WiMAX changes the way broadband services are going to be provided to the consumers. Years back the connection of broadband required use of phone, cable, and many other accessories. Then along came Wi-Fi which has a single-based station to make a wired connection to internet to broadcast to the users present within a range of 100 of meters indoor. At outdoor the coverage extends to 400 meters. But WiMAX is something that can connect you to the network even if you are miles away.

WiMAX is the latest technology for the broadband internet suppliers and users; designed to act as an alternative or may be replacement of technologies such as DSL and cable. WiMAX is the technology to establish wireless broadband network. The most impressive thing about WiMAX is that it can cover the distance up to 50 Kilometers to establish a network. Many can make mistake by thinking it is something related to Wi-Fi technology. Well, WiMAX is not something similar or something associated with Wi-Fi. WiMAX actually is a brand new breed that can make Wi-Fi look shabby. WiMAX is different from Wi-Fi in the way it works. WiMAX describes IEEE 802.16 standard, while Wi-Fi is the term used to describe 802.11 wireless LAN standards. The specialization of WiMAX is that it provides symmetrical bandwidth over many kilometers and with less interruption. It can cover long ranges with stronger encryption like AES or TDES. While Wi-Fi uses encryption such as WPA or WEP. The encryption Wi-Fi uses is lot weaker than WiMAX is built on. That's why Wi-Fi offers coverage of hundreds of feet and suffers from interruptions more than WiMAX. Usually Wi-Fi access is highly contended. As a result it suffers from poor upload speed, another place WiMAX takes the advantage of performing better.

What can be the cost one has to bear to get into touch with such technology? Can the regular users have their hands on it? The answers to such questions are about to be unveiled and hopefully the answers will be positive. Industry leaders are aware about the potentials of WiMAX and they don't want it to blow up for the price. There have been discussions about the frequencies and encryption of WiMAX and users' access. These discussions can lead to the decision to allow the companies like Intel to mass manufacture of chips for WiMAX equipments. The situation indicates that WiMAX will be available to its users within an affordable price range which can sweep away most of the current ISP.

The potential of rooftop antenna is going to revolutionize the world. UK broadband suppliers are also well informed about that. But there are only two companies in the market who have the license to use WiMAX. They are PCCW and Pipex. PCCW has UK Broadband as a concern to compete in the market and they may show up as the biggest threats to other operating companies of UK market. Pipex however is about to be sold, so giants have their eyes on Pipex to achieve the license of WiMAX. WiMAX is supposed to start operations in public areas so whoever gets the hold of it has an ultimate advantage of using wireless connection in the major areas of UK. Whatever the businessmen do, let's hope WiMAX will make broadband connection more impressive and comfortable.