Sprint And Clearwire Strike Major WiMax Deal

Today Sprint and Clearwire announced that the two companies will be partnering to create a nationwide mobile broadband network. Using the 2.5GHz spectrum as the foundation, this network looks to be one of the first of its kind. With super-fast speeds and availability from New York to San Francisco, this could very well be the boost Sprint needs for its image in light of recent consumer-related events.

But Sprint and Clearwire are helping more than just a dude with $60 a month to burn. Government facilities, schools, universities, and public works will all be able to use the WiMax network to benefit employees. Of course, this is all provided that everything clears with the FCC and Department of Justice within the next 60 days. Hit the jump to see what both companies have to say about the announcement:

“This arrangement will result in stronger competition in the rapidly growing market for broadband services, and will provide consumers, national enterprises and other businesses, educators and public safety agencies greater choice and faster access to a revolutionary mobile broadband technology,” said Sprint Nextel Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Gary Forsee. “It will further our objective of delivering mobile WiMAX service across the country and help fulfill our vision of delivering mobility products and services across all our networks.”

“Our joint efforts will result in customers benefiting from a more extensive network, operating sooner and using our respective spectrum more efficiently than either company could have on its own,” said Clearwire Chief Executive Officer Ben Wolff. “Our companies share a vision of doing for the Internet what cellular and PCS networks did for voice communications starting more than twenty years ago. Based on this shared vision and the expected benefits to each company and our respective shareholders and customers, it is natural that we would work together,” Wolff said.

Really long title about WiMax [Yahoo!]