| WiMax, which stands for 'Worldwide | | | | protocol) and IPTV (Internet protocol television). |
| Interoperability for Microwave Access', is a | | | | The current WiMax technology can provide |
| wireless digital communications system that | | | | speeds of up to 40Mbps. It is now being |
| provides users with a fully mobile Internet | | | | developed as a possible replacement for GSM and |
| connectivity over a wide area. The WiMax | | | | CDMA, which are cellphone technologies. It is also |
| broadband is similar to 802.11 and Wi-Fi networks | | | | being considered as an intermediate link for 2G, |
| which covers over a location. However the | | | | 3G and 4G networks currently used by most |
| former can provide wide wireless Internet access | | | | nations. Through a WiMax tower situated in an |
| of up to 10 to 30 miles, while the latter can only | | | | urban area, it can cover many kilometers around. |
| cover of up to 100 meters away. Basically, WiMax | | | | This next generation of wireless technology can |
| is a next generation Wi-Fi on steroids. | | | | also provide mobile Internet access, over a wide |
| The WiMax broadband, or sometimes referred to | | | | area, to wireless devices such as laptops, |
| as IEEE 802.16, is intended for mobile Internet | | | | smart-phones, gaming devices, cameras, |
| connectivity over a large location and across cities | | | | camcorders, music players and many more. It is |
| and countries. Communications providers use it as | | | | not anymore restricted, like the Wi-Fi where one |
| an alternative to cable DSL for 'last mile' access. | | | | needs to be in a hot spot. However, it is only |
| Also, it can support the 'triple-play' services - data | | | | available for devices that can support WiMax |
| communications, VoIP (voice over Internet | | | | connection. |