Sprint talks Clearwire, dual-mode WiMAX phones

Sprint and Clearwire are still discussing their potential WiMAX network collaboration, according to Sprint's new CEO. Dan Hesse addressed the topic in the company's most recent earnings call, but would not elaborate on proposals from either side of the negotations. “We have had wide ranging discussions with Clearwire on potential relationships," explained Hesse, "but no final agreements have been reached."

Hesse will however say that the trial of Sprint's Xohm technology is going very well, and the company has a great opportunity to be the first carrier in the US to have 4G cellular broadband. "Sprint has an enormous asset —- nearly 100 megahertz of un-utilized spectrum," he says, "and we have the opportunity to have a three-year head start with our Xohm service, true wireless broadband with multi-megabit speed."

Of importance is news that later this year, Sprint will be launching dual-mode CDMA/WiMAX devices. The technology may be essential for the widespread adoption of Xohm, as WiMAX coverage will likely be limited to major urban areas at first. [via mocoNews]

Filed under: industry, gadgets, networking
Other story tags: sprint, cellphones, WiMAX, Xohm, Clearwire