We've heard a lot of hype about how much more cost-effective WiMAX networks are to create than the current 3G offerings, but thus far we haven't heard any news about what the price to consumers will be. The going rate for EVDO service with both Sprint and Verizon currently stands at $59.99 per month with a 5GB limit, a price tag and usage limit many customers have a problem with.

So, will the "cost-effective" WiMAX be more affordable for consumers? Will the providers pass along the savings to us?

Well... we don't know yet. No US company has provided any information on the subject - they might not even have it figured out themselves just yet - but there is one company revealing information on their cost structure. Packet One Networks, who are currently offering their P1 W1MAX service in Malaysia, have announced that they are offering consumers packages based on fixed speeds. In other words, you pay for the speed you need (or want). Customers can choose between connectivity at speeds of 400Kbps, 700Kbps, 1.2Mbps and 2.4Mbps. Prices range between RM69 and RM209 per month - or around $16-$60 US dollars.

I don't think it is likely that a company like Sprint would choose to offer different contracts based on the max speed you'd like to access (isn't the highest speed possible the point of upgrading from 3G to 4G?), but it is reassuring to see that the highest price does not exceed what we are already paying for EVDO.