Mobile WiMAX to Level the Asia-Pacific Playing Field, Says ABI Research

While most Asia-Pacific countries are still processing spectrum bidding, manufacturers and application vendors are aggressively entering mobile WiMAX markets. As the market for mobile WiMAX expands, manufacturers are targeting new customer segments, and there will be a correspondingly huge opportunity in APAC regions.

“Because mobile WiMAX is aimed at untapped markets, almost all vendors including start-ups could be on equal footing with the larger, more established players,” says ABI Research senior analyst Andy Bae. “They will find significant opportunities in APAC.”

South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and New Zealand have entered into the mobile WiMAX kickoff phase by completing the spectrum bidding process. Japan’s WBP consortium intends to invest huge resources with a clear vision and service structure aimed at providing nationwide mobile WiMAX services.

“Mobile WiMAX is an ideal service format for developing countries in APAC to solve the ‘digital gap’ in rural areas,” Bae continues. “Further, operators in developed countries could deploy data-centric services with a cost-effective investment.”

Mobile WiMAX services will differ depending on penetration rates, service requirements, and government regulations.

While deploying commercial WiMAX services, operators such as Korea Telecom are crafting WiBro strategies for terminal types, tariff plans, and competition with HSDPA, strategies that might have implications for other regions.

South Korean vendors are starting to roll out WiMAX-equipped consumer digital devices such as game devices and portable media players. Consumer electronics will be the leading sector for shipments due to user demands such as UGC (User Generated Content).

ABI Research’s new study “Mobile WiMAX in Asia-Pacific” (http://www.abiresearch.com/products/market_research/Mobile_WiMAX_in _Asia-Pacific) examines the current state and future outlook for WiMAX in APAC. It analyzes terminal and chip trends in the region, and contains forecasts for service and terminal values.

It forms part of two ABI Research Services, Consumer Mobility (http://www.abiresearch.com/products/service/Consumer_Mobility_ Research_Service) and Mobile Networks (http://www.abiresearch.com/products/service/Wireless_Infrastructure _Research_Service).

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ABI Research is a leading market research firm focused on the impact of emerging technologies on global consumer and business markets. Utilizing a unique blend of market intelligence, primary research, and expert assessment from its worldwide team of industry analysts, ABI Research assists hundreds of clients each year with their strategic growth initiatives. For information, visit www.abiresearch.com, or call +1.516.624.2500.
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