Two new wireless technologies are emerging seem to compete. WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) was born earlier than LTE (Long Term Evolution). In the device and handset vendors support more readily than LTE, WiMAX in 2009. While LTE will be developed after the year 2010. Each of these technologies by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) will be candidates for 4G network standards (at least 100 Mbps for data transfer) at least in the year 2009.



In LTE superior speed over the current generation of WiMAX (IEEE.802.16e). LTE can deliver downlink speeds up to 100 Mbps and 50 Mbps uplink and can be expanded up to 250 Mbps for downstream. However, this speed will compete with WiMAX generation II (IEEE.802.16m) which will be updated in the year 2009. WiMAX II will run on the mode with a speed of 100 Mbps Mobile and Fixed up to 1 Gbps (unusual for exchanging data wirelessly). In addition to LTE and WiMAX, there is another technology that is almost similar to the LTE UMB (Ultra Mobile Broadband), but its development is a CDMA base. Even its downstream UMB is greater than the LTE, which reached 288 Mbps (with band 20 Hz).



LTE and WiMAX Market Opportunities

LTE, which is a development of GSM and CDMA predicted it would be easy to penetrate into the market. GSM technology has been used predominantly (80%) in all parts of the world. GSM and CDMA networks have been very widespread, especially in the cities of the world. It is therefore not surprised to LTE will have a larger market with WiMAX in the appeal. However, WiMAX technology is more economical for the development of new networks in rural areas. WiMAX has an investment cost which much cheaper than GSM base stations. If one GSM base stations will cost up to Rp1 billion invetasi the same number of units for WiMAX base stations need only cost approximately USD 60 million only. Market segmentation using WiMAX and LTE are clear. WiMAX will prevail in the rural areas that are difficult and rarely have BTS. While LTE will thrive in urban areas, utilize networks of base stations are already available.