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News
Issue #2001 - 36
(September 2001)
(Updated
Sept. 5, 2001)
MARKET
OUTLOOK & TRENDS
MMDS Fixed Wireless Systems to Take off, study says
Despite its present
technological limitations, Multichannel Multipoint Distribution (MMDS)
fixed wireless systems will overcome its handicaps and compete
with cable modems, DSL and satellite broadband services, according
to a new study by the Yankee Group.
In its report, ‘MMDS Fixed Wireless Set to Becomes a Piece of
the Broadband Puzzle,’ the Yankee Group acknowledges that
line-of-sight restrictions — large objects such as high-rises and
trees that obstruct transmission — has hampered the deployment of
MMDS fixed wireless systems. However, it is optimistic that the
combination of multi-cell, instead of the super-cell MMDS
architecture, with near-LOS or non-LOS technology such as OFDM
(orthogonal frequency division multiplexing), will lead to a
breakthrough. Basically, OFDM uses the obstructing obstacles to
bounce the signal forward instead of stopping it in its tracks.
Lindsay Schroth, an analyst for the Yankee Group’s e-networks
and Broadband access research and consulting practice and author of
the report, says, " In 2000, only 13 U.S. markets and
approximately 20,000 subscribers were serviced over this
frequency." She believes that for MMDS to compete with other
broadband services, service providers need to see technological
developments from equipment vendors.
The Report’s Recommendations
- Systems must overcome the line-of-sight (LOS) restriction.
- The price of customer premises equipment (CPE) must decrease.
- CPE installation time and complexity must be reduced, and
product road maps should include self-install capabilities.
- An interoperable standard that allows for the use of multiple,
seamlessly integrated best–in-class products must be
established.
The Yankee Groups believes that after systems enhancements are
in place, sometime next year, subscriber numbers will steadily
increase, reaching 887,600 by 2006.
For more information: http://www.yankeegroup.com
Mobileinfo Comments and Advisory: Yankee
report seems quite reasonable in its estimate. Achieving million
units by 2006 is realistic.
Note: This news release may contain
forward-looking statements. Readers should take appropriate caution in
developing plans utilizing these products, services and technology
architectures. All trademarks used in this summary are
the property of their respective owners.
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