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Thomas K. Thomas

New Delhi, July 27 There will be more WiMax-based broadband users by 2014 than subscribers on other next-generation technologies, according to a paper from Assocham.

The paper says that while there will be 20 million 3G-based broadband subscribers by 2014, WiMax operators will be able to support 60 million users.

“Due to availability of 20Mhz spectrum per operator, this technology (WiMax) offers higher scalability of broadband service offerings and improved user experience of true broadband, thus making the service more affordable and increasing the penetration rate,” states the Assocham report.

On 3G technologies, it states: “However, 3G spectrum availability and usage for voice and data limits the scalability of broadband service offerings and user experience of true broadband.”

The report also states that WiMax-based devices will be cheaper than 3G. For example, a WiMax-based data-card is expected to be available for as little as $40, compared to $80 for 3G. The report states that broadband service provider revenue opportunity between 2009 and 2014 is estimated to be about $24.3 billion.

Telecom players have, however, slammed the report on the grounds that it is not a factual representation. “The report is judgmental on technologies and is self-contradictory, and tries to get into an unnecessary technology debate, without providing sufficient details (technical or business) as to why a certain position is being taken,” said an industry representative.

“Without giving any supporting calculations, the report makes a projection that 20 million users would be supported by 3G wireless broadband and 40 million by WiMAX by 2014. Since the total quantum of 3G and broadband wireless access (BWA) spectrum is very similar, and even if one assumes similar network efficiencies (which is, again, debatable), this difference between the 3G and BWA projections is not understood,” said a leading GSM player.

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