WiMax vs. LTE

WiMax and LTE are emerging technologies for high-speed mobile broadband internet service. Both WiMax and LTE have similar goals for enabling worldwide wireless data network connectivity for cellphones, laptops, and other computing devices. Why do these two technologies continue to compete with each other, and what are the differences between WiMax and LTE? We reviewed both to help you make an informed decision.

Overall Findings

Different wireless providers and industry vendors back either WiMax or LTE, or both, depending on how these technologies benefit their businesses. In the U.S., cellular provider Sprint backs WiMax. Its competitors, Verizon and AT&T, support LTE. Manufacturing companies may prefer one or the other depending on their ability to produce hardware more or less expensively.

Neither technology is expected to replace Wi-Fi home networks and hotspots. For consumers, the choice between LTE and WiMax comes down to which services are available in their region and which service offers the best speed and reliability.​

Availability: Mainstream or Specialized

Cellular network providers offer Long Term Evolution (LTE) technology. 4G LTE typically has a wide service area that's often available even when users travel.

WiMax makes sense in areas where 4G cellular service isn't available. Mobile providers don't typically offer WiMax as an option. Instead, high-speed internet providers who offer options such as fiber, cable, and DSL might offer WiMax as a choice in some areas.

Speed: Neck and Neck

Both WiMax and LTE promise higher speed and capacity compared to 4G and wireless broadband network standards. Mobile internet service can theoretically reach between 10 and 50 Mbps connection speeds.

As with other types of internet service, the actual speed of a connection depends on the type of subscription chosen as well as the quality of the service provider.

Wireless Spectrum: Apples and Oranges

WiMax has not defined a fixed band for its wireless signaling. Outside the U.S., WiMax products have conventionally targeted 3.5 GHz, as that is an emerging standard for mobile broadband technologies. In the U.S., however, the 3.5 GHz band is mostly reserved for use by the government. WiMax products in the U.S. have typically utilized 2.5 GHz instead, although other ranges are available. LTE providers in the U.S. use a few different bands, including 700 MHz (0.7 GHz).

Using higher signaling frequencies allows a wireless network to carry more data and potentially provide higher bandwidth. However, higher frequencies also tend to travel shorter distances (affecting the coverage area) and are more susceptible to wireless interference.

Final Verdict: Location and Availability Are Key

The significant deciding factors between WiMax and LTE are which option is available to you and how you plan to use it. If you need connectivity for a fixed location and are close to a source, WiMax could be a fast, easy, and affordable choice. If you need connectivity on the go in a wide range of locations, LTE's coverage and consistency might best suit your needs.