IBM has joined the WiMax Forum, an industry organisation that promotes the upcoming wireless standard. WiMax is designed to deliver high-speed wireless internet access over a wide range, and operators expect the technology to provide internet connections in metropolitan areas as a replacement for DSL and cable broadband.
The technology is also expected to bring internet connections to rural areas where constructing wired networks is not economically viable. IBM is hoping to sell consultancy services to operators, assisting in the transition from switched environments to IP-based networks.