WiMAX to Supersede 3G in Mobile Data Sector, Says ABI Research

Press Release - May 7, 2007

Worldwide shipments of wireless broadband-enabled mobile devices will approach 50 million by the year 2012, according to a recent report by ABI Research.

“In the near term, connected portable devices will rely more on 3G cellular connections,” predicted ABI principal analyst, Philip Solis.

Solis noted, however that “the 3G market is fragmented (and) different carriers are using different frequencies in different regions around the world. Such fragmentation represents a significant challenge.”

The emerging wireless networking technology, WiMAX, has more long-term potential than 3G as a globally recognized mobile data standard, ABI predicts.

“It’s an IP-based network with simpler architecture and better connection to the Internet. Sprint, with its commitment to WiMAX, will promote such devices heavily, in the process helping US markets keep up with Korea and Japan,” Solis said on the subject of WiMAX.