IEEE 802.20, commonly known as Mobile Broadband Wireless Access (MBWA), was a standard developed by the IEEE to define specifications for mobile broadband wireless networks.

Here’s a brief overview:

  1. Purpose: IEEE 802.20 aimed to provide a high-speed mobile broadband wireless access solution. It was designed for devices moving at vehicular speeds and to be competitive with wired broadband access technologies.
  2. Characteristics: The standard targeted peak data rates of 1 Gbps for stationary users and 100 Mbps for users in moving vehicles.
  3. Frequency Range: The intended frequency range for this standard was below 3.5 GHz for licensed bands.
  4. Technology: Unlike other wireless standards which are mainly OFDM-based, 802.20 utilized a single-carrier modulation scheme.
  5. Competition: 802.20 faced competition from other wireless standards like WiMAX (IEEE 802.16) and LTE. While it was once viewed as a competitor to WiMAX, 802.20 did not achieve the same level of industry adoption.
  6. Controversies: The development of the 802.20 standard was not without its challenges. There were various controversies, including concerns about the influence of certain corporate interests on the standards-setting process.
  7. Current Status: As of my last update in September 2021, the IEEE 802.20 working group has been officially disbanded, and the standard is no longer actively being developed or updated.

In summary, IEEE 802.20 was an attempt to establish a mobile broadband standard, but it did not gain the same traction as other technologies like WiMAX or LTE in the market.