Sprint Nextel and Clearwire in jv to build nationwide mobile broadband network

Sprint Nextel and Clearwire in jv to build nationwide mobile broadband network

	Published : Thu, 19 Jul 2007 11:44 By : Agencies Print this Story

LONDON (Thomson Financial) - Sprint Nextel and Clearwire announced a plan to jointly construct the first nationwide mobile broadband network using WiMAX technology, and promote the global development of WiMAX-based services.

Mobile WiMAX is a wireless broadband technology that is designed to operate more than five times faster than third-generation wireless networks at lower cost, allowing users to download wirelessly full-length movies and songs, conduct live video-conferences from remote locations, and perform other interactive multi-media applications anywhere in the coverage area.

Initially, the two companies expect to build out network coverage to approximately 100 mln people by the end of 2008, with seamless roaming enabled between the deployed areas. Both companies expect to launch commercial service in the first half of 2008.

Sprint Nextel and Clearwire will market mobile WiMAX services under a common service brand, and Clearwire will offer mobile WiMAX services in Clearwire's territories through Sprint Nextel's retail stores, and through its own distribution channels.

The companies said they are working individually with a broad range of manufacturers including Intel, Motorola, Samsung, Nokia and others to create an ecosystem of chips, products and software designed to provide mobile WiMAX access.

Sprint Nextel said it will take the lead in establishing relationships with national distributors and other potential strategic partners, including wholesale or mobile virtual network operator arrangements, while Clearwire will have the ability to offer Sprint Nextel's third generation voice and data services as part of a bundle or on a stand-alone basis to Clearwire's customers, which will also allow Clearwire to provide dual-mode services to its customers.

The initial term of the arrangement, which is expected to be definitively sealed within 60 days and is subject to regulation, is 20 years, with three 10-year renewal periods.

tf.TFN-Europe_newsdesk@thomson.com

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