WiMAX or TD-LTE: Addressing the demand for broadband services through a multi-technology approach

Author: Ashish Sharma, VP of Marketing, Alvarion

For the past couple of years, there has been growing debate in the industry press creating a “WiMAX vs. LTE” perception. This “either-or” narrative is a common phenomenon which makes it easier to conceptualize the market from a technological standpoint, but it is a disservice for service operators. The truth behind the hype is that a multi-technology approach is the most attractive and viable way for operators to grow their markets and grow within their markets.

As the U.S. continues to expand its broadband penetration, it is imperative for operators to evaluate a host of technologies that can provide broadband services throughout the country, including rural areas. Most operators desire for a platform that meets current requirements with the flexibility to accommodate future technologies, so that their investment is protected. WiMAX is already enabling a host of broadband applications for various types of service providers around the world. TD-LTE, on the other hand, is emerging as a new technology that has considerable momentum in a couple of key markets.

Broadband remains a key growth area that will be addressed by multiple wireless technologies including those that are OFDMA-based like WiMAX and LTE technologies. While these two technologies are derived from different ecosystems, there are many similarities in the underlying technologies that enable both standards. The similarities will enable migration, which some service providers are demanding in order to have freedom of choice in the future.

TD-LTE is a standard for TDD (Time Division Duplexing) spectrum and has gained momentum in China over the last year or so. WiMAX is also based on TDD and is very similar to TD-LTE.

WiMAX will continue to be a preferred technology for 4G wireless broadband for many types of service providers due to maturity of available solutions; vibrant ecosystem, including devices; and low IPR costs associated with the technology.

The ability to migrate from WiMAX should also be seen as a point of strength for the technology so that operators can take advantage of the spectrum available today and achieve a significant ROI with WiMAX. There is no doubt that WiMAX will continue to strengthen and grow while the other technologies begin to mature. The prospects for TD-LTE appear to be very positive today, and migration is possible. WiMAX, as a 4G technology for TDD, is also continuing to evolve its own development path to WiMAX 2 with advanced features and functionalities.

Depending on the business model, applications and timeline, operators may have a tendency to prefer one flavor of TDD technology versus another. Eventually both technologies will coexist as they are driven from two separate ecosystems and the demand for broadband services continues to grow around the world.

The bottom line for service providers is that they can quickly and cost-effectively provide 4G services today with WiMAX, with full confidence that regardless of how the market develops, their investment will be protected.

WCAI to Hold Annual Spring Summit April 6-7, 2011 in Washington, DC

Building on success of the annual events WCAI has hosted for almost two decades, we announced today that we will hold our long-running and highly-successful annual Spring Summit on April 6-7, 2011 in Washington, DC. We look forward to providing yet another opportunity for our members and others within the wireless broadband ecosystem to get together and share experience about what it takes to run a successful business in today's constantly changing environment.

The Summit will bring together high-level executives from leading operators, vendors and system integrators, as well as government officials and media representatives. Industry experts will examine operational, technical and regulatory challenges companies face as they are rolling out next-generation networks and services in the United States and beyond. Speakers will present on topics ranging from operator business models, to infrastructure and device availability, to services and applications.

WCAI has a distinguished track record of attracting some of the brightest minds in the industry to our annual events. WCAI's most recent Summer Summit 2010 featured an FCC workshop on the National Broadband Plan, a keynote address by Clearwire EVP Gerry Salemme on what it takes to bring 4G to America, and a presentaton by Motorola Networks CTO Bill Payne on the WiMAX migration paths to 802.16m or TD-LTE.

We look forward to reconnecting with old friends and welcoming new faces to the WCAI Spring Summit 2011, as we work to create one place for industry stakeholders and regulators to learn, network and succeed!

WCAI Summer Summit Kicks Off in DC

The WCAI’s Summer Summit kicked off today with a presentation on the National Broadband Plan by Phoebe Yang, General Counsel, Omnibus Broadband Initiative at the FCC. Ms. Yang addressed the packed room of industry representatives from across the U.S. and internationally who gathered in Herndon, VA this morning to hear about the innovation and opportunities presented by the plan.

Ahead is the day packed with informative panel discussions and networking opportunities. Among the topics that will be addressed are operational best practices and WiMAX migration paths toward 802.16m and TD-LTE. The day will wrap up with a networking happy hour and dinner at Jackson’s restaurant. So if you are in DC area, don’t wait, come join us for a productive day of networking and business development. More details are here:

WCAI Summer Summit: Learn, Network, Prosper!

The WCAI Summer Summit is less than two weeks away and we hope that you are just as excited as we are about all the perks that we filled the two-day program with. The event’s highlights include an FCC workshop on the National Broadband Plan, a keynote address by Clearwire Executive Vice President Gerry Salemme on what it takes to bring 4G to America, a presentation by Motorola Networks CTO Bill Payne on the WiMAX migration paths to 802.16m or TD-LTE, and a discussion of operator best practices for 4G networks. But that’s not all…

Did you ever want to take a peek at how industry leaders in the 4G marketplace run their operations? Well here is your opportunity! WCAI members Clearwire and DigitalBridge will be opening doors of their 4G lab and network operations center for Summit attendees to tour their facilities. Clearwire will also have a 4G-equipped vehicle onsite to demo its mobile network operation. The DigitalBridge tour will feature DBC’s network management systems, test WiMAX systems, and proprietary network optimization technology. Visitors will be able to see best practices in the following areas: WiMAX network operations and management, device interoperability, and network and subscriber optimization techniques.

There will also be plenty of opportunities for social networking, especially during the reception and dinner at the end of the first day of the event.

And the best part is that the Summit registration is absolutely FREE for WCAI members who register by June 25. After that, the rate goes up to $79. Non-members are also welcome at the event for $79.

The Summit will be held on June 30-July 1 at the NRTC Headquarters, 2121 Cooperative Way, Herndon, VA. See you next week!