Benefits
Internet Benefits of Mobile WiMAX Technology
WiMAX is an adopted global standard for low-cost, high performance wireless broadband networks. One of the main goals of WiMAX is to make high quality, long-range data and voice communications affordable. This Next Generation technology platform offers several improvements in the operation of wireless broadband access networks.

Coverage and Range: The maximum cell radius for a WiFi network is an eighth to a quarter of a mile. The range of WiMAX is 3 to 5 miles from the antenna, depending on the frequency and topography. This wider coverage for WiMAX means that more customers can be connected to the network at lower cost. With a lower investment in infrastructure, it is now possible to profitably serve rural areas with lower population densities, as well as economically depressed areas in cities with lower broadband adoption rates. WiMAX is designed to serve entire communities, a Metropolitan Area Network (MAN), as municipal Wi-Fi, which uses unlicensed spectrum, failed to do. For rural areas, the current range of WiMAX networks is comparable to mobile phones.

Non-Line-of-Sight (NLOS) Service: Many 3G mobile phones and radio devices require a line-of-sight (LOS) connection between the access point and user's modem. Mobile WiMAX standard features a 256 carrier OFDM technology which significantly enhances the NLOS capabilities of the radio. This allows the operator to support more customers per cell site due to better signal penetration.

Higher Data Rates: WiMax is able to achieve download speeds ranging up to 6 Megabits per second for fixed residential service and up to 4 Mbps for mobile users. Residential WiMAX is able to achieve a higher data rate because it has a longer antenna. In the future, WiMAX data rates will be able to be increased by decreasing cell size in more populous areas, thereby giving users multiple access points.
Interoperability Advantage: WiMAX represents a shift in strategy for designing and operating wireless broadband data networks. WiMAX compliant devices from different device manufacturers will be able to operate on the same network. This increases the viability and decreases the risk with deploying wireless broadband networks.

Improved Quality of Service (QoS): The improved Quality of Service built into the WiMAX technology platform will enable carriers to offer features designed for use by commercial enterprises. WiMAX will also be a pipeline for media-rich applications for personal use, such as gaming or multicast video, (once IPv6 is introduced).

Lower Consumer Premises Equipment (CPE) Cost: The cost of WiMAX modems and compliant devices will fall as multiple equipment vendors compete with one another in introducing their products. A proprietary system, such as LTE, does not take advantage of economies of scale, as much as an open standards technology platform.

Wireless, Voice & Data Backhaul: Wireless broadband point-to-point connectivity provides flexible, low cost alternatives for cellular and WI-FI hotspot backhaul.