Sprint Begins WiMax Soft Launch

 WiMax  3 Responses »
Dec 132007
 

As promised, Sprint is launching its Xohm WiMax Network in Chicago, Baltimore, and Washington D.C., beginning with a test group of several hundred Sprint employees having access to the network by Christmas, according to Dan Jones of Unstrung.

Stage two of the soft launch is expected to begin in Q1 of ’08 adding some “friendly customers” and technology vendors to the mix, with full scale commercial deployment happening in the second quarter.

Sprints commitment to a nationwide WiMax build out has come under question since the firing of CEO Gary Forsee and the more recent announcement of the dissolution of a non-compete agreement with Clearwire Communications.

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 Posted by Jon Paul, VoIP Facts: The Blog at 4:51 pm  Tagged with: , , , , , , , , , ,

Sprint to Dump WiMax Plans?

 WiMax  4 Responses »
Nov 102007
 

Yesterday, Sprint/Nextel and Clearwire Communications jointly announced the dissolution of a strategic partnership formed in July to launch a nationwide rollout of WiMax that was to begin in earnest in 2008, according to an AP report. Can’t say we didn’t see that coming.

The departure of Sprint CEO Gary Forsee in October was a clear indication that shareholders were getting antsy over his 3 billion dollar WiMax aspirations. A disappointing 3rd quarter earnings report released November 1st; followed by yesterdays break with Clearwire, seem to point to the boards intentions of abandoning the project of the largest holder of WiMax spectrum in the country.

According to spokespeople from both Sprint and Clearwire, the deal was nixed because of the complexities involved. Sprint says it will collaborate on building out a WiMax network with Clearwire in the future. Maybe just on a smaller scale? Sprint maintains that it is going ahead with its soft launch later this year in Chicago, and is on track for the wider commercial rollout in 2008. Beyond that, they are reviewing their business plan and will get back with us next year.

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 Posted by Jon Paul, VoIP Facts: The Blog at 4:53 pm  Tagged with: , , ,

WiMAX, VoIP, Killer Apps, and the Digital Divide

 WiMax  No Responses »
May 142007
 

The emerging standard 802.16 defines a network of wireless broadband at speeds capable of delivering triple play access to voice, data, and multimedia internet services. As a disruptive technology, WiMAX stands to compete with cable companies, the Telco’s, and the 3G cellular networks. Thanks to the IEEE standards committee and the WiMAX Forum, the fledgling technology that got serious in 2004 is now being deployed in regions around the world.

Companies like Intel with their World Ahead program have formed partnerships for WiMAX deployments in Asia, Africa, and Europe, in an all out effort to bridge the digital divide. The cost effectiveness and ease of a WiMAX deployment is significant compared to implementing a wireline infrastructure, making the technology a natural choice for underdeveloped townships and hard to reach localities.
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 Posted by Jon Paul, VoIP Facts: The Blog at 10:26 am  Tagged with: , , ,
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