Sprint To Launch 4G in 2007

posted Aug 8, 2006, 12:47 PM

Sprint today announced they will roll out their 4G wireless broadband network beginning in the fourth quarter of 2007. Though it tested many options, the carrier chose to use the 802.16e mobile WiMax standard. They believe this choice will provide the carrier and subscribers with the maximum number of compatible devices at the lowest cost. Both Motorola and Samsung will partner with Sprint to provide dual-mode CDMA / WiMax devices and the two manufacturers in addition to Intel have all committed to providing WiMax devices and chipsets. After trials, Sprint believes it can offer users real world speeds of 2-4 Mbps download and speedy upload at a price competitive with wireline broadband. The carrier will use its existing cell sites and 2.5 GHz spectrum to eventually cover 80% of the population. The launch will begin in late 2007 in cities with highest demand for mobile broadband services and will later be expanded according to demand. As part of the merger approval, the FCC required Sprint Nextel to launch wireless broadband in 16 cities on its 2.5 GHz spectrum by 2009.

from Sprint Nextel

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