Sprint Nextel Select WIMAX as Next Generation 4G Wireless Platform

Earlier this week the Sprint Nextel Corporation announced its intentions to plan, develop and deploy “the first fourth generation (4G) nationwide broadband mobile network. The 4G wireless broadband network will use the mobile WIMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) IEEE 802.16e-2005 technology standard.“

WIMAX is seen by many as the best possible wireless solution for the next generation of network infrastructure. Of course there are still many competing technologies in line for the throne and they too are fiercely defended and promoted by leagues of investors and other interested parties. Because of this, WIMAX rising to dominance is not at all guaranteed.

The project, as stated in a recent press release by the Sprint Nextel Corporation, will encompass a partnership between industry giants Intel, Motorola, Samsung and Sprint Nextel. The partnership aims to develop a, “nationwide network infrastructure as well as mobile WIMAX-enabled chipsets that will support advanced wireless broadband services for computing, portable multimedia, interactive and other consumer electronic devices.” This ambitious plan seems to be a dream come true for mobile technology lovers. Imagine finally having access to a fast (broadband speeds) wireless standard that could be built into various types of hardware from laptops to the tiniest of handheld devices.

While competitors, like Verizon Wireless, are pursuing EV-DO as their wireless technology of choice, WIMAX offers a larger coverage area per antenna (or tower) and higher throughput in each direction (faster download/upload speeds). The cost of actually completing a Nationwide WIMAX network in the US has been prohibitive enough to deter past attempts. Hopefully, Sprint Nextel’s emphasis on partnerships and efficiency will keep costs reasonable enough to provide an affordable product to consumers.

Verizon is currently in the planning stages of a network-wide upgrade to revision A EV-DO (faster next generation version of EV-DO). Even with the headstart, Verizon’s EV-DO network will not be able to compete with a WIMAX network. If the Sprint Nextel Corporation is able to achieve its goal of getting a nationwide WIMAX network off the ground it will cause a revolutionary change in how we think about and use wireless technology.

Earlier this week the Sprint Nextel Corporation announced its intentions to plan, develop and deploy “the first fourth generation (4G) nationwide broadband mobile network. The 4G wireless broadband network will use the mobile WIMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) IEEE 802.16e-2005 technology standard.“

WIMAX is seen by many as the best possible wireless solution for the next generation of network infrastructure. Of course there are still many competing technologies in line for the throne and they too are fiercely defended and promoted by leagues of investors and other interested parties. Because of this, WIMAX rising to dominance is not at all guaranteed.

The project, as stated in a recent press release by the Sprint Nextel Corporation, will encompass a partnership between industry giants Intel, Motorola, Samsung and Sprint Nextel. The partnership aims to develop a, “nationwide network infrastructure as well as mobile WIMAX-enabled chipsets that will support advanced wireless broadband services for computing, portable multimedia, interactive and other consumer electronic devices.” This ambitious plan seems to be a dream come true for mobile technology lovers. Imagine finally having access to a fast (broadband speeds) wireless standard that could be built into various types of hardware from laptops to the tiniest of handheld devices.

While competitors, like Verizon Wireless, are pursuing EV-DO as their wireless technology of choice, WIMAX offers a larger coverage area per antenna (or tower) and higher throughput in each direction (faster download/upload speeds). The cost of actually completing a Nationwide WIMAX network in the US has been prohibitive enough to deter past attempts. Hopefully, Sprint Nextel’s emphasis on partnerships and efficiency will keep costs reasonable enough to provide an affordable product to consumers.

Verizon is currently in the planning stages of a network-wide upgrade to revision A EV-DO (faster next generation version of EV-DO). Even with the headstart, Verizon’s EV-DO network will not be able to compete with a WIMAX network. If the Sprint Nextel Corporation is able to achieve its goal of getting a nationwide WIMAX network off the ground it will cause a revolutionary change in how we think about and use wireless technology.