Windows Phone Thoughts: IEEE Board Approves WiMax (802.16e) Wireless Broadband Standard

"LONDON — A mobile WiMax standard has been approved by the IEEE and will be designated 802.16e-2005. Approval by the IEEE's Standards Board was expected since the 802.16e spec was finalized two months ago, but the formal announcement brings the advent of mobile broadband a significant step closer. Mobile WiMax trials and certification testing are expected to start in the first quarter of 2006, organized by the WiMax Forum. Products will likely follow late 2006 and services by early 2007. The formal announcement Wednesday (Dec. 7) brings to a close the work of a 802.16 Task Group and its project that began with the approval of the original 802.16e spec in December 2002."

A few months back, Darius posted on the upcoming deployment of WiMax in Australia (scheduled for early 2006). Well this announcement represents official approval from the IEEE board, paving the way for OEM manufacterers and future devices. The real question here in the US though is whether this technology will ever be allowed to see the light of day by our cellular carriers and/or phone companies. Wireless broadband would further increase the value behind VoIP-type services, such as Skype, potentially impacting the bottom-line of cellular companies and long-distance carriers.