Sprint is supposed to roll out its WiMax network in Chicago and Washington, DC by the end of the year and it says it’ll still do that despite news today that it met for dinner with Clearwire, said “it’s not you, it’s me,” and split.
Back in July, Sprint and Clearwire signed a letter of intent to “share costs on a network that would reach 100 million people by the end of next year, with each side providing roaming rights to the other’s customers.” Looks like Sprint’s planning to go it alone now.
Assuming Clearwire will keep forging ahead with its own WiMax network, consumers will have the distinct privilege of benefiting from competition while at the same time picking up the tab for potential roaming charges and smaller network coverage from their provider or choice.
Sprint Nextel, Clearwire Drop Plans for Joint WiMax Network [Wall Street Journal]