WiMAX mobile broadband may have even greater reach than expected, an announcement by the standard's organizers indicates. While devices are currently being certified only for the 2.3, 2.5 and 3.5GHz wireless frequencies, the WiMAX Forum says it will be eventually begin testing products on the 700MHz band, formerly the home of over-the-air analog TV, now the subject of an FCC auction. The 700MHz spectrum as a whole offers great advantages to any wireless technology, since it not only penetrates through walls, it has a greater reach that makes networks more cost-effective.

It will be some time however before any 700MHz WiMAX products reach the US market. The only commercial WiMAX effort at the moment is Sprint's Xohm service, which has limited access. The WiMAX Forum also notes that to date it has received just 28 mobile devices for certification, and it expects a total of 950 by 2011. Any existing WiMAX products would have to be modified for the 700MHz band. [via RCR Wireless News]