Sprint to use WiMAX for its 4G network

Sprint Nextel announced its plans to use the WiMAX 802.16e-2005 technology standard for implementing its 4G nationwide network. The new network will support much higher speeds and lower cost, it is claimed. The number three US carrier will work together will Intel, Motorola and Samsung as the three companies have agreed to provide chipsets and modules for the new technology and to produce multimode devices that will support both CDMA/EV-DO and WiMAX, which will enable customers to seamlessly get access to both the current 3G and the future 4G network. Sprint currently holds 2.5GHz spectrum with 85 percent coverage and is planning to use it for its WiMAX broadband network.

The launch is scheduled for the end of 2007 and Sprint claims that the new 4G network is planned to cover 100 million people in 2008.

Source: Sprint