Sprint and Clearwire to Build Nationwide WiMax Network

wimax.jpgToday Sprint Nextel and Clearwire have announced plans to jointly construct the nations first mobile broadband network using WiMax technology, and to further promote the global development of WiMax-based services. This network is being designed to deliver mobile broadband services across the nation, including urban, suburban and rural areas, and Sprint Nextel and Clearwire expect to build their own respective portions and enable roaming between the respective territories.

“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.”

This agreement isn’t a done deal; so don’t go out looking for WiMax laptop cards or a WiMax handset. The deal is subject to the execution of definitive agreements, but these expected to be finalized within the next 60 days. And of course the government will need to review this, which includes spectrum license assignments and transfers by the FCC.

Under the network build-out plan, Sprint Nextel will build the network that will cover the largest 50 markets, and coverage should include approximately 100 million people by the end of 2008, with seamless roaming in the deployed areas. The mobile WiMax service will be marketed under a common service brand.

Sprint Nextel
Clearwire