cetecom, Cisco Systems, Clearwire, Comarco, Comba, DRT, EB, EDX Wireless, Ericsson, ETS-Lindgren, European Antennas, FORSK, Fujitsu, Gemalto, General Dynamics, HCL Technologies, Hitachi, HTC, Huawei, HUBER+SUHNER, Informa Telecoms & Media, Intel Corp., Intel Capital, Intertek Testing Services, Intrado Inc., Juniper Networks, Kyocera, LG, Mentum, Mformation, Microelectronics Technology Inc., Microsoft Corp., Mitsubishi Electric, Mobile Mark, Mobile Metrics, MobiTV, Motorola, MTI Wireless Edge, NextWave, Nokia, Nokia Siemens Networks, Nortel, NTS, NTT DoCoMo, Openwave, Ortiva Wireless, Powerwave Technologies, RadioFrame Networks, Redline Communications, Rohde & Schwarz, Runcom Technologies, Samsung, Sandvine, Satimo, Sequans Communications, SGS, Siemens, Sierra Wireless, Sony Ericsson, Spirent Communications, Starent Networks, Syniverse Technologies, Tatara Systems, Telcordia, Tele Atlas, TeleCommunication Systems Inc., Texas Instruments, TruePosition, UTStarcom, Vecima Networks, Verisign, WiNetworks, SprintNextel and ZTE Corp.

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