Wimax

Wimax stands for Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access is the new thing in online technology. It is the fastest broadband in the world. Compare to WIFI, WIMAX is claimed to have higher speed. Not only that the range of coverage for WIMAX is many times higher than WIFI, meaning WIMAX cater more people who are mobile and on the go. The range for WIMAX could reach 30 miles but satisfactory coverage maybe lasted only up to 5 miles, this is already better than WIFI which only covers a diameter of several foots.

However there are limitations to WIMAX, one of which that it is depending on operator availability. Without a transmiter in your vicinity, you will not be able to connect to it. WIFI in contrast is easily connected because most middle class restaurants are already connected. It's almost always that you see restaurants with at least a decency of offering air-cond to be connected. Wimax is not easily set up due to its large barrier of entry.

However according to some sources, WIMAX is an advantage because of better performing 802.16e, compared to other technology like HSPA??

There are currently four WIMAX operators in Malaysia. The first one launched August 2008 is P1 Wimax, owned by Packet One (P1). The CEO Michael Lai is aiming to reach subscribers base of 250,000. That's a big number considering he is working on expanding his coverage in addition to existing states like KLang Valley, JB, Alor Setar and Penang, he's reaching out to Kuantan, KT and Ipoh, yet he could not have coverage in my area!!!

I need another WIMAX operator!! NExt. We have Asiaspace, which launched its service also around the same time as P1 but I have not heard a single promotion coming from them, most likely than not this is a fly-by-night licensee who gets the benefit from the government's affirmative action. Next is REDtone which only serves east Malaysia for now. Finally YTD e-Solutions is on the way, personally led by Tan Sri Francis Yeoh, the executive chairman of YTL e-Solutions, you might or might not see the competitiveness of him, although I have not personally or directly affected by his business, it waits to be seen what Tan Sri can conjure. My take is that they just come connect me so that I can get rid of my slow Streamyx.

This sentiment is actually shared by a David Wong, chairman of Association of the COmputer and Multimedia Industry of Malaysia (PIKOM). He even suggested to strip of the licensee's license due their ineptness.

Other new internet technology coming to the fore that would complement the connectivity are 3G, which are already served by Maxis, Celcom and TM. Another faster technoology will be fiber optic which