How To Hype Up WiMax Some More: Just Lump It In With DSL
from the nice-try dept
We've pointed out how incredibly overhyped WiMax is in the past. For years, reporters have been claiming that just about any wireless broadband is WiMax, when the actual standard was only recently approved, and the first WiMax equipment was only certified earlier this year. In other words, despite what some companies (Intel, anyone?) like to claim WiMax is anything but proven. However, the press and analysts won't let go of calling this pretty much non-existent technology a success. If the facts won't support it, then it becomes time to make up your own facts. Rajesh writes in to point out that an analyst firm predicting huge WiMax takeup in India carefully avoids the fact that there's basically none today by simply combining WiMax with DSL. At the very bottom of the article, you'll see the claim that "1.5 million users today of WiMAX and DSL." As Rajesh notes: "the truth might be that there are probably 1,499,999 DSL subscribers and one lone WiMax user." He also notes: "This is followed up by: 'Because India still has more than 600,000 villages with no basic communications services, the potential market for broadband wireless Internet and VoIP services in India could be vast, Mr. Pai says.' Let's see, 600,000 villages without basic services and infrastructure (like roads or electricity) or WiBro? Tough choice that." Indeed.
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Well
I also don't see much hype about it, if anything, most people seem to forget about WiMax for the most part.
The idea of fast wireless networking will take off when its implemented, but the problem with WiMax is that it has been slow to define itself and establish itself and the reason for any hype is so many people want it now!
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Hmmm
So, why bash something that may or may not be any good?
What will your articles say, a few years from now, if Wimax turns out to be a success?
I can assure you that Intel doesn't invest $600 million in something that only works on a chalk board.
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over the hills
Secondly: WiMax will pick up and it is just a matter of time. 2008 will see products in the market that will use this technology in a much cheaper way as compared to cellphone-connectivity.
Last but not the least: If nothing else then this technology will force the existing networks/devices to improve services and lower prices. Good for the consumer (Intel?).
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Re: Well
We have never claimed that WiMax is a failure. We have just claimed that the hype it has received is out of whack with it's likelihood of succeeding.
It would be great if it does succeed -- but we want it to succeed by being realistic. Instead, there's been a ton of hype that has only served to slow down other technologies that are already on the market.
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Re: Hmmm
Hmm? There's plenty known about it.
So, why bash something that may or may not be any good?
We're not bashing the technology, but the hype surrounding it.
What will your articles say, a few years from now, if Wimax turns out to be a success?
Exactly what we've said all along: we hope that WiMax does succeed. If it can offer another competitor in the marketplace, that would be great for everyone. However there's just been way too much unrealistic and misleading hype from the backers of the technology. Let's see some success stories before we hype it as the next big thing.
I can assure you that Intel doesn't invest $600 million in something that only works on a chalk board.
Where did we EVER say the technology doesn't work? We never have. It works fine (though not up to the levels hyped). What we've said is that it hasn't been deployed yet -- which is true.
Anyway, Intel has invested plenty of money in things that were complete failures before. HomeRF, anyone? So, Intel's investment doesn't mean much. Hopefully Intel's investment does help the technology move forward.
Again, it would be great if it does become a success (and if it does, it will be because of Intel's investments). Our concern is that the hype does not match with reality.
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Wimax licenses
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