Sprint-Nextel plans to combat its continued struggles by releasing a 4G WiMax mobile phone sometime this summer, which is several months earlier than previous analyst predictions.
Although some nations are using 4G technology at the moment, Sprint plans to be the first U.S. wireless provider to market. WiMax supporters promise data speeds up to 10 times faster than current 3G network speeds. Viewing streaming videos, listening to online radio, communicating via instant message and other higher data apps will operate faster using a WiMax network.
Since the company still doesn't have WiMax support in critical markets, the phone will have to be compatible with WiMax and the company's 3G network.
Sprint will need to continue scrambling to finish network coverage in San Francisco, New York City and other large markets. Realistic demand for WiMax remains unknown, but Sprint said interest is especially high in areas where WiMax is available or expected soon.
WiMax is unavailable in San Francisco, New York, Washington, D.C. and Boston, but is available in Atlanta, Baltimore, Las Vegas, Chicago, Philadelphia, Portland, Dallas and Seattle.
Sprint is actively selling 4G products now, but the products thus far have been USB modems and a portable hotspot router. WiMax technology has been available the past few years, but has not seen wide spread adoption as of yet.
Verizon Wireless is now testing a Long-Term Evolution (LTE) phone network, with AT&T and T-Mobile interested in using LTE in the near future as well.
I applaud Sprint for launching WiMax devices several months earlier than expected, but don't think the company will be able to hold off LTE networks from Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile. I’m especially interested to see how the company competes with Verizon, which continues to show strong network development.
