WiMAX, one of the wireless broadband technologies, offers data delivery and backhaul services over long distances. The transfer of data may be accomplished in different ways, i.e. between point inks or cellular type access. Generally, WiMAX has a primary spectrum of 3.4 GHZ, enabling its services available for wider area and the user requires a modem to access WiMAX either on fixed mode or by mobile device.

WiMAX is an acronym for Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access. Both WiMAX and Wi-fi are wireless modes of broadband access and are based upon IEE standards. However, the uses of these two wireless broadband technologies differ due to their inherent capabilities. In the UK, broadband providers like cloud and BT Openzone offer Wi-fi services while Pipex becomes the first UK broadband provider to offer WiMAX service in UK.WiMAX has the following uses:

• Basically, WiMAX is a potential alternative for ADSL and cable broadband. It is an excellent option for users who are connected by Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) while it inter-connects all the Wi-fi hotspots in the area.
• It provides final leg of broadband connection to the user.
• It provides faster data and voice services
• It provides broadband access for the users who are away from the house or 'on the move'

The primary differences between Wi-fi and WiMAX are as follows:
Wi-fi

• Its coverage is within a few hundreds of meters.
• Wi-fi provides broadband access to their users within their network (LAN) while the connection to internet is not mandatory.
• Wi-fi is often related to cordless phones.

WiMAX

• It has better coverage which can extend to many miles.
• WiMAX provides point-to-point connection to the Internet from an ISP to an end user ( in MAN)
• WiMAX is often related to cellphones