Will WiMAX Outperform 3G, GSM and CDMA in Indonesia?
According to the schedule released by Indonesian Directorate General of Post Telecommunication, the license of broadband wireless access (BWA) will be released by the end of this year. Participants can bring any kind of technology WiMAX, WiBRO or other kind of broadband technology which can run on the specified spectrum frequency. Among them, WiMAX will be the favorable choice.
WiMAX is a broadband wireless technology that is largely supported by the computer and the telecom industry, cost-effective and standard base. It is engineered to deliver the latest type of ubiquitous fixed and mobile services such as VoIP, Information Technology and Video at very low cost. WiMAX systems are able to cover a large geographical area, up to 50 km and to deliver significant bandwidth to end-users up to 72 Mbps (taken from WiMAX forum).
WiMAX has been given many attributes such as:
-Easy to install (because of NLOS requirement)
-Flexible: point to multi point last mile connection or as backhaul to the PSTN
-Worldwide standard
-Cheap
-Spectrum flexibility, etc.
With so many advantages of WiMAX as listed above does it mean that WiMAX will ourperform other telecommunication technology which currently exist in Indonesia?
Let’s look back 3 years ago. At the end of 2005, DG Postel has informed public concerning the release of 3G licenses. Many people had euphoria that with 3G they can have high level mobile life style by making video call, high speed internet access and slow but sure they will leave the current technology 2G and 2.5G.
At the end of January 2006, the licensed of 3G released. It’s almost three years now, the development of 3G is not as successful as it was predicted. Up until now the killer application still the voice communication and short message services which can actually be served by 2G or 2.5G technology.
I believed that the similar thing will happen to WiMAX. The killer application will still be voice although internet will grow extreemly high. As the telecommunication network is almost mature in the urban areas which can serve both voice and internet, then I think WiMAX will only succeed in rural areas. So, the choice of WiMAX for Universal Service Obligation in Indonesia shall be highly respected.
In conclusion, WiMAX will not outperform previous telecommunication technology in urban areas in Indonesia. It may be the first choice in rural area.
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