AfterDawn: News

Sprint: We're dedicated to WiMAX

Dan Hesse. Chief Executive Officer Sprint Nextel Corporation, has cleared up the providers plans for its 4G services over the coming years.

Hesse said that Sprint's 4G network would use WiMAX "full stop," and that the company only played around with WiMAX' competitor, Long Term Evolution (LTE), for testing purposes in case Spring needed to support multi-mode phones that use both formats in the future.



Sprint made the decision to go with WiMAX for its 4G offerings instead of the widely-adopted LTE technology because it would allow the company to establish a 4G network much quicker than the competition. Verizon won't switch on its 4G network until the end of this year, while 2011 is the target for both AT&T and T-Mobile.

"When we had the opportunity to move into 4G, WiMAX was the only 4G interface, and it was perfect with the spectrum we owned," Hesse said. "We moved to establish the network because we didn’t want to wait, and we believe that being first to the market is an advantage."

Additionally, Hesse dismissed reports that Clearwire (which Sprint has a 54 percent stake in) would be working with T-Mobile after Sprint executives left the Clearwire board.

Written by: James Delahunty @ 1 Nov 2010 1:35

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• 3 comments

• KillerBug

  "Sprint made the decision to go with WiMAX for its 4G offerings instead of the widely-adopted LTE technology because it would allow the company to establish a 4G network much quicker than the competition. Verizon won't switch on its 4G network until the end of this year, while 2011 is the target for both AT&T and T-Mobile."
  
  No, sprint uses WiMax because that is what Clearwire uses...and they use Clearwire because they refuse to build up their own network. LTE is clearly better than WiMax, and while it still does not meed the minimum requirements to be called 4G, it is a lot closer than WiMax.

  1.11.2010 03:28 #1

• rvlikens

  Your kidding right? LTE vs Wimax? Clearwire's network. Clearwire didn't have the network till sprint purchased over 50% of the company. Sprint secured funding and got the ball rolling before LTE was a wet stain in VZ or ATT's pants. Please getyour facts strait before shooting yourself in the foot.
  

  "Your SUV is not a Jeep. My Jeep is not a SUV"
  Don''t follow me. You won''t make it!

  9.1.2011 18:21 #2

• rvlikens

  Ok. Now the shot that needs to be fired. Sprint has never stuck to anything it's put it's meat hooks into. Look at ION. WiMax will be wireless ION. They can deny it all they want. Having worked for the company, I've seen first hand what it's like having a project half azzed backed and killed before it gets out the door. Dan isn't fooling anyone. Sprint doesn't have the staying power to stick with a winner. 2 billion down the drain with ION, even more plus thousands of employee's down the drain with WiMax. Clearwire needs to just buy out sprint, fire the rest of it's employees and keep the network for it'self.
  

  "Your SUV is not a Jeep. My Jeep is not a SUV"
  Don''t follow me. You won''t make it!

  9.1.2011 18:24 #3