A WiMAX-powered high-speed wireless data network is likely to become 'a formidable rival' to mobile phones unless operators diversify to 3G within the next five years, according to Thai fixed-line provider TT&T.
TT&T president Prachuab Tantinond said that WiMAX technology is set to challenge the market dominance of digital mobile services when it became fully commercial, which was expected in 2009.
He said WiMAX has an advantage over 3G mobile phone services, because the technology has faster downloading capacity.
'Given the huge gap in speeds between the two technologies, WiMAX will have an advantage over mobile phone services unless operators expand into 3G,' Prachuab said.
TT&T meanwhile said it expects the number of its broadband users to reach 200,000 this year and 300,000 next year.