Despite discussion over whether WiMax or LTE technology would win out as the basis for faster 4G wireless networks, Motorola Inc. is now convinced that both protocols will flourish.

That recognition means Motorola is working to sell equipment to provision both WiMax and LTE networks when carriers commit to one or the other.

Currently, WiMax is the technology of choice for the new wireless carriers that predominate in emerging markets mainly outside the U.S. The notable exception is Clearwire Inc., which has financial backing from Sprint Nextel Inc. and others, in the U.S.

Meanwhile, LTE was chosen by Verizon Wireless and AT&T Inc. in the U.S. Verizon is expecting to begin deployments of LTE next year with full rollouts in 2012. 

Motorola is already provisioning WiMax networks for Clearwire in 18 U.S. markets, with base station equipment, antennas and client equipment, such as laptop USB's and customer premise equipment that can distribute a WiMax signal from outside throughout a home or office.

As part of its WiMax effort, Motorola is already running an interoperability laboratory in Taiwan to test third-party WiMax devices. These devices include USB's, wireless mobiles, smartphones and even machine-to-machine devices that can be used, for example, to monitor thousands of utility meters, replacing the need for meter reader crews.

Motorola wouldn't say which manufacturer's smartphones are being tested for WiMax, but said some are Asia-based device makers and some are more recognizable vendors in the U.S. Samsung is considered the most interested in developing WiMax smartphones, according to several analysts. It's too early for LTE interoperability testing on devices.

Motorola's consumer handsets division is committed to launching many new Android smartphones in the next year, and plans to build handsets in 2010 that will run Windows Mobile 7 when it becomes available.

Cheers Mark Bower

Director, NextWave.IT Limited

www.nextwaveit.biz

enquiry@nextwaveit.biz

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