Comments on: If Sprint Bails on WiMAX, What Happens to Clearwire?

By: Sprint & Clearwire Kiss & Make Up. But Where’s WiMAX?: Tech News and Analysis «

Tue, 19 Apr 2011 16:26:01 +0000

[...] testing the more common, alternative 4G technology known as Long Term Evolution, and is reportedly working toward a migration to the technology, something that has been made easier by its network overhaul, which will swap in new multi-modal [...]

By: Sprint 4G Speed | 2011 Mobile Broadband Review

Sprint 4G Speed | 2011 Mobile Broadband Review — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 15:02:57 +0000

[...] soon would it happen? According to a Sprint executive, the decision to transition from WiMAX to LTE could be made this [...]

By: Morphy

Morphy — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 14:23:48 +0000

Sprint would likely get to LTE via CLWR. CLWR is testing LTE in a couple of markets and there are relatively minor differences in the core network between WiMAX and LTE. It will cost more $$ obviously to make any migration to LTE (mostly last mile/CPE), but Sprint has little choice. A complete new build-out of an LTE network outisde of CLWR would be foolish cash burn.

By: kgo

kgo — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 15:35:39 +0000

LTE or WiMax is not the question as it pertains to Sprint or CLWR. Multi-mode and software defined base stations make such a decision a lower cost inflection point. The key is build-out…fast build out…Sprint and Clearwire have an edge, but they gotta go faster and stop looking over their shoulders (as they miss a stride with every peek)..

By: Dominik

Dominik — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 14:31:33 +0000

If this is going to happen then it needs to happen now.

I applaud Sprint for going with Wimax to push the 4G enevelope from the jump however I’d prefer not to be the odd man out when everyone else is running LTE.

By: anon

anon — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 13:14:17 +0000

If the author had done her homework she would already have the answer. Contrary to the theme of this article, there is “little” speculation what direction Sprint is going at this point. Sprint has mapped out their path for the next 3 to 5 years, they have selected their equipment vendors, and they have commenced the work necessary to effectively upgrade their network. “To what?” you ask… I’m not going to do your homework for you.

By: vishi gondi

vishi gondi — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 02:18:38 +0000

Please read what Dan said to OM: “We have so much spectrum that we decided to do tests so in case we have multi-modal phones with other air interfaces, we can add LTE on top of WiMAX and run both networks”

The secret my friend is Broadcom BCS500. http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/18/beceems-bcs500-4g-modem-splices-wimax-and-lte-into-one-chip-sa/

Looks like we can expect WIMAX + LTE phones in a few months. Clearwire would then switch entirely to LTE in 2 years and free up its WIMAX spectrum, when its most needed.

I’m sure the above insight would generate another article.
Thanks Stacy.

By: leftofcenter

leftofcenter — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 01:41:14 +0000

It is an over simplification to state a simple swap at the base, that being said, Sprint has very little choice but Wimax. Some very smart money on the Street are buying up significant positions in S. Maybe a merger play is near.

By: Hyung

Hyung — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 01:33:45 +0000

Eventually, both will go LTE; it’s a matter of when, not if. Remember that Sprint also has to migrate their FDD side (currently EV-DO) and the only viable migration path for FDD front is LTE at this point (this is what VZW is doing now). Given the recent upsurge of TD-LTE (TDD), there is a huge market pressure to go through LTE migration on the TDD side also. Clearwire will probably have to sell off some of their spectrum to keep going.

By: Michael

Michael — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 01:18:15 +0000

You don’t always want to follow what every other carrier is doing but in this case I think Sprint should have went the LTE route and not WiMax. On a global scale LTE is where carriers are going and manufactures are going to be more likely to build LTE devices than WiMax