WiMax vs. DSL vs. Cable

By Mark Evans | Published: January 4, 2007

There’s clearly a lot of interest in WiMax these days, particularly in the wake of Sprint’s multi-billion dollar investment to build a nation-wide network. Before anyone gets too carried away, Total Telecom offers up some insight into how WiMax is going to have a big challenge penetrating the high-speed business in developed markets, which are dominated by DSL (the carriers) and cable. It’s a good read, highlighted by its conclusion:

“All in all, achieving a viable business case will be immensely challenging for WiMAX operators in developed markets. Some may attempt to avoid head-to-head competition with DSL by focusing on short-term opportunities in rural areas, but their business plans must take account of potential future changes in the competitive landscape. In the majority of developed markets, it will only be a matter of time before DSL is available to the vast majority of households.”

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  • jayemmay

    I read the article with a grain of salt. DSL and cable are both wired systems. WiMax is wireless. People seem to want wireless. Compare internet access with telephone service. Everybody seems to have a cell phone, even though land lines are higher quality and much cheaper than cell phone service.

    Do the authors have a true finger on the pulse of people’s wants or are they simply naysayers?

  • Mika Palozzi

    Just read the Wall Street Journal profile of Mike Z from this week’s edition! Have you seen it? Was on the cover. Can you post it for those who haven’t?

  • Not Observer

    There are numerous WiMAX opportunities across consumer, enterprise and public sector segments. Fixed line, single point of presence Internet access is a limited one. I would be willing to pay for a mobile access as I could then reduce my dependence on WiFi Hot Spots and Hotel Internet Access fees.

    I think there is a substantial opportunity for Municipal services and Public Safety. A lot of costs could be saved through wireless access for utility meter reading. Public safety can be increased by implementing video cameras in high risk areas and using WiMAX to stream video to Police while they are en route to the scene. Business customers can have route diversity in the event of circuit failure. This adds to their ability to have a business continuity plan.

    It’s more about the application and content than it is about the access.

  • Kwame Boadu Kissi

    Basically unless WiMAX is very competitive qua pricing or offers something totally new, which DSL or Cable isn’t offering, like real mobile broadband access, I think it will only be stronger in the rural areas of the developed world and will certainly rule in the developing world.
    I think presently most consumers don’t care about the technology when going for broadband internet access – what they care about most is which company is offering the best value for money – the best bitrate to price ratio.

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