Sprint to close WiMAX for good on November 6th, 2015

Sprint spokeswoman Adrienne Norton, announced that the carrier will shut down its WiMAX service on or around November 6th, 2015. Her statement confirms a leaked internal document that revealed the November 6th closing date for the network provider. Additionally, back in April, an SEC filing from the mobile operator stated that it would stop using "WiMAX technology" by the end of 2015. 6000 cell sites are now considered redundant and Sprint will cancel the leases on them. Sprint had been offering WiMAX since September 2008.

Sprint customers still using a device with WiMAX and 3G/CDMA connectivity, will be left with a 3G only phone. While most WiMAX phones are eligible to be upgraded, Sprint will be making special offers to certain subscribers with WiMAX compatible handsets. Corporate customers using WiMAX have already received notification about the closing from Sprint. Individual and pre-paid customers will be notified 180 days prior to the closing. Sprint has told its MVNO customers that they should start spreading the word to their subscribers.

Sprint customers have the option to finish out their contract without WiMAX service, or they can leave Sprint without being hit with a ETF charge. Sprint's WiMAX customers can also choose to migrate to Sprint's LTE service and receive a free LTE compatible phone, while keeping their current plan (if possible).


source: AndroidCentral via FierceWireless