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2009 Wireless Industry Outlook: The Top Ten List for the Year of Transformation
By: Robert Syputa, Senior Analyst & Partner |
Two thousand eight was a year of significant change: the wireless industry grew data subscribers and services, and WiMAX struggled to maintain momentum as the spearhead of a new generation of wireless networks more closely integrated with IT and networking. By midyear, the clamor of hype for the still formative development of LTE extinguished whatever pre-market hype WiMAX had at the start of the year. In what we see as a natural course of events, WiMAX and LTE alliances were resolved more by commercial over technical priorities. more…
Winners & Losers
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Winner:
Chinese Mobile Operators - After years of delays and political maneuvering, China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has formally issued 3G licenses to the country's three mobile carriers. As expected, market leader China Mobile was awarded a license to operate the country’s homegrown TD-SCDMA technology. China Unicom is set to build out a W-CDMA network, after completing its merger with former fixed-line carrier China Netcom. China Telecom, the largest fixed-line operator, will upgrade its new CDMA network to cdma2000 EV-DO. After years of delaying the introduction of 3G in order to promote the development of TD-SCDMA, the licensing has been rushed through to stimulate the dwindling economy. MIIT chief Li Yizhong predicts 280 billion yuan ($41 billion) in direct network investment over the next two years. Maravedis expects the first commercial services in the second quarter, and additional investments in fixed WiMAX as well.
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Loser:
Nextwave Dumps IPWireless - Struggling to stay afloat after a tough year in 2008, NextWave has sold off its majority stake in its IPWireless subsidiary for $1 million. NextWave bought the company for $100 million in 2007, and has now sold it at a significant loss to IPW Holdings (comprised of IPWireless’ senior management). IPWireless developed UMTS TD-CDMA technology and mobile TV technology that was gaining a foothold last year among WiMAX vendors. IPWireless is now receiving debt financing to support its business operations. NextWave already discontinued its networks business, its global services and its NextWave Network product support strategic business units last fall. The company is now exploring strategic transactions to preserve the value of its semiconductor business. |
Did You Know?
Source: “VoIP over 4G: Opportunities, Challenges and Deployment Trends" January 2009
THE LARGEST AND MOST EXPERIENCED
TEAM OF ANALYSTS IN WIMAX/4G!
OVER 6 YEARS SERVING THE EMERGING INDUSTRY
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