WiMAX forum:catalyzing the BWA ecosystem

WiMAX is a broadband wireless standard that enjoys widespread support from both the computer and telecom industries worldwide, making this technology particularly cost-effective. The WiMAX Forum™ is working to facilitate the deployment of broadband wireless networks based on the IEEE 802.16 and ETSI HiperMAN standards by ensuring the compatibility and interoperability of broadband wireless equipment. The WiMAX Forum is the only organization bringing compliance and interoperability to the wireless broadband industry with its testing and certification program, WiMAX Forum Certified™. In an interview with PALLAB DUTTA, Manish Gupta, board member of the WiMAX Forum talks about the ecosystem, the popularity of the technology, Forum activities and the way forward.

Could you highlight the growth of the WiMAX ecosystem and the momentum that seems to have been witnessed in the past 2 years?

Manish Gupta: The ecosystem is very huge and has gathered great momentum in the past 2 years. Now the Forum has more than 400 members encompassing players across the spectrum viz. semi-conductor vendors, software vendors, system vendors, leading equipment manufacturers, system integrators and more than 100 service providers. Besides, there is also a large community of various consulting firms, market research and analysis firms, media groups which have become a part of the extended ecosystem. The growth in numbers simply reflect that WiMAX has reached a point where important players believe that the technology foundation is there, the maturity is acceptable and application areas can be relevant to various markets.

How frequent are the meetings? What exactly happens during these Board meetings? Do the members discuss applications, specifications, spectrum allocations etc.?

Manish Gupta: WiMAX Forum is actually a very large entity now. It comprises primarily of volunteers from companies that are part of the system and there are certain employees that run various programs. But really, 95% of the Forum consists of volunteers. There is tremendous investment of time and resources from companies which believe that their participation will help the ecosystem. The Forum has a Board and the Board meets every 6 weeks to discuss issues and these meetings give the general direction and momentum to the cause of WiMAX etc. These meetings are not restricted to any geography and take place in all parts of the world. The Board of the WiMAX Forum is comprised of industry experts across the Broadband Wireless Access (BWA) spectrum. The Board of WiMAX is responsible for leading the BWA market adoption of IEEE 802.16 based BWA systems through certification and interoperability testing. The Board is also responsible for agency oversight, goal setting, policy and fund raising.

Apart from the Board, are there any subgroups or committees which help in the general functioning and working of the Forum?

Manish Gupta: As part of the Board, there are numerous Working Groups and these working groups have different charters. These Groups have anywhere between 10 to 30 members depending on the activities and the complexity thereof.

These Working Groups include the Application Working Group (AWG) which defines applications over WiMAX that are necessary to meet core competitive offerings and that are uniquely enhanced by WiMAX , Global Roaming Working Group ( GRWG) which assures the availability of global roaming service for WiMAX networks in a timely manner as demanded by the marketplace, the Network Working Group (NWG) which creates higher level networking specifications for fixed, nomadic, portable and mobile WiMAX systems, beyond what is defined in the scope of 802.16.

Then there is the Marketing Working Group (MWG) that is primarily focused on Forum strategies, in securing positioning, messaging, events, seminars, workshops and other relevant programs, promotion of brands and the standards which form the basis for worldwide interoperability of BWA systems.

Further, there is the Regulatory Working Group (RWG), that is focused on ensuring that the lobbying efforts in various countries and governments for spectrum allocations are in place apart from influencing worldwide regulatory agencies to promote WiMAX-friendly, globally harmonized spectrum allocations; the Service Provider Working Group (SPWG) which gives service providers a platform for influencing BWA products and spectrum requirements to ensure that their individual market needs are fulfilled and the Technical Working Group (TWG) which develops conformance test specifications and certification services based on globally accepted practices to achieve worldwide interoperability of BWA systems.

Even with the broad-based acceptance and expected broad market deployment due to well-defined standards and industry interoperability, do you foresee any more industry and technological challenges for WiMAX?

Manish Gupta: The technology and solutions will continue to evolve as all do. There will be convergence issues which need to be addressed too. We will have to address connectivity issues - knowing how connectivity will aid the economic development of developing economies- for more than 6 billion people in the coming decade and all players in the telecommunications system will be important in shaping the future. However, the major elements are in place and adequate to support deployments by major operators globally.

What are the potential benefits for service providers?

Manish Gupta: The ability to grow over time - pay as you grow model; SLA support; cost effective deployment from capex and opex standpoint; ability to deliver VoIP, data, video to subscribers like enterprises and consumers.

Could you give a timeline of the development and evolution of the 802.16 technology and standard?

Manish Gupta: IEEE 802.16-2004 standard ratified in July 2004; first product certification occurred in Jan 2005 (Aperto was certificate #1). IEEE 802.16-2005 ratified in December of 2005; first products expected to be certified in 2007.

WiMAX Forum has managed to create market demand for this telecom technology innovation. Will emerging markets like India, Brazil, South Africa, Russia be able to ride the WiMAX wave and capitalize on the definite cost-benefit advantages and relatively easier installation advantages of WiMAX rollout?

Manish Gupta: Absolutely; these are anticipated to be some of the largest WiMAX markets. India is taking a huge lead currently and is a great case in point. With nearly 50 million copper miles already in place, nearly 10 million can become broadband mobile in the near future. VSNL and BSNL are very aggressive with their plans.

How can WiMAX with mobility provide a broadband evolution for mobile carriers?

Manish Gupta: They can overlay broadband data services over the 2.5G and 3G infrastructure; they can bundle fixed broadband data services along with mobile 2.5/3G services; they can ultimately launch mobile broadband data services. All these give them opportunities to capture greater market share; penetrate broader markets; and increase ARPU.

Could you highlight Aperto's role in the evolution of the IEEE 802.16 2005 standard ?

Manish Gupta: Aperto Networks is the cofounder of the basic IEEE 802.16 standard and co-founder of the WiMAX Forum. Aperto has contributed to the standards on an on-going basis. We will offer a broad range of base stations and CPEs certified by the Forum.