ITU Approves WiMAX (IEEE Std 802.16) as Official IMT-2000 Interface

ITU Approves WiMAX (IEEE Std 802.16) as Official IMT-2000 Interface

The ITU Radiocommunication Assembly granted final approval of an update to Recommendation ITU-R M.1457, the IMT-2000 specification to include a new sixth radio interface, “IMT-2000 OFDMA TDD WMAN”, that is based on the IEEE Standard 802.16, making IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX) part of the IMT-2000 family. The announcement was issued today to IEEE members by Roger B. Marks, Chair, IEEE 802.16 Working Group on Broadband Wireless Access.

The process to have WiMAX considered as an IMT-2000 interface began over a year ago. At that time, the ITU uncharacteristically endorsed language in the IMT-2000 specification that stated which technologies were acceptable for use in certain radio frequency bands. During 2007, the United Nations body moved to a technology-neutral position and eventually welcomed proposals from standards bodies, such as the IEEE, to submit proposals for additional radio interfaces to be considered.

Existing 3G operators using IMT-2000 spectrum are not obligated to incorporate WiMAX technology into their product and service offering. Rather, the decision enables license holders to consider WiMAX in addition to future 3G evolutionary technologies such as UMB and LTE as they plan their 4th generation (4G) services based on an IP framework expected to come to market in the 2010-2012 timeframe.

Without the approval, gaining regulatory approval in much of the European market for use of the 2.5-2.6 GHz spectrum for WiMAX operator licenses faced a near blockade.

Operators considering deployment of 3G cellular services or launching multiple technologies in existing spectrum holdings are now able to consider WiMAX in their air interface decisions.