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WiMAX World Conference to Focus on Sprint, Clearwire, and Equipment Makers

6:00 am on September 25, 2007 | Category: Internet, Mobile Devices, Telecom Services, WiMAX, Wireless Technology

Wireless broadband providers and equipment makers are gathering in Chicago this week to discuss the impending prospect of Mobile WiMAX networks, which set to cover most of America’s major urban centers by the end of 2008.

At his year’s WiMAX World conference, which begins today, the spotlight will be on two companies â€“ Sprint Nextel and Clearwire â€“ which are gearing up to launch a nationwide Mobile WiMAX network beginning early next year.

Significant attention will also be given to equipment makers, which are set to release the first Mobile WiMAX products for consumers as early as January. This marks the first major WiMAX conference where discussion will be focused on the reality of consumer products and services, as opposed to the ratification of technical specifications and standards.

“I think you’ll see momentum by equipment and product vendors. You are going to be able to pick and feel a product,” commented Mo Shakouri, vice president of marketing at The WiMAX Forum. “There won’t be PowerPoints. You are going to see real products.”

Often described as a longer-range version of Wi-Fi, or a faster alternative to 3G, WiMAX is capable of covering entire cities with wireless broadband services, at DSL-comparable speeds. The latest innovation, Mobile WiMAX, allows users to access the internet on laptops or handheld devices while on the move.

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