Motorola exec sees room for WiMax and LTE to thrive

11.11.2009
Despite debate over whether would win out as the basis for faster 4G wireless networks, Motorola Inc. is now convinced that both protocols will flourish.

That recognition means Motorola is working aggressively to sell equipment to provision both WiMax and LTE networks when carriers commit to one or the other, said Bruce Brda, who was recently installed as general manager of wireless networks for the equipment maker.

"The LTE versus WiMax debate took place a couple of years ago ... but in my mind, [carrier] customers we talk to today aren't debating anymore," Brda said in an interview with Computerworld . "Customers know what technology they want before we have a conversation."

Currently, Brda said WiMax is the technology of choice for the new wireless carriers that predominate in emerging markets mainly outside the U.S. The notable exception is Clearwire Inc., which has financial backing from Sprint Nextel Inc. and others, in the U.S.

Meanwhile, LTE was chosen by "traditional wireless carriers" including Verizon Wireless and AT&T Inc. in the U.S., he said. Verizon is expecting to begin with full rollouts in 2012. Brda called Verizon's plan an example of how LTE in the U.S. will be about two years behind WiMax, but then quickly catch up.

Motorola is already provisioning WiMax networks for Clearwire in 18 U.S. markets, with base station equipment, antennas and client equipment, such as laptop dongles and customer premise equipment that can distribute a WiMax signal from outside throughout a home or office, Brda said.