Sprint Nextel Chooses WiMAX as Next Generation Technology Platform

Together with Intel, Motorola and Samsung, Sprint Nextel Corporation - the third largest cellular provider, announced earlier this week its plans to use the emerging technology WiMAX in building its fourth generation (4G) nationwide broadband mobile network. This endeavor will provide up to 100 million individuals with wireless access up to 4 times faster then wireless networks currently available at lower costs and greater flexibility.

In a press released issued by Sprint Nextel, Gary Forsee, president and chief executive officer of Sprint stated, “None of us today can envision our lives without wireless connectivity or the Internet. Sprint Nextel is taking a major step forward by linking the incredible potential of these two cornerstones of daily communication.”

The new network will take advantage of the company’s extensive 2.5 GHz spectrum holdings, which covers 85 percent of households in the top 100 markets, and with the help of its partnering companies, will incorporate WiMAX technologies for broader wireless communication and help make chipsets widely available for new consumer electronic devices.

The company plans to launch this advanced wireless broadband service in several trial markets by the end of 2007, and plans for full deployment in 2008. Sprint Nextel is expecting to invest $1 billion in 2007 and an additional $1.5-$2 billion in 2008 in to the WiMAX network. In the meantime, the company will continue to offer its customers access to its current wireless and Sprint Power Vision mobile broadband networks.

WiFi vs. WiMAX

WiMAX, like WiFi, allows the freedom of wireless Internet connectivity. However, unlike WiFi, this emerging technology will allow for longer range access to the Internet.

Sprint Nextel hopes that by adopting WiMAX for its fourth-generation network, it will bring wireless Internet capabilities to cell phones and other mobile and consumer electronic gadgets.