WiMAX modems and gateways to be 50 percent of WiMAX chipset market

SCOTTSDALE, USA: WiMAX modems and gateways will dominate the WiMAX chipset market, representing nearly 50 percent of the unit market in 2013, according to research from In-Stat.

Other key WiMAX chipset equipment segments include external modules, mobile PCs, base stations, handsets and other portable devices. Overall, In-Stat expects WiMAX chipset revenue to reach $352 million by 2013.

“WiMAX is not a mere niche technology to fill a void until LTE is up and running, but a complementary solution providing last mile wireless broadband access and a true mobile Internet solution,” says Jim McGregor, In-Stat analyst. “WiMAX chipset technology has already moved beyond multiple chips to single chip solutions integrating the baseband functionality with the RF radio. A small group of semiconductor manufacturers have already emerged as leaders in this growing segment.”

Recent research by In-Stat found the following:
* WiMAX chipset vendors Beceem, GCT, Intel and Sequans have emerged to lead the market.
* Both WiMAX and LTE have advantages and disadvantages, but In-Stat believes that the technologies will coexist in the future.
* WiMAX stands to benefit from government stimulus and rural broadband initiatives. WiMAX’s relative maturity positions it favorably for 'shovel ready' projects.