Intel (the chip maker) is working hard on WiMax which’ll probably come out sometime next year. We’ve already seen wifi access at coffee shops and bookstores but soon internet access will be everywhere.

WiMax operates as a wireless last-mile internet connection, covering a max range of 30 miles but will probably end up around 3-5 miles range. No more cable modems, no more DSL or phone line connections. That stuff will become obsolete.

Thinking ahead that means my Pocket PC will have access, my xBox won’t need a wire, nor will my desktops or laptop. I’ll have a wireless reciever as a router and that’ll probably be it. With convergence and voice over IP my phone line will disappear and my cable TV box will become just a wifi receiver.

With a little imagination, cell phone internet will be standard, fridge’s will order their own milk, video stores go out of business, bathrooms will be fitted with blogging terminals, media centers will be built into TVs (already happening), the internet user interface will be redesigned in widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio, GPS in every car. Much of this is either happening or will happen in the next 5 years.

All those folks building houses with Cat-5 cable laced everywhere won’t be too pleased. Exciting times we live in.