EvDO (Evolution Data Optimized) is a 3G technology and an evolution of 2G CDMA;

which can effectively be described as ‘Mobile Broadband’. The technology basically

utilizes the cellular channels of the CDMA network to provide broadband internet.

WiMAX on the other hand is falsely (in Pakistan) regarded as a 4G technology. The
reason: Of the two standards of WiMAX – FIXED and MOBILE, the former is deployed
in Pakistan. Whereas the xG term describes generations of ‘Mobile Networks’. One on
his own can validate this by experiencing several connection-resets when moving around
in the city with a laptop and a WiMAX connection. EvDO on the other hand will stay
connected. (Note that although WiMAX is not mobile, but it certainly is Portable – works
everywhere but not on-the-move)

In Pakistan, 3G might be perceiving the nearly-4G moving into its territory at present.
But the question is: ‘How deep can it intrude?’.

Although, both EvDO and WiMAX can rightly be called broadband; the latest revised
version of CDMA EvDO , ‘Rev. A’ delivers peak download speed of 3.1Mbps with 1.8
Mbps uplink. WiMAX on the other hands can deliver a whooping peak of 5Mbps
downlink with 2.4Mbps uplink under ideal conditions. WiMAX operators however do
not offer these peak rates. First of all because even the 3.1Mbps link sounds more than
enough for an average Pakistani user. Secondly because of the technical (capacity) issues
as explained later on.

As far as number of cell sites is concerned, the number of users served by a single
WiMAX Base Station (WBS) defines the data rate offered to each user. For instance, if a
WBS has total throughput of 70Mbps and 35 users are camped onto it, each will be
served with a 2Mbps link (provided that some lower limit such as 512K or 1M is not
enforced). In a situation of users increasing beyond prediction, the data rate will decrease.
Increase in number of subscribers will ultimately force the WiMAX operator to install
new sites, or otherwise the promised quality of service will tarnish. EvDO on the other
hand follows a different scenario and number of users swelling beyond prediction will
mean the new campers to be deprived of service rather than stealing others’ space.

Moving back to Pakistan, the mobility doesn’t matters much to everybody other than a
few on-the-move businessmen, mobile work teams, emergency response teams and
mobile fleet vehicles if any; making a maximum 5% of the total wireless broadband
users.

Capacity issues are operators’ headache, but means a lot to service provisions. Because of
the reasons explained earlier, WiMAX towers are required to be installed at every 1-mile
in mild, and sometimes down to a quarter mile in dense urban environments. However
both the technologies fit in for rural settings with a maximum airlink range of 10 miles
and 20 miles respectively. In this case a single base station of either technology can cover
a couple of nearby lying habitations. CDMA operators will however enjoy the
infrastructure already deployed for WLL phone service.
Lastly, but most significantly… service cost of an equivalent EvDO package is quite
greater than its counterpart. Although the USB devices costs almost the same, CPE
however costs much less and is available with WiMAX only. The only disadvantage…
CPEs are not pocket-size, and require AC power.

Summarizing the situation; yes, it seems that WiMAX will knock EvDO out in urban
environment. EvDO will however rule the rural and remote areas, since the expected low
traffic needs can be met by CDMAs’ existing infra. Moreover, the on-the-go and
nationally roaming businesses’ choice will still not be WiMAX.

One thing holds great importance to be noticed here. The only active 3G networks
(EvDO – By PTCL and Worldcall under the brand names ‘EVO Wireless’ and
‘Worldcall Wireless Broadband’ respectively) in the country are the evolutions of 2G
CDMA networks. CDMA networks in Pakistan have never enjoyed the popularity GSM
had. Had these 3G networks been the GSM-evolutions (HSDPA/UMTS), the face of
market would have been completely different.