Recent data released by WiMAX Forum (News - Alert) projects that approximately 70 percent of WiMAX subscribers will access broadband Internet services with mobile and portable WiMAX devices. It was also revealed that more than 27.5 million Indians will be WiMAX users by 2012.

 

The WiMAX Forum has released this data after it applauded Department of Telecommunications of India for the allocation of an upcoming auction relating to the 2.3 and 2.5 GHz frequency bands. This auction will facilitate two 20 MHz blocks in both the 2.3 and 2.5 GHz bands.

 

The Indian government plans to auction blocks in the 700 MHz and 3.3-3.6 GHz bands as and when they become available. By the end of 2008, the WiMAX Forum expects to certify the first 3.5 GHz WiMAX products and sees 700 MHz as a strong contender for Mobile Internet services, especially in India's low-density rural areas.

 

With the availability of these key bands for WiMAX technology, the WiMAX customers in India will gain broadband connectivity across the diverse economic and social needs of the entire population. Providing broadband services in dense urban and suburban areas, WiMAX technology has the potential to bridge India's digital divide. India can also facilitate high speed wireless applications and services, and enterprise broadband access across the country.

 

By the end of 2008, WiMAX Forum plans to add an Indian certification lab to its existing network to help the country to stay ahead of product demands. The WiMAX Forum's current network consists of six labs in China, Korea, Spain, U.S. and two in Taiwan. By the end of 2008, they will also add a lab in Japan and a Brazil by 2009.

 

“WiMAX devices and networks are available now for deployment worldwide delivering best in class broadband services at a cost to consumers significantly lower than any other technology. India is clearly making the commitment and taking the steps to ensure wireless broadband services are a reality that enables operators to meet the needs of India's diverse and growing population,” said Ron Resnick (News - Alert), president of the WiMAX Forum.

 

“In addition, an operator’s investment to afford the build out of infrastructure and deployment of the service is at the lowest capex and the best ROI models plus the economies of scale created by this demand will help drive down the cost of the wide range of diverse WiMAX devices. All of the leading telecom equipment manufacturers are having their WiMAX Base station and other infrastructure equipment WiMAX Forum Certified and are ready to showcase their equipment in India,” added Resnick.

 

WiMAX Forum membership consists of 144 ecosystem content developers, 162 service providers, 92 silicon component manufacturers and 131 system vendors. The forum focuses on the progress of WiMAX service providers, equipment vendors, content developers and subscribers in regions around the world.