More WiMAX Backlash

from the about-time dept

Wed, Nov 3rd 2004 11:07am — Mike Masnick

Despite all the hype surrounding WiMAX, it looks like a few companies are finally realizing that, just like plenty of other wireless technologies before it, too much hype is going to be damaging. Cisco is now trying to tone down the WiMAX hype, noting that it's fine for backhaul, but don't expect to be WiMAXing from your laptop any time in the near future, if ever. This is, of course, what many people in the industry have been saying for a while, but some companies (hello, Intel) and the press have completely fallen in love with the technology. The press is especially guilty (though, the WiMAX backers have done little to stop the hype), as they can't help but paint pictures of ubiquitous high speed broadband connections, based on a technology that still doesn't really exist -- even if some people like to pretend it does.

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Anonymous Coward, 4 Nov 2004 @ 12:00am

I want WiMAX
Given that UMTS will be run by phone companies, it's sure to be an expensive ripoff.

I want ISPs to offer WiMAX, so I can get good prices.
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The evil media, 5 Nov 2004 @ 12:35pm

The Linksys connection
Keep in mind that this is coming from the guy who is responsible for Linksys, which makes a ton of money off of Wi-Fi gear. If Wi-Fi was suddenly displaced, Linksys would potentially stand to lose a lot monetarily as well as in credibility.
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Derek Kerton (profile), 19 Apr 2005 @ 6:33pm

Re: The Linksys connection
Not really. Linksys is a Cisco-owned company. Cisco is knee-deep into WiMAX, and stands to make good revenues if WiMAX succeeds. Any IP-based broadband wireless technology that either expands or replaces existing telco hardware (or WiFi) is good for Cisco.
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Phillip Beynon, 22 Feb 2007 @ 10:28am

Bell Canada
I am viewing this post over WiMax now.

Bell Canada
3Mbps down 400Kbps up
$50/M 10GB transfer + $1.50perGB to max $30 then free.
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