WiMAX is a new technology that enables broadband access at a download speed of up to 75 Mbps through wireless. It is used for fixed line and mobile communications. Leading international giants including Nortel, Intel and Motorola are among the developers of WiMAX. In most countries the technology is in a pilot stage — South Korea is the only country where it has been commercially launched.

Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) has said that if WiMAX players are allowed to operate in the IMT-2000 band, which the world over is reserved for 3G services, then its signals will interfere with those of GSM operators and this will have an adverse impact on the quality of services. Even though the licences for 3G are technology neutral, there should not be any interference between two technologies, according to COAI.

In a letter to DoT, COAI has said that a thorough technical evaluation process should be carried out in full seriousness in order to ensure that the existing systems are compatible to work without any interference. The association has also quoted various international studies to prove their point. For instance, a Chinese report has said that WiMAX doesn’t meet the requirement of IMT-2000.

Spectrum is a precious commodity that is available in limited quantity and so, the fight over its distribution is predictable. GSM operators do not want it to be shared with WiMAX players. More number of operators claiming for it will make it more precious.

Some observers consider WiMAX as threat to 3G. They feel that it is a destructive technology and has capabilities of replacing 3G. However, another school of thought is that both 3G and WiMAX are complimentary technologies. WiMAX works best for computing platforms such as laptops, while 3G is best for mobile platforms such as cell phones.

In India, Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DoT) and Alcatel are jointly developing WiMAX. The technology is expected to be ready for commercial launch by the end of this year.

Frequency war

• WiMAX players want spectrum in the IMT 2000 band

• GSM players claim that WiMAX signals will interfere with their signals

• Intel, Nortel and Motorola are among the leading players