Just become familiar with the term and concept for now, we don't have it, we can't get it yet. Youu can get 3G cards but be advised, for AT&T 3G only "works" currently in Vicksburg, Jackson, and Oxford), and for Verizon, 3G works on their enhanced network along the Hwy 49 corridor south, although Verizon does have limited availability on their extended service network in most of the rural areas according to their coverage maps.
WiMax IEEE 802.16 is emerging. While it is still slowly making headway in north america, it is beginning to gain momentum in Europe, China, and South America. I've seen projections through 2012, and it looks like it may penetrate the US market by 26% by 2012. That would be great, but don't look for it in Mississippi unless we all ask for it, and demand it from our carriers. It is not an expensive infrastructure as I understand it, but it is a controlled service, i.e. those with vested interests in traditional infrastructure may not be readily interested in building out the new technology. AT&T for instance is building out their 3G networks currently. WiMax is considered 4G. We want to make sure if and when we get this type technology it is not limited ot major metro areas, but reaches into the rural communities.
WiMax is considered better than 3G networks with mobile type cards and delivers broadband coverage up to 30 miles from a fixed location, and up to 10 from a mobile location. Wimax is perfect for underserved communities that have difficulty obtaining high bandwidth connectivity.
But again, don't look for miracles in Mississippi unless we all start talking it up. The infrastructure must be built. It involves point to point antennae towers, and multi-point antennae towers, and enough saturation to blanket an area. Typically, today, only a few US metro areas have it. In China they are exploring building it out to rural areas. Let's all keep watch.
WiMax is.... (in the simplest explanation)
wireless connectivity into fixed locations, or mobile (laptop, pda's) devices, providing broadband speeds, and security and reliability, with class of service standards.
3G is... (in the simplest explanation)
wireless connectivity to mobile locations, with better than normal cellular bandwidth speeds, but minimal range, and limited saturation capabilities.
Everyone uses their own terminology and typically spins their network to be metro e or metro connect, and may say it's WiMax when it is 3G. No matter, I believe sooner or later, in my lifetime, whether it is Wimax, or some other emerging technology, we will have blanket connectivity across the US, including rural areas in the 45M capacity or better, and it and our cellular and television devices will interact seamlessly with our internet availability. I believe the pricing model will be based on a utility type model. In other words, you'll pay for it like you do your water bill or electric bill and will have coast to coast coverage on whatever medium (cell phone, smartphone, laptop, fixed computer, car...), and whatever content (television, videos, internet, ....) you wish to tap into.
Posts
