The chip set is based on currently available IEEE 802.16e mobile WiMax specifications. However, the IEEE has not yet ratified a mobile WiMax standard.

Beceem is also shipping a reference design kit for the WiMax modem, including host driver software.

Although the work by the IEEE on the mobile WiMax standard is not complete to date, Lars Johnsson, vice president of development for Beceem, said that when the standard is finalized, the MS120 chip set will be compatible.

"We guarantee it will be fully profile-compliant," said Johnsson.

Mobile WiMax devices still must wait for the availability of WiMax networks.