If you recall back in November 2007 the hopes of Sprint and Clearwire working a deal to roll out XOHM (Sprint WiMax) was terminated. The initial plan was that Clearwire and Sprint would split the cost 65/35 to build a nationwide WiMax network in an effort to coin XOHM as Sprint’s Wimax next generation mobile wireless technology. Rumors began to flourish since the termination of the initial deal and according to today’s reports the deal is back on.
The fuel to spark a fire in the deal stems from a very interesting and bold investment by Intel. Intel took the initiative by funding 2 billion dollars towards the roll-out of Wimax. Since Wimax will be competing with LTE as the next generation mobile wireless Internet solution, Intel was forced to make a choice between the two technologies (hopefully Wimax is not the next HD DVD). LTE is currently supported by AT&T and Verizon Wireless which also happen to be the two largest wireless carriers inside the United States while Sprint remains the lowest ranking carrier in customer service and profits for Q42007.
The big question now is whether or not Wimax will be able to revive Sprint and it’s chances at becoming the premiere carrier in the United States or whether next generation Internet for mobile devices is simply a niche market for tech enthusiasts and cellfanatic’s like myself. Currently Sprint maintains the largest mobile broadband network with full EVDO Rev A roll-out, but data does not seem to be enough for a carrier to survive these days. With the recent announcement for $10/unlimited text messaging or $20/unlimited family text messaging, Sprint is beginning to provide competitive add ons and possibly plans.
Unfortunately Verizon’s new unlimited plans and T-mobile’s budget plans with top level Customer Service will really make things difficult for Sprint regardless of the low pricing and new plans. It seems as though the branding of Sprint has lost its identity over the past few years and establishing a new identity will have a greater impact to Sprint’s success regardless of exlusive phone releases and pricing structures.
[Rumor Source: DSLReports.com]