Broadband wireless markets are anticipated to grow as a result of the ever-lowering cost of implementing infrastructure using the WiMax systems. Described as “Wi-Fi on steroids,” WiMAX can transmit data as far as 30 miles (compared to Wi-Fi’s 300-foot radius). It uses the same technology as Wi-Fi, but is much faster.

As one source (who asked to remain anonymous) pointed out, the combination of Apple and Intel products that exists now with the addition of the WiMax technology would provide the possibility of broadband that would exceed any current WiFi networking. Imagine this scenario: WiMAX networks across the country that would naturally include Macs, iPods, iPhones, routers, servers, ExpressCards, PC cards and, well, you the picture. In other words, broadband for everyone -- pioneered and provided for you by Apple and Intel and anyone who would license the technology.

VoIP easily done. Data transfer in seconds. Across the country and across the world economically and for everyone. Not likely, you say? Perhaps, but it's fun to Think Different. Besides, can you really rule out any possibilities such as this where Jobs & Company are concerned?

The WiMAX Forum says that WiMAX service providers now offer networks covering 430 million people, or POPS, globally and are on a path to nearly double to 800 million people by end of 2010.

In addition, global WiMAX network deployments are approaching 502 in more than 145 countries for fixed, portable, and mobile networks. The WiMAX Forum also met key milestones with the first Mobile WiMAX 3.5GHz products receiving the WiMAX Forum Certified seal of approval, says Ron Resnick, president and chairman of the WiMAX Forum.

With more than 430 million POPS already covered by WiMAX services, and new spectrum licenses anticipated to be allocated in countries such as Brazil and India, the WiMAX Forum expects to see accelerated growth of WiMAX’s global footprint in 2009. And, the ecosystem can expect to see continued subscriber growth as consumers and enterprises recognize the availability of WiMAX as a high-speed low-cost alternative to other Internet technologies, Resnick says.

The WiMAX Forum is an industry-led, not-for-profit organization formed to certify and promote the compatibility and interoperability of broadband wireless products based upon the harmonized IEEE 802.16e/ETSI HiperMAN standard. A WiMAX Forum goal is to accelerate the introduction of these systems into the marketplace.

WiMAX 802.16e broadband subscribers will approach 50 million globally by 2014, driven by the need to provide broadband to underserved areas, according to a new report from telecom consultants Juniper Research.

The new WiMAX broadband report found that WiMAX will provide easier and more cost effective broadband connectivity in areas where it's logistically challenging and therefore expensive to install wired networks. WiMAX 16e has however been faced a number of well publicised delays that have handicapped network operators resulting in slower subscriber growth than anticipated previously. Nonetheless there are examples of successful service providers in a range of countries from Pakistan to the US, according to Juniper Research.

Report author Howard Wilcox explains: "WiMAX 16e will have opportunities not just in developing countries but also areas of developed countries where the DSL coverage is weak or non-existent. The key for the industry ecosystem now is to overcome the challenges and ensure trials evolve into commercial services quickly."