Alcatel-Lucent CEO blasts Wimax
CeBit 2009
Wireless wars
Tuesday, 3 March 2009, 17:12
WIMAX IS NOTHING more than an extension of the DSL footprint, declared Ben Verwaayen, Alcatel-Lucent's CEO at CeBit today.
During his keynote Q&A session, Verwaayen said Wimax was not a viable mobile wireless option when faced with LTE technology, but said it might just hack it as a DSL extension, implying it was most useful in helping rural hicks get connected and spreading broadband access to lepers in the developing world who couldn't afford anything better.
Intel will be charmed, we're sure. µ
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Hey, doesn't ALU make WIMAX equipment? Somebody tell Ben before he gives a speech to a real conference. Thanks. Pat.
PS Make sure my severance check arrives next week
Does he have a clue?
Oh so quick-thinking and provocatively interpreted.
See for yourself the recording
MR. VERWAAYEN’S ANSWER:
“So WiMAX is a technology here to stay. I think that WiMAX is a great technology to
fill up those parts that it’s very hard to reach with other broadband access
technologies. We see it more as an extension of the DSL footprint. We don’t think
that it’s a viable option to compete against LTE as a mobile-only type of activity.
But other people may have different views.
“The beauty of it is, the technology is very much linked to what LTE does in the TD
atmosphere. So you can see that there is [sic] capabilities to experiment where to
go where not to go. Companies need to make decisions. Companies need to be clear
on the solutions they provide to the market. You can’t be a jack of all trades. We’ve
made a very clear position where to go. I think it will pay off for us.
“I see WiMAX as a viable technology to ensure you get a DSL footprint, a high-speed
broadband access footprint, that is really universal.”
Thank goodness for lucid truth-tellers like Sean who are resisting irresponsible and disrespectful spin such as that apparently spewed by others here.
Taking the Verwaayen as genuine, we must thank you Sean for the good service you have provided to counter act the disservice from prior commenters. Well done.