Abstract
About the Report
WiMAX operators are the first to build and deliver services over all-IP
data-centric networks. They have the unprecedented opportunity to offer a new
proposition to their subscribers, to introduce new services, and to build new
business models. The selection of subscriber devices plays a central role in
enabling operators to innovate the way mobile data services are marketed and
consumed.
The report from Senza Fili Consulting analyzes the results of a 60-question
survey conducted by the WiMAX Forum on the requirements and selection process
of subscriber devices. Seventy four respondents participated in the survey.
They represent greenfield and incumbent operators from Asia Pacific, Europe,
Middle East and Africa, North America, and South America, using a variety of
frequencies (700 MHz, 2.3 GHz, 2.5 GHz, 3.5 GHz) and of business models.
WiMAX operators' requirements and preferences for WiMAX mobile and desktop
phones, mobile Internet devices (MIDs), USB dongles and desktop modems are
discussed and summarized in 40 detailed charts that show the differences
across regions.
The survey results show that WiMAX operators are carefully developing
innovative device strategies. Their initial focus is on go-to-market basic
devices that are reliable and have the features users want. Within the next
year, operators expect to see a wider range of affordable, feature-packed
mobile devices that will also support Wi-Fi and cellular interfaces.
Many of the requirements (e.g., for certification, multivendor
interoperability, multiband support, and multiple form factors and
applications supported) stem from the desire of WiMAX operators to move to a
retail distribution model, in which subscribers buy their own devices and
register them in the operator' s network. Operators' responses reveal the
underlying strategies they have developed to introduce a compelling business
proposition for their subscribers.
The report provides detailed information to vendors who want to understand the
operators' approach, and develop the chipsets and devices that meet their
requirements. It also provides useful benchmarks for WiMAX operators as they
refine their device strategy and assess that strategy in relation to what
other operators are doing.
Table of Contents
Executive Summary
- 1. Introduction: new technology, new devices?
- 2. Methodology
- 3. Participating operators
- 4. Device types
- 5. Marketing strategies
- 6. WiMAX mobile phones
- 7. Fixed phone
- 8. WiMAX Mobile Internet Devices (MIDs)
- 9. CPEs
- 10. Network functionality and interoperability
- 11. Software and applications
- 12. Conclusions
- 13. List of participating operators
- 14. Acronyms and abbreviations
