By the time the BBWF Asia 2005 is held, both solution vendors and network operators will have made first experiences with WiMAX deployments as a wireless substitute to wired DSL systems for the delivery of broadband services to residential users, SOHO and SMEs. In a second step, the maturity of the 802.16-2004 based technology will allow for deployments supporting nomadic mobility - denominating the user's capability to connect to different base stations after a session restart. In the long run, the enhancements defined in 802.16e will support enhanced mobility providing acceptable multimedia service experience for both real-time and non real-time services. At that time, a seamless migration of connections across various networks will be possible. Terminals with multi-access (3G, WiFi, WiMAX, DSL and FTTH) capabilities will enable end-users to access their applications over any network, at home or on the move.

WiMAX has its distinct identity as either a stand-alone solution for incumbent and competitive fixed network operators or as a complementary radio access solution for established 2G and 3G cellular network operators. Fixed-line operators, on the one hand, may consider WiMAX as a viable alternative to add mobility to the service portfolio, leveraging their huge subscriber base, in particular in countries where 3G licensing is delayed or not affordable. Mobile operators, on the other hand, consider several levels of integration:

1. Site integration of base stations with common use of transport (and even antenna) resources,
2. Shelf integration of both technologies within the same multi-service base station,
3. Platform of different technologies including joint control unit and
4. Integration of subscriber authentication and authorization.

Over the past three years, powerful forces have swept the communications industry. WiMAX will be one of those forces in the future. Eventually, along with the forthcoming standardization, WiMAX has the potential to substitute 3G and become a promising 4G candidate. Like IP, in the long run WiMAX may initiate another paradigm shift, allowing established IT-players to fundamentally reshape today's telecom industry.

Rahul Aggarwal
Director, RHQ APAC
Siemens Multimedia

Rahul Aggarwal has more than 11 years of experience with Siemens and has addressed the Operators in India and the Asia Pacific region for Next Generation Networks. Mr. Aggarwal is a graduate with an Engineering (Electronics and Communications) degree and a MBA in Marketing. Presently he is Director - Solution Management, Siemens RHQ in Malaysia, wherein he is heading the Business Development Team for Access, Transport and Core Converged Networks as well as the Home Entertainment Solutions team for APAC.

Klaus Kohrt, Senior Vice President, Siemens

Manoj Menon, Partner, Frost & Sullivan

Tomo Morohashi, Vice President, eMobile, Ltd.