Julie Ask, a senior analyst at Jupiter Research, said the carriers are committed to other technologies for their 3G networks. Sprint and Verizon are committed to EVDO (Evolution Data Only), while Cingular and T-Mobile are committed to HSDPA (High-Speed Downlink Packet Access).

However, carriers are evaluating technology for future 4G networks in the 2010 time frame.

"WiMax is a potential 4G technology. All the carriers are looking at it, but no decision has been made," said Ask.

Johnsson said once one carrier breaks ranks and uses WiMax instead of cellular, the others will quickly follow.

MS120 chip set samples, along with reference design kits, are available now, said Beceem officials.