WiMAX as a broadband wireless access for Nepal : technology, benefits and challenges

Abstract

Broadband wireless represents a combination of two distinct technologies: Wireless and broadband. The ubiquity and affordability of wireless technologies coupled with broadband medium could offer more benefit and convenience in comparison to the broadband service offered by fixed broadband services like DSL and cable. Broadband wireless is even more important in case of Nepal as about 83% of the country is covered with rugged terrain, composed of mountains and hills, where 53% of total population lives. In this country report, WiMAX is proposed as a broadband wireless technology for the given geographical, technological and socio-economic condition of Nepal. Here, for urban and rural area different WiMAX deployment scenarios are proposed, both scenarios contain combination of WiMAX with the Wi-Fi networks. Additionally, the action plans to implement the system and deployment considerations are also included in this report. Finally, the benefits of using this technology and challenges that may arise in course of development are also included in this report. While preparing this report, a country case study approach is adopted. Brief introduction of Nepal is provided before describing Nepalese ICT sector; this is followed by the description of prevalent broadband technologies. One chapter is dedicated to the Korean ICT sector and finally, the last chapter is related to WiMAX, chosen as an appropriate BWA system for Nepal, with its benefits and challenges and issues involved with it. Previous studies on Nepalese Broadband sector were more focused on different wireless access technologies like VSAT, Wi-Fi; this report provides an overview of Nepalese ICT industry and draws the attention to the possibility of implementing the WiMAX as probable BWA solution.