ABI: Multi-Mode WiMAX/LTE Chips to Hit Markets in 2009
November 11, 2008 // Published as a news service by IHS
According to ABI Research, 2009 will see the introduction of a new class of wireless communications chips that feature dual-mode support for both worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) and long-term evolution (LTE).
The demand for these chips comes from wireless device makers seeking to reduce their stockkeeping units (SKUs) and who will also welcome the economies of scale that come from creating devices that support both fourth generation (4G) standards.
"Some mobile operators are showing interest in dual-mode chipsets and they are backing it with cash," said ABI Research principal analyst Philip Solis.
"Vodafone, for example, has a foot in both WiMAX and LTE camps. They will use LTE in industrialized regions and WiMAX in developing nations. In Japan, KDDI may deploy LTE on its own, but as an investor (along with Intel and others) in WiMAX operator UQ Communications, KDDI has an interest in both standards."
These chips are destined for any and all mobile devices, although given that most of the early usage of both LTE and WiMAX will be for data transmission, analysts said universal serial bus (USB) modems, laptops, netbooks, and mobile Internet devices (MIDs) are likely to be the first products to include the dual-mode chips.
"Because WiMAX networks will be deployed sooner than LTE, for competitive reasons these dual-mode chips are generally being created by WiMAX chip vendors; particularly the smaller, more agile ones," Solis said.
Source: ABI Research.