What WiMAX was waiting for

The WiMAX sector got what it was waiting for, the decision by Sprint to deploy Mobile WiMAX over other technology contenders. But, it also got what it really wanted most--a big U.S. mobile carrier stepping up to a microphone and telling a worldwide audience why Mobile WiMAX was the right choice for its nationwide 4G network evolution and why the other technologies or vendors weren't the right choice. Who in the WiMAX Forum sold their soul to make this happen? (Don't all answer at once...)

Seriously, WiMAX companies could not ask for a more public endorsement, or a more public dismissal of every other solution that has posed a threat to their livelihood--including 3G. In one fell swoop, Sprint has made Mobile WiMAX not just a wireline broadband alternative, not just an international alternative and not just a hype-up alternative for companies that don't have 3G--it has made Mobile WiMAX synonymous with 4G.

Having said that, let's now return to Earth for this brief disclaimer: Sprint's choice of Mobile WiMAX in no way confirms that Mobile WiMAX will be the 4G choice of other mobile carriers, or the most viable broadband choice for carriers in general. It doesn't mean that IPWireless or Qualcomm or any other vendor with a different technology hasn't already succeeded and won't further succeed with their own solutions. It doesn't even mean that Sprint, by the way, will continue to be an independent firm in the foreseeable future--its recent financial disappointments and precarious U.S. market position amid rebuilding Bell companies is leading to all kinds of speculation in that regard.

Mobile WiMAX still has a long road to travel, but the WiMAX community may have just gained enough credit to pay for the rest of that trip.