This white paper briefly introduces some of the main issues surrounding WiMAX technology in China. There exist uncertainties not only about the technology itself but also about its detailed roll out plan as well as operation. As operators, equipment makers as well as handset vendors are focusing their efforts on the 3G field, they cannot afford to invest in the R&D and commercialization of WiMAX in China.

Therefore, unlike the worldwide WiMAX deployment plan of Intel, the introduction of WIMAX technology in China could be somewhat delayed at the will of the Chinese government. However, there is enough room for WiMAX to expand in China as the coverage of fixed telecom service as well as WiFi is narrow. According to the most optimistic views, the number of WiMAX service users would reach 1 million by 2007 and 10 million by 2010. However, ROA Group estimates that it would take some time before WiMAX technology becomes popular in China. According to ROA Group, fixed WiMAX’s commercial service would start around 2007 and form a meaningful market by 2008. Mobile WiMAX is expected to be fully commercialized by 2009, but most likely to function as a complement to 3G service.