WiMAX: A key to bridging the digital divide

Abstract

The telecommunication industry is expected to continue to grow as demand increases for cable and high-speed Internet in previously unserviced locations, and as local telephone companies upgrade their lines in response to increasing competition. This paper identifies mobile Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) as a cost effective solution to answering the challenges posed by the digital divide. It looks at the digital divide and why it still persists. It also looks at the technology behind mobile Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), and makes a comparison with two enhanced third generation (3G) technologies that are potential competitors to WiMAX. It then goes on describe the business models in WiMAX and states some of the benefits and drawbacks of a mobile WiMAX network.