This story gets some facts wrong and goes over the top by suggesting that WiMax will seriously threaten 3G cellular networks: The author compares the two network technologies by writing that WiMax can cover a distance of 50 kilometers, ten times more than a 3G base station. While a WiMax signal can indeed travel as far as 30 miles, I've never talked to a vendor that suggests that a user 30 miles away from a WiMax antenna will get top speeds. Users within two to three miles will experience high data rates but behind that the speeds begin to drop off and a customer who is 30 miles away would likely get very slow speeds.
The story also notes that WiMax has an "alternate" name, 802.16. In fact, 802.16 is the designation offered by the IEEE standards body and WiMax is a name created by the WiMax Forum to refer to its definition of 802.16. The WiMax Forum plans to certify products that comply with its definition of the standard.
It's certainly worthwhile to consider the affect any new technology will have on a market. However, it's best to temper such considerations with reality. In this case, WiMax stories should include a caveat about timing and the big IF. For WiMax to pose a threat to any other wireless technology, it will need a major operator to commit to building an extensive network. That hasn't happened. Also, WiMax wouldn't pose a significant threat to 3G or Wi-Fi until the mobile version of the standard is complete. Once it's complete, vendors have to make equipment and that gear must be certified, then an operator must build a network. That process will take many years.