WiMAX femtocell standard allowing vendors to start developing standardized femtocells and associated network equipment based on the IEEE 802. .16e radio interface and profiles (June 2010). Sprint launched a WiMAX/EV-DO pocket-sized router called the Overdrive from Sierra Wireless (January 2010). According to WiMAX Forum there are 540 WiMAX deployments, 165 forum certified products and 10 million subscribers worldwide (December 2009). Motorola announced two new WiMAX devices namely CPEi 725 (desktop unit) and USBw 200 adapter (dongle) in (September 2009). The Femto Forum and the WiMAX Forum announced that they will collaborate on the development of WiMAX Femtocell Access Point (WFAP) specifications (June 2009). 4.7.1 WiMAX in MENA Contrary to tier-1 operators, tier-2 and tier-3 GSM operators who have not deployed UMTS, WiMAX provides another choice for broadband services. There are a number of WiMAX networks operating in Middle East and Africa (MENA). Table 4.5 provides a more detailed outlook of MENA's WiMAX industry which has around 100 000 subscribers till 2008. The current surge in demand for WiMAX in MENA is attributed to four factors: Telecom Market Liberalization: TML was necessary for countries to gain the WTO (World Trade Organization) membership. TML policies helping the governments to improve their economic stand- ings which in turn increases the penetration of broadband users. Inadequacy in Existing Infrastructure: The existing broadband (copper) infrastructure is inadequate in many countries. DSL and Cable modems are the primary means to access the Internet. Frequent fiber cuts and right-of-way are also some of the big challenges for the operators. Competition: The incumbents have to protect their existing base against new entrants that results in the introduction of new services like WiMAX. IEEE WiMAX Table 4.5 WiMAX availability status in MENA Countries Operators WiMAX Status Algeria ISS 2005 LaCom Conducted a 802.16d trial in 2006; filed bankruptcy in Nov 2008 Icosnet ISS summer 2008 Algeria Teleco