» Sprint Nextel and Clearwire to Jointly Develop Mobile WiMAX NetworkTelecommunications Industry News

Telecom News Editorials Reports Glossary

Sprint Nextel and Clearwire to Jointly Develop Mobile WiMAX Network

6:30 am on July 20, 2007 | Category: Business, WiMAX, Wireless, Wireless Technology

Wireless broadband providers, Sprint Nextel and Clearwire, have signed a letter of intent to jointly construct America’s first nationwide Mobile WiMAX network, and to promote the global development of WiMAX-based services.

Mobile WiMAX is a wireless broadband technology designed to operate more than five times faster than 3G cellular data services, at a significantly lower cost. It is similar in theory to the popular Wi-Fi standard, used to create short-range wireless hotspots, but is capable of covering a much wider area.

Clearwire and Sprint Nextel have tentatively established a 20-year, renewable agreement, which is expected to reduce development and operating costs, while increasing capital efficiency. The two companies aim to cover a combined total of 100 million people by the end of next year, with Sprint focusing mostly on urban centers, and Clearwire building networks in small towns and rural areas.

Executives hope to finalize the agreement within the next 60 days, after receiving approval from the U.S. Justice Department and the FCC.

Telecommunications Industry News