IEEE Standards Board has approved WiMAX 2 which is also called 802.16m. ITU already has declared WiMAX 2 as 4G technology. IEEE 802.16m provides the performance improvements necessary to support future advanced services and applications for next generation broadband mobile communications.

WiMAX 2 builds upon 802.16e by adding new capabilities while maintaining backward compatibility and promises to deliver higher system capacity with peak rates of more than 300 Mbps, lower latency and increased VoIP capacity.

In October 2010, ITU-R agreed to incorporate this technology into its IMT-Advanced Recommendation specifying systems that support low to high mobility applications, a wide range of data rates in multiple user environments, high-quality multimedia applications, and significant improvements in performance and quality of service.

A globally relevant standard, IEEE 802.16m incorporates innovative communications technologies such as multi-user MIMO, multicarrier operation, and cooperative communications. It supports femto-cells, self-organizing networks, and relays. Major worldwide governmental and industrial organizations, including ARIB, TTA, and the WiMAX Forum, are adopting this standard.

“We are delighted that IEEE has recognized the completion of this comprehensive technical effort that has involved hundreds of creative and diligent professionals from over twenty countries during the last four years,” said Dr. Roger Marks, Chair of the IEEE 802.16 Working Group.