According to Frost & Sullivan WiMAX is already on the way out and it’s not even available for 99% of America. According to the research firm if WiMAX rollouts don’t take place in 2008 the scope and market for the service globally will be insignificant. Frost & Sullivan also says that the technology is facing some serious challenges that are likely to make it unfeasible as a mobile access technology.

The biggest possible issue with WiMAX is that it is not backwards compatible with any other cellular systems. That would mean if your WiMAX cell phone or laptop can’t get a connection you simply won’t have service. Frost & Sullivan thinks that the investment in WiMAX isn’t for naught. It predicts WiMAX will merge with 3G LTE technology.

"Recent events have been unfavourable toward Mobile WiMAX," notes Frost & Sullivan Programme Manager Luke Thomas. "For example, Sprint-Nextel recently announced a delay to the commercial roll-out of its Mobile WiMAX service, Xohm, and has now stated that the first commercial service of Xohm will be in Baltimore in September 2008 followed by Washington DC and Chicago by Q4 2008 (provided the new WiMAX venture 'ClearWire' deal closes by Q4 2008)."

Via Frost & Sullivan