Less WiMax in 2009, suggests report

WiMax, identified as one of two contenders for the next generation of mobile broadband, was predicted to gain more of a foothold in 2009, potentially giving it an early advantage against the 'rival' option LTE.

However a new report by Infonetics Research has indicated otherwise, finding that sales of WiMax equipment in the US has tailed off in 2008. The decline is expected to continue through next year as the credit crunch results in companies shelving their plans, Infonetics said. A stalled economy will make life difficult for those behind the WiMAX mobile broadband standard who are already coming under increased pressure from the further development of LTE as an alternative standard.

The report does expect the WiMax market to recover from 2010 onwards though, with in excess of 76 million subscribers by 2011, and growth being driven by mobile broadband requirements.