WiMax will revolutionize the fixed wireless broadband (FWB) market as expected, but it will be primarily a solution for fixed carriers argues a new report from Pyramid Research. A survey from the report revealed that industry players expect WiMax to be deployed largely by fixed operators and ISPs to provide backhaul and high-speed internet access. Respondents are also optimistic about WiMax's future potential as a mobile solution.

WiMax and cellular convergence will have to wait until the next generation of WiMax, 802.16e, comes to market in 2007. Fixed carriers with 802.16d networks will be the first to rollout 802.16e. Report author Ozgur Aytar expects this adoption pattern "to provide fixed providers with the capability to offer mobility services and compete for mobile data market share."