WiMAX modems and gateways will dominate the WiMAX chipset market, representing nearly 50% of the market on a unit basis in 2013, according to new research from In-Stat. Other key equipment segments for WiMAX chipsets include external modules, mobile PCs, base stations, handsets and other portable devices. Overall, In-Stat expects the WiMAX chipset revenue to reach $352 million by 2013.

WiMAX is not a mere niche technology to fill a void until LTE is up and running, but a complementary solution for providing last mile wireless broadband access and a true mobile Internet solution. WiMAX chipset technology has already moved beyond multiple chips to single chips solutions that integrate the baseband processor chip with the RF radio. A small group of semiconductor manufacturers have already emerged as leaders in this growing segment.

Recent research by In-Stat found the following:

WiMAX chipset vendors Beceem, GCT, Intel, and Sequans have emerged to lead the market.
Both WiMAX and LTE have advantages and disadvantages, but In-Stat believes that the technologies will coexist in the future.
WiMAX stands to benefit from government stimulus and rural broadband initiatives. WiMAX’s relative maturity positions it favorably for 'shovel ready' projects.