WiMax connections to become more prevalent

The number of WiMax connections being used around the world is likely to grow over the next few years, with the 50 million mark being reached in 2014, new figures suggest.

A study from Juniper Research shows the technology could be most prevalent in rural communities where fixed-line broadband connections are less practical and where customers need faster services than those offered by copper networks.

WiMax connections could be used to facilitate faster VoIP solutions and quicker download speeds.

Howard Wilcox, author of the report, said: "WiMax 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."

He added that the industry should make sure the progression from trials to commercial application is swift.

Fibre optic networks will be able to deliver next-generation speeds to urban areas, but the cost of roll-out to more remote areas could be much more expensive.