Motorola predicts more broadband growth in 2009

Despite the current economic climate, Motorola predicts that demand will spur further growth for broadband and 4G technologies such as Long Term Evolution (LTE), WiMAX and Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) in 2009.

Wireless broadband technology LTE is expected to launch this year with Motorola ready to offer related products commercially by late 2009. In terms of WiMAX, a new report from West Technology Research Solutions suggests that regulatory conditions are looking bright for the mobile WiMAX industry growth and adoption. Forrester has also identified Africa and Eastern Europe as key areas for the fixed WiMAX market.

“End users around the globe are showing us their desire to have immediate, reliable broadband access wherever they are,” said Dan Moloney, president, Motorola’s Home and Networks Mobility business. “With the continued launches of WiMAX, optimal test results for LTE, and ongoing gains in our FTTH solution, 2009 promises to be another exciting year for the entire broadband landscape.”

Riding on the trend, Motorola’s latest wins include a $165 million contract with Saudi Arabia’s Atheeb, and contracts with Embratel in Brazil and Axtel in Mexico. Wateen Telecom in Pakistan placed one of the world's largest WiMAX device orders in 2008, with 198,000 units.