Is there a winner in the LTE vs. WiMAX debate?
At last week's WiMAX World conference in Chicago, some advocates were quick to claim a WiMAX victory in the 4G technology race. "WiMAX is here and it's paving the way for 4G" was a refrain I heard several times in the sessions and on the exhibit hall floor.
With the Sept. 29 commercial launch of Sprint-Nextel's mobile WiMAX service (called Xohm) in Baltimore, the WiMAX buzz is at an all-time high. The entire industry is anxiously watching Xohm's debut to see how it fares with consumers.
Ben Wolff, CEO and director of Clearwire, certainly has a lot riding on Sprint's Xohm launch. Last May, Clearwire announced it would merge with Sprint Nextel's WiMAX business to create a new company, also called Clearwire. The deal, which is expected to close by year-end, includes a $3.2 billion investment from Google, Intel, Comcast, Time Warner and others.
But even as one of mobile WiMAX's biggest fans, Wolff admits that it's unlikely that WiMAX (or any one technology) will win the 4G debate. In an interview, Wolff told me that he expects the wireless industry will always have at least two technologies, perhaps more. "I think there are operators that will evolve along the HSPA+ path and never opt to deploy 4G or a 4G-like technology," Wolff said. "I don't think it is going to be as black and white as one (technology) wins and one loses. A lot of people don't realize that the most successful wireless operator--or one of the most successful wireless operators today--uses a technology that is only used by 13 percent of subscribers around the world. That certainly hasn't hampered Verizon's ability to be a fabulously successful wireless carrier."
You can see all of my keynote interview with Clearwire's Ben Wolff during "The Future of 4G Executive Summit" on Oct. 15 at 2 p.m. EST. The event, which is hosted by FierceWireless, is virtual and available for viewing via your desktop. Best of all, Ben will be available after the interview to answer any questions you may have about Clearwire, WiMAX and 4G. To register for the free event, click here.
But that's not all--the Future of 4G event also includes several interactive panels with experts who will delve into all aspects of the 4G debate. Panelists include Glenn Lurie, president of emerging devices at AT&T, Magnus Johansson, director, wireless broadband at Digicel Group, Durga Satapathy, manager, next generation access, technology development team at Sprint Nextel and more. Check out the full agenda here.
And finally, my colleague Jim Barthold, has delved into the 4G debate to give you some insight into the issues the wireless industry is debating right now. This special 4G report provides you with a sampling of all the compelling issues that we'll be discussing in more depth during our Oct. 15 virtual event. I hope you enjoy this special issue. -Sue
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Posted by Jim A | October 9, 2008 - 4:00pm
I would recommend that we not focus as much on the Radio technology (WiMAX vs LTE)as much as we should the spectrum it is being deployed on or over.
WiMAX vs LTE as of Today:
What we have here is Clearwire/Sprint WiMAX using a 2.5Ghz spectrum, that by rules of physics will have some problems reaching customers within certain structures and begind any serious Canopy. They do have serious amounts of the spectrum to share to/across LOS and some NLOS markets but that will struggle when they go into Suburban and Rural markets.
Verizon Wireless choice of the 700Mhz spectrum for their LTE network is very strong, even though they only command a limited amount of spectrum, unless of course they are able to win the continguous D block auction and are able to leverage the existing 10 Mbps of Public Safety 700Mhz spectrum. The 700Mhz will offer excellent propagation (handles strucutres and foliage) according to Vendors Spin some serious Broadband Down and Upload speeds.
What is also missed here (and the best of both worlds)is the lack of discussion on the value of 700Mhz spectrum using the WiMAX 802.16m (TDD & or FDD)technologies. To me, this is where providers need to focus and try and expand their spectrum holdings-really need 20-30Mhz spectrum for serious 4G).
Jim A
Posted by Anonymous | October 9, 2008 - 4:27pm
It's like trying to compare cable modem and dsl, yet both co-exist. LTE is controlled by the telcom industry and devices will be limited to laptop cards and phones. WiMAX is controlled by IEEE like WiFi and will have products on all kinds of consumer electronics products like WiFi. Consumer electronic companies do not want to have to work with every carrier to get an LTE product out. With WiMAX, they just drop a WiMAX chip in and they're ready to go.
They'll both exist in compete in some ways, but WiMAX is the one bringing something more unique. In a couple years, consumers will be buying WiMAX laptops and other devices without even realizing it. It will be self-marketing.
Posted by Anonymous | October 9, 2008 - 4:31pm
AT&T has said they don't plan to use LTE for a very long time since they will continue with HSPA. Verizon will have to do a major major upgrade to get LTE going and it will probably be 5 years before they even touch it.
WiMAX is here today and has a huge momentum with nearly 100 devices to be certified by the end of the year and another 1000+ planned for a year or so.
The game is already over as LTE has not only not even gotten to the gate, the horse isn't even born yet. It's still in the labs and could get aborted.
