said by DaveDude:The technology isnt closed or open, its the business model.
EXACTLY. That's specifically what I've been talking about, the business model. I even stated that very specifically. WiMAX/LTE are pretty much the same technology.
You don't see CDMA/Edge, etc on various kinds of consumer products because the product makers would have to certify with carriers and the carriers want the control. The only reason you see EVDO built in some laptop makers is because the carriers are paying them megabucks to do so. The laptop makers wouldn't do it on their own. With WiFi/WiMAX chipsets inevitable, consumer product makers drop it in the product and don't have to hook up with the carriers for certification. WiMAX 'business model' is consumer friendly and consumer product friendly. LTE is all about carrier control.
Unlocks GSM devices are still under carrier control by the fact that you must put in a SIM card from a carrier. To say that WiMAX could be locked down is like saying WiFi devices could be locked down. Yeah, it's technically possible but it's not the business model.