Except that most of the current phones don't even support 3G, let alone LTE. That means you have a choice of building a handset with either LTE, WiMAX or both. Of the two, there are only WiMAX handsets currently in production.

The big problem that gets overlooked isn't technology – it's how the providers want to sell you Internet access. WiMAX is analoguous to WiFi and flat rate is the norm for the ISPs (typically cablecos). LTE is analoguous to 3G and per-kb is the norm because that's how telcos/cellcos think.

The other huge difference is that WiMAX is cheap enough that lowend but compatible networks can be built by small companies and even by home users – you can't do that with LTE. That means that a much larger network can be assembled using WiMAX more quickly and more cheaply.

Finally, and this is a point missed by almost all American journalists: WiMAX networks are already in use around the world. Korea has had WiMAX and WiBRO (mobile WiMAX) for a few years now. Canada has two national pre-WiMAX networks. Australia has several.

LTE is the phone company's desperate attempt to try to hold onto a market they see slipping out of their fingers. When WiMAX is widely deployed, who needs cellcos or classic cellphones using GSM or CDMA anymore?

"Why not go with the one that has the headstart?"

Well, some (ClearW re) IS going with that one. As to the rest, they are not going with it because they know that if they tap into the GSM/UMTS global volume of 2.5b today, they can't go wrong. Billions of chipsets are cheaper than millions of chipsets. Simple as that

LTE will dominate, WiMax will be a niche play that serves a few in the right constellation very nicely. It's GSM vs. CDMA all over again….

Not saying it means the end of LTE, but definitely an advantage.