Sprint Nextel Opts for WiMax

Staff Reporter -- Electronic News, 8/8/2006

WiMax has just won another convert. Sprint Nextel announced today that the technology would be the company’s choice for its “4G” network.

The company plans to complement its EV-DO network with a mobile WiMax network for WiMax-enabled devices such as laptops, ultra-mobile PCs, portable audio and video players, portable gaming devices, and cellular handsets, said analyst firm ABI Research.

"Sprint's decision complements recent deals such as Clearwire's partnerships with Intel and Motorola," said Philip Solis, a senior analyst at ABI Research, in a statement. "Clearwire and Sprint will be able to leverage each others' 2.5 GHz spectrum holdings to increase their coverage. Even more important, the satellite TV providers will benefit from a developing WiMax ecosystem in the United States as they consider their options to leverage a WiMax network. DirecTV will have more options available, and less-expensive base stations and devices at its disposal."

According to ABI Research, many market observers have been skeptical about the prospects for mobile WiMax to be deployed across a developed country such as the United States, given all the wired and cellular networks that exist. The market analyst firm noted that today’s announcement is a major win not just for Intel, but for all companies that are part of a growing WiMax ecosystem.

From a worldwide perspective, ABI Research said, these recent WiMax-related events mean that the United States will be part of a growing mobile WiMax global roaming belt.

Other companies were quick to comment on WiMax’s growing momentum

“This announcement validates Motorola’s WiMax commitment and vision,” a spokeswoman for the company said. “…Motorola also expects Sprint’s decision to influence and drive further adoption of WiMax by other providers worldwide.”

Motorola has also placed its bets with WiMax, having announced plans to design and deploy a nationwide network in Pakistan, fund Clearwire Corp. together with Intel in its effort for portable and mobile WiMax networks, and run Softbank’s end-to-end WiMax trial in Japan.