Intel is now sampling its first WiMax (802.16) chip. Volume shipment expected first half next year, I believe. Not that Intel has been making any particular secret of its intent.
So the wave is now in sight of the beach. I'm hearing whisper numbers for CPE plus amortized base station expenses of $200 - 300. That's down to the range where prior experience in the bad old modem days suggests that end users will actually pay for the equipment. But if that doesn't happen, who will capitalize the competitive wireless overbuilds of the cable ops and telcos? There are some interesting rumors floating around out there.
Hat tip: Jeff Nolan.