US consumers give WiMax the thumbs up

US consumers have a "significant preference" for WiMax mobile wide area broadband over mobile cellular data and Wi-Fi services, research has revealed.

An In-Stat survey conducted earlier this year with over 1,200 respondents suggests that the positive light in which WiMax is seen bodes well for proponents of the technology.

The respondents were asked a series of questions by the high-tech market research firm regarding their interest in various wireless broadband services, with each service description based on what is currently or will soon be available.

"While much of the WiMax industry's focus has been on ultra-mobile devices, which still remains a few years away, these findings show real opportunities for WiMax based on what it can deliver today," said In-Stat analyst Daryl Schoolar.

"WiMax's ability to support nomadic services with laptop cards and USB devices will become a reality this year. Combining that nomadic ability with its fixed capabilities will give WiMax service providers a way to differentiate their broadband services."

The research noted that over half of respondents would change their current home broadband provider for one that bundles wireless with a home broadband service.

Respondents' interest in mobile cellular data services decreased dramatically when presented with pricing.