India is yet to witness a comprehensive launch of WiMAX services, but service providers across the globe are already reaping the benefits. A new research from Maravedis reveals that WiMAX subscribers grew by 400,000 in the Q1 09 quarter, a 75% increase on a y-o-y basis. 3G subscribers reached 50 million during the quarter.

Broadband Wireless Access (BWA) WiMAX subscribers now stand at 3.5 million subscribers worldwide. Q1 2009 recorded WiMAX ARPU was US$42.43 and US$116.82 for residential and business segments respectively, compared to US$42.33 and US$122.64 for the same segments in Q4 2008, adds the report. Clearwire of USA is the no 1 WiMAX operator with 500,000 subscribers.

The report however points out that WiMAX is witnessing revenue stagnation and subscriber growth slowdown. The report further adds that in continuation of the trends witnessed in 2008 which saw slowdown in uptake of WiMAX services, 2009 may also show similar trends.

LLTE is the way forward proclaims the report saying, "LTE is gaining momentum and will be the technology selected by most mobile operators worldwide moving forward."

However the long wait for the evolution of the technology appears to be big dampener. According to the report, it is here where WiMAX scores over LTE as it is available right now while LTE is perceived to be a promise available couple of years from now.  For operators it is not the network technology which is important, but being able to deliver the services to end-consumers is of prime concern.

"WiMAX suppliers say that they offer a low cost way to deliver network service most needed now: that waiting for LTE is lost opportunity and overkill of network complexity and cost," says the research.