Rural Broadband Gap Filled by Wimax
The Wimax technology, obviously is not a popular one in the UK, though Intel believes that this could be the one technology that can be successfully harnessed to fill in the rural broadband gap. No wonder, Intel ardently recommends the application of this technology in the global broadband map.
At present, Wimax is very much looked upon as a potential competitor to LTE technology. There are numerous experts in the broadband segment who prescribe Wimax to developing countries, marked by mediocre fixed communication infrastructure, especially for its capability to offer a significant link to the digital world.
The acronym Wimax stands for Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access. To enjoy the benefits of this technology the preliminary measure is to avail adequate silicons for its modems. This technology is hyped by numerous broadband experts as the successor to Wi-Fi as well.
On the paper, it can deliver data rates of up to 70Mbps over a 50 km distance, although the actual range is subject to a number of variables that include environmental status, topography and network capacity. However, it can also compliment other wired broadband technologies such as cable and DSL.
Many experts foresee the capability of Wimax in filling the gaps left over by cable and DSL, which could culminate into the realisation of virtual lifelines to the rural areas of the developing nations with incompetent fixed communication infrastructure.
As far as the UK is concerned, this technology has been already laid through its paces in four trials by BT in remote areas in Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales and Cornwall. Although, it was tested in odd conditions, the feedback it received from the customers were remarkable.
This could have urged the spokesman of BT to say that in ensuring a hundred percent broadband access across the UK, this technology could emerge quite crucial. BT would be offering Wimax eventually in the form of a ready-to-install modem, much like its plug-and-go DSL package that had helped in the launching of broadband back in 2002.
