Sprint Testing LTE Equipment; Whither WiMax?

[NINO63004]

http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/gizmodo/2009/03/voltron_wimax.jpg

LTE's been the chosen 4G standard for a while—AT&T, Verizon and others are going that way. Sprint, the lone stalwart, has been pursuing WiMax glory. But GigaOM says now they're evaluating LTE equipment. Wha?

A couple of sources inform GigaOM that Sprint's currently testing LTE equipment. Sprint's response is a non-denial kind of denial:

You know of our commitment to WiMAX as our 4G play, the only next gen technology commercially offered. … As a prudent Technology Development organization we are always collecting competitive information about various technologies/equipment to monitor and assess the competitive landscape and any potential impacts to Sprint's plans.

It doesn't mean Sprint's about to throw up a curtain and go "AHA! We fooled you!" and switch to LTE tomorrow. But it does indicate that they're trying to be flexible, in case the harsh reality is that LTE really is the only way to go. Luckily, Clearwire's WiMax equipment can be used for LTE, if they need it to be.

So, while this isn't necessarily bad news for WiMax, it is good news for LTE. (If you're confused by all these terms, check out our mobile term explainer here.)

Source: Gizmodo (http://i.gizmodo.com/5167321/sprint-testing-lte-equipment-whither-wimax)

[carcarx]

WiMax has also been a "4G" standard, for a while. There are far more WiMax deployments around the world now than LTE deployments planned for two years from now.

LTE is a closed standard, WiMax is open.

Sprint is smart to see what the competition is capable of and not capable of!

[HChristianS]

WiMax has also been a "4G" standard, for a while. There are far more WiMax deployments around the world now than LTE deployments planned for two years from now.

LTE is a closed standard, WiMax is open.

Sprint is smart to see what the competition is capable of and not capable of!

I think Sprint should go with LTE.
Wimax is a great option for now, while AT&T and Verizon are getting for LTE but I think since most of the world is going for LTE, Sprint should stick with that. Wimax would be an amazing option for Broadband and LTE for Voice..so who knows maybe they'll come out with dual Wimax/LTE radios. I heard that the Wimax equipment is able to use LTE also, so if anything goes wrong..

[Matt]

LTE and WIMAX is an awfully expensive venture for Sprint at this point.

[Celsius]

wimax seems to be competition for fios and uverse NOT wireless 4g.. major cable companies are backing it.. and lte wont be available for at least a year or two.. and honestly americans are so far behind in 3g speeds because we dont want and/ or need speeds much faster than what we have unless a computer is using the connection.. it will be a while before lte has a phone use that americans will want, pay for, and use... by the time lte has a valid us phone use sprint would be able to get it..

[grndslm]

wimax seems to be competition for fios and uverse NOT wireless 4g..I agree. In the Nokia n810 discontinued thread, the Nokia guy said WiMax was a niche service, and he's prolly right. WiMax could be a great alternative for desktops, particularly ones in rural areas. WiMax will prolly turn into a great solution for last mile home broadband.

The only reason I'd consider WiMax a dud is that speeds drop dramatically while in motion, like on the interstate or in a train. Soo, that definitely hurts people on the go.

Perhaps Nokia had it right -- LTE for mobile devices & WiMax for mostly stationary devices??

.. and honestly americans are so far behind in 3g speeds because we dont want and/ or need speeds much faster than what we have unless a computer is using the connection..Noo... we all want/need speeds faster than what we have. The real factor behind us being behind in 3g speeds is that we don't have the high population densities that other countries have, like Japan and South Korea.