WiMAX in Tanzania: a breakthrough for underserved areas

PurposeThis paper seeks to briefly present the review on the key WiMAX features, describing its strengths over other technologies. It also seeks to review the result of the survey conducted presenting opinions from a number of country's ICT professionals. The aim is to show how using WiMAX to address connectivity problems faced by developing countries will bridge digital divide.Design/methodology/approachAn in‐depth literature review was conducted to study the WiMAX standard. Also, the study was conducted to gather opinions of ICT professionals by asking their views about connectivity problems and solutions. The study uses a low number of internet users as an indication of low ICT penetration in the country. To conduct a survey, a questionnaire was uploaded to the website and emails were distributed to online communities and email groups with the link to the questionnaire and results were analyzed.FindingsThe study shows that if well planned, WiMAX will be a breakthrough technology to provide connectivity to undeserved areas.Originality/valueThe study gives an insight to the problems facing developing countries. The study contributes to the industry and body of knowledge by giving an in depth summary to WiMAX technology. The findings can be used by network planners, policy makers, scholars and industry in general.