When WiMAX finally gets its proper launch, many potential customers will be looking at it as a replacement for their home broadband connection (especially as Sprint seem to be positioning the system as primarily for nomadic use, i.e. multiple stationary locations) rather than an addition; Bridgewater Systems would quite like to step in and offer a pay-as-you-use alternative. They’ve announced multiple types of WiMAX prepaid services at CTIA Wireless, including time and usage quotas based on a range of parameters such as bytes transferred, total downloads and messages exchanged. Their WiMAX ‘Prepaid Integrator’ system drops in as a relatively turnkey solution for carriers, and could see short-term international roaming, temporary bandwidth boosts and on-demand content for sporting or entertainment events all offered at set, contract-free prices.

“Prepaid support is a critical capability, enabling WiMAX service providers to compete with existing 2.5 and 3G broadband services, by offering services that appeal to under-served user segments who would not typically subscribe to regular monthly subscription plans” Farshid Mohammadi, vice president product line management at Bridgewater Systems

“On-demand services allow service providers to meet the price sensitivity concerns of a broad range of subscribers, and their appetite to try new services on a limited basis” Farshid Mohammadi, vice president product line management at Bridgewater Systems

Bridgewater sees the following benefits of on-demand, pay-as-you-use access:

• Register WiMAX devices for temporary access to regional or country networks similar to the way a traveller would temporarily access WiFi services
• Boost bandwidth for a short period of time
• Turn on a roaming option for data and other services while travelling when their home contract does not support roaming
• Access on-demand mobile content services for specific sporting or entertainment events

Should the system be adopted by Sprint and/or Clearwire (or whichever unified network they eventually agree on), it could signify a useful way to take advantage of WiMAX speed without committing to a full contract. Considering Intel are a key investor in the wireless broadband, it seems likely that they’ll be increasing the number of chipsets that ship with a WiMAX module in place; prepaid and on-demand options might encourage buyers to activate those, paying for mobile service as and when they need it.

On-Demand WiMAX press release / Prepaid WiMAX press release