5G Technology World

  • 5G Technology and Engineering
  • FAQs
  • Apps
  • Devices
  • IoT
  • RF
  • Radar
  • Wireless Design
  • Learn
    • 5G Videos
    • Ebooks
    • EE Training Days
    • FAQs
    • Learning Center
    • Tech Toolboxes
    • Webinars/Digital Events
  • Handbooks
    • 2024
    • 2023
    • 2022
    • 2021
  • Resources
    • Design Guide Library
    • EE World Digital Issues
    • Engineering Diversity & Inclusion
    • Engineering Training Days
    • LEAP Awards
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe

OPINION – Reaching into WiMAX’s Pocket

By Staff Author | October 2, 2008

This week’s WiMAX World wasn’t exactly the all-out enthusiastic trade event you might expect from a technology that launched its first commercial U.S. mobile network the day before the show doors opened. The mood was decidedly tempered as most folks were pondering the economic situation that was playing out on the world stage around them.

Rhonda WickhamWhat should have been an exuberant time for this new sector was instead tarnished as many conversations were punctuated with financial feasibility questions.

How many times this week have folks addressed the economy, asked if new players would be able to pour more money into their buildouts and questioned if startups would be able to get enough financing to even get out of the gate?

There’s every reason to believe that companies that have well-conceived business plans and that execute wisely can survive some economic turbulence. The problem is, this doesn’t feel like a period when a little belt-tightening and conservatism will be the answer.

In the coming months, fledgling companies will be questioned at every turn about how reality is matching their business plans. The days of blank checks for “build-it-and-they-will-come” entrepreneurial enterprises are footnotes to a long-ago history. These days, it is all about signing up “paying” customers, lots of them and doing it quickly. 

All of which has been weighing on people’s minds this week in Chicago as they talked about all of the technologically impressive things mobile WiMAX can do. But more unsettling questions remain to be answered: Will there be enough reason for customers to flock to mobile WiMAX? Can a fledgling industry survive when its potential customers are finding themselves cash- and credit-strapped? Will the alliances and partnerships you have made be lasting and profitable? And will your investors be able to continue providing the financial support you need to build out or overlay your networks during these trying times?


Filed Under: Carriers

 

Next Article

← Previous Article
Next Article →

Related Articles Read More >

eSIM
eSIM eases changing carriers for phones and IoT
QoE and QoS comparison
Benchmarking in 5G: More important than ever
iPhone 12
I bought a 5G phone, now what?
6G
Key takeaways from 6G Symposium

Featured Contributions

  • Overcome Open RAN test and certification challenges
  • Wireless engineers need AI to build networks
  • Why AI chips need PCIe 7.0 IP interconnects
  • circuit board timing How timing and synchronization improve 5G spectrum efficiency
  • Wi-Fi 7 and 5G for FWA need testing
More Featured Contributions

EE TECH TOOLBOX

“ee
Tech Toolbox: 5G Technology
This Tech Toolbox covers the basics of 5G technology plus a story about how engineers designed and built a prototype DSL router mostly from old cellphone parts. Download this first 5G/wired/wireless communications Tech Toolbox to learn more!

EE LEARNING CENTER

EE Learning Center
“5g
EXPAND YOUR KNOWLEDGE AND STAY CONNECTED
Get the latest info on technologies, tools and strategies for EE professionals.

Engineering Training Days

engineering
“bills
5G Technology World
  • Enews Signup
  • EE World Online
  • DesignFast
  • EDABoard Forums
  • Electro-Tech-Online Forums
  • Microcontroller Tips
  • Analogic Tips
  • Connector Tips
  • Engineer’s Garage
  • EV Engineering
  • Power Electronic Tips
  • Sensor Tips
  • Test and Measurement Tips
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise

Copyright © 2025 WTWH Media LLC. All Rights Reserved. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of WTWH Media
Privacy Policy

Search 5G Technology World