WiMAX, the next generation in the evolution of wireless Internet connectivity, has really taken the idea to brand new heights. The ability of WiMAX to support next generation data cards which have a connectivity of 2Mbps is simply outstanding. In India the concept of data cards has been around for quite some time now thanks to the likes of Reliance, Tatatele, etc., but the kind of service offered by them and the connectivity has been very disappointing. WiMAX's ability to replace the conventional method of watching channels over cable with IPTV, wired broadband, and more is an added advantage.

The most profound advantage of WiMAX over WiFi is its ability to offer excellent connectivity without line-of-sight availability. It can offer a connectivity circle with an amazing radius of six miles providing businesses and households with speeds of T1 and DSL respectively.

In simple terms WiMAX is comparable to our mobile phone connections with the primary purpose of high speed wireless broadband while the latter carries voice signals as its primary objective. The concept of high speed connectivity can be truly achieved with WiMAX rather than with the conventional GSM/CDMA networks. Reliance Communications has already started to provide 2Mbps connections over WiMAX in India. The TATAs have gone a step further by announcing plans to roll out WiMAX nationwide, the largest network anywhere in the world of high-speed, wireless technology.

The underlying power within the concept of WiMAX can be unleashed only when it hits technologies like notebooks and hand-helds. Nokia expects data traffic to increase by a significant 75% in 2008 with future devices offering better and better services.

The year 2008 will be seen as the emergence of next gen wireless technology. Several companies have revealed their WiMAX plans. Nokia has already formally announced that Intel will provide the WiMAX technology for its Internet tablets to hit the stands later this year, whereas Intel is preparing its own Centrino chips to provide WiMAX connectivity to its notebooks which will be available around June or July this year. Intel has reportedly invested a whopping two billion dollars in this technology.

The recent news about WiMAX being called a disaster by Garth Freeman, CEO of Buzz Broadband - Australia's first WiMAX operator - was quite disturbing. But the interest from the likes of Intel, Nokia, and Reliance Communications made me think otherwise, meaning there was more to it than meets the eye. And then I came across an article in the Sydney Morning Herald, which blamed Buzz Broadband’s cost cutting for the failure of its WiMAX service. But one thing is for sure — WiMAX is a very promising technology and by the year's end we should know how real it is!