Wifi Revolution

By Tim Gray

TMCnet Contributing Editor

Comarco (News - Alert) Inc., a supplier of wireless test systems for field applications and network performance optimization, announced today it has joined the WiMAX Forum.

As the newest member of the not-for-profit industry-led organization, the Calif.-based Comarco joins technology and communications heavyweights such as Cisco Systems and Alcatel-Lucent in an effort to push for greater WiMAX (News - Alert) adoption, while also promoting the compatibility and interoperability of broadband wireless products based upon the harmonized IEEE 802.16/ETSI (News - Alert) HiperMAN standard.

The development of WiMAX is critical in order to allow high-speed Internet access from laptops, phones and other mobile devices over bigger distances than previous technologies such as WiFi. Industry insiders believe mobile WiMax can eventually be used for voice service as a competitor to cellular voice.

In fact, in recent years consumer trends throughout developing broadband markets have signaled a sharp increase in both the need and demand for greater wireless mobility, and WiMax regulators have fought to keep pace by moving beyond fixed services by investing in mobile services.

Mark Chapman, senior vice president and general manager for Comarco Wireless Test Solutions (News - Alert), said becoming a member of the WiMAX Forum once again signals his company’s ongoing commitment to enabling the emergence of WiMAX as a truly global technology.

"Comarco's membership in the WiMAX Forum is a logical step as we continue to introduce test solutions for this emerging and innovative marketplace and build partnerships with leading providers in this expanding market segment," Chapman said in a statement.

The WiMAX Forum has 470 members and is comprised of operators, component and equipment companies in the communications ecosystem, and has a state goal of accelerating the introduction of these systems into the marketplace.

The organization works closely with service providers and regulators to ensure that WiMAX Forum Certified systems meet customer and government requirements. All WiMAX Forum Certified products are interoperable and support broadband fixed, nomadic, portable and mobile services.

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Tim Gray is a contributing editor for TMCnet.

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