WiMax 'more appealing' to consumers

Experts predict that WiMax wireless broadband services are likely to be shunned by businesses but taken up by consumers.

Analyst firm In-Stat said that WiMax has the "right balance" for consumers, but that businesses will provide more of a challenge to WiMax operators because of the need for ubiquitous coverage.

"While early WiMax network coverage will not be as large as 3G cellular, it will be adequate to appeal to consumers," said In-Stat analyst Daryl Schoolar.

"When respondents were presented with service examples and picked the one they most preferred, the one representing WiMax was picked more than two-to-one over the one representing 3G cellular data.

"Service descriptions include information on coverage, network performance, pricing and usage limitations."

Recent research by In-Stat found that respondents are very interested in a wireless broadband service that allows them to connect multiple devices under a single service plan.

Most poll participants indicated that they want a service that can meet their home and mobile internet needs.

Survey respondents reported increased use of public wireless broadband between 2006 and 2007, with expectations for further increases in 2008.