DSat providers consider WiMAX return path

DirecTV and Echostar's Dish Network are considering the emerging WiMAX long-range wireless technology as a means of providing a return path for interactive services and on-demand applications.

The two companies are exploring the possibility of launching a joint-venture wireless service to support a high-speed return path in an effort to better compete with on-demand services that are now widely available on digital cable.

In a keynote speech at the Bank of America Media, Telecommunications and Entertainment Conference in New York City, DirecTV CFO Mike Palkovic said that a range of technologies were still undergoing evaluation but added that WiMAX was emerging as an early favourite.

WiMAX is a set of technologies that permit wireless service to be made available over far larger areas than possible with most current Wi-Fi setups.