When a struggling company does something right, you have to reward them for it. Otherwise, what was the point of criticizing their previously unacceptable business practices? Sprint, in this case, has been rumored to be making another change in their push to redefine themselves as the premier wireless data provider in the US. Rather than aiming [...]

With Sprint struggling to turnaround their business and working hard to bring their high-speed WiMAX-based XOHM wireless data network online, some big-dogs in the wireless industry are opposing the Sprint and Clearwire merger deal currently under consideration by the Feds. AT&T has voiced their opposition to the merger, claiming that both companies were misrepresenting their [...]

Sprint’s road to recovery will be a long and drawn out process, mostly dependent on CEO Dan Hesse’s ability to get the wireless carrier’s high-speed, WIMAX-based XOHM data network up and running in a timely manner. Sprint desperately needs to redefine itself as something more than just the No. 3 wireless voice carrier, and an [...]

Sprint has been working hard to redefine themselves as a data-centric provider with the premier high-speed wireless broadband network in the US. And, with good reason. Sprint’s losing customers left and right and bleeding money even faster. They clearly can’t compete in the voice-call business that is dominated by AT&T and Verizon, so Sprint is [...]

I don't know how we let this one slip through the cracks, but here it is, if a bit late. With Sprint's future as a significant figure in the US wireless landscape hinged on the carrier's ability to redefine itself as a data-centric provider, Sprint would do well to get their WiMAX-based XOHM network off the [...]

Sprint's only hope to retain, or at least partially regain, their formerly successful days as a Top 3 US wireless carrier is to concentrate on becoming the premier wireless broadband provider. That means Sprint will have to focus on the data side of their operations - as I mentioned a while back. So, in a move [...]

With Sprint still pushing hard to roll out their WiMAX-based XOHM data network (unfortunately labelled as a 3G tech ), the other big-dogs in the US wireless landscape should be worrying about possible loss of data-revenue to Sprint. But, it turns out that Verizon Communication’s President and COO, Dennis Strigl, isn’t at all worried about Sprint’s impact on Verizon’s choice of LTE as their 4G data network. Strigl reiterated at Citi’s 18th Annual Global Entertainment, Media & Telecommunications Conference that data revenue was the future greenback-maker for the wireless arm of Verizon. Apparently, only 50% of Verizon users have data-capable devices, so there’s a lot of room to grow in that sector - especially with Verizon’s plan to open their network this year . However, it seems that Strigl isn’t fazed by Sprint’s looming WiMAX network rollout in a few months (at least publicly). Trials of the 4G LTE data network are slated to kick off this year , but won’t go live for a couple more years. In that light, Verizon may be starting to feel the heat from Sprint - being first to market with a national broadband network is sure to put a dent in Verizon’s data-revenue. We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again - “First to market, first in our hearts.” If Sprint successfully markets their XOHM network as the must-have data network in the US, we could see slower and lower adoption rates of the LTE technologies from Verizon and AT&T . Sprint is poised to turn around their struggling business with the first national wireless broadband network, and could redefine themselves as the premier data-network in the US. Of course, we’ll be adopting whatever network serves up the best coverage and reliability at any given time, but the run-of-the-mill road warrior will likely be sticking with what they know to work - Sprint had better get it right the first time around. [Via: MocoNews ] ---Related Articles at IntoMobile:Lebanon gets its WiMAX onVerizon's Answer to AT&T's Apple iPhone - The LG KE850 PRADA Phone?Verizon confirms LTE 4G network trials with Vodafone; to share with AT&TD-Link getting in on WiMAXNokia Readies Shipments Of WiMAX Phones For 2008

We’ve been whining about Sprint’s seeming lack of focus on its WiMAX ( XOHM ) network, and all that complaining may have paid off. Actually, our incessant goading probably had little nothing to do with Sprint’s newest announcement, but it’s nice to think we had some sort of influence. Sprint’s WiMAX network is slated to go live this week in a limited trial-run. The 4G (well, it’s officially a 3G standard , but we think it qualifies as 4G) WiMAX network will be rolled out this week for Sprint employees only - in an effort to get its network ready for prime-time trials in Q1 of 2008. As it stands, Sprint will be flipping the WiMAX-switch on the downtown centers of Chicago, Baltimore and Washington - expanding to other US cities based on wireless data demand. Clearwire is out of the picture , but we’re assuming that Sprint’s leaving the door open to other investors to help with the nationwide network launch. The trial-run launch of Sprint’s WiMAX network this week barely makes the carrier’s self-imposed deadline for the launch of its 4G network by year’s end. We’ve heard rumor after rumor that put the entire WiMAX venture in doubt, so it’s good to see that Sprint is still committed to bringing their mobile broadband 4G network online in-time for a 2008 commercial roll-out. The full commercial launch should cement Sprint’s position as the premier high-speed wireless data provider in the States - Verizon and AT&T ’s LTE network won’t even see the light of day until 2009. All your financial woes may take a turn for the better, Sprint. Keep on keepin’ on! [Via: Telephony Online ] ---Related Articles at IntoMobile:Sprint considering WiMAX network optionsSamsung signs on to build WiMAX network for Sprint in New York Metropolitan areaTexas to be among the first to try out Sprint Nextel's WiMAX networkLebanon gets its WiMAX onSprint and Clearwire team up for US WiMAX network - 4G in 2008

We knew Sprint and Clearwire’s relationship was on the ropes , but we still had in the back of our minds that those two would work things out. We think a partnership between the two would make perfect business sense in the US’s nascent WiMAX environment. The Clearwire/Sprint team could have made a cohesive WiMAX network a near-term reality. Alas, our dreams of national WiMAX by 2008 have been dashed with the announcement that the Sprint-Clearwire relationship is officially no more. Reuters is reporting that the partnership deal was put-down due to “complexities of the transaction and the departure last month of Gary Forsee as Sprint’s chief executive officer made it too difficult to reach.” We can’t imagine that Sprint would be able to foot the bill for a nationwide WiMAX infrastructure build-out all by itself. So, the question is, how will Sprint handle their WiMAX plans ? Strategic investor ? Sell off the WiMAX unit? We’ll just have to wait and see. We had big hopes for Sprint to emerge as the premier high-speed wireless ISP in 2008, but now everything’s changed. Sprint’s bottom line could dictate that they spin off their WiMAX unit altogether - you know, unless the pro-rated ETF and SprintArcade prove to bring Sprint back into competition with Verizon and AT&T (in other words: damnit).  Hey Sprint, keep on with your WiMAX plans. With your core business lagging as far behind as it is, we think your best bet is to beat your competitors to the national wireless broadband punch. [Via: PhoneScoop ] ---Related Articles at IntoMobile:Sprint and Clearwire team up for US WiMAX network - 4G in 2008Sprint considering WiMAX network optionsAmp'd Mobile CEO Peter Adderton and Co. may be preparing to join WiMAX ISP ClearwireSprint looking for WiMAX investorsSprint planning to rollout WiMAX service as "XOHM"?

It seems the Sprint/Clearwire alliance that we assumed was a lock is now in question. Sprint is now on the lookout for creative ways to put that ear-marked $5 billion to good use. The WiMAX proponent in the US can still seal the deal and join forces with Clearwire to bring the 3G WiMAX network online in the US by 2008 ( like they led us to believe a little while ago), or they could just spin-off the WiMAX unit entirely. In addition to seeking a new CEO, Sprint is considering a straight-up merger with Clearwire - a move that could help solidify their WiMAX stance in the US. Sprint could also just acquire Clearwire entirely or look for another strategic partner to help them build their WiMAX network. We’ll keep an eye on Sprint’s WiMAX decisions for you guys. We have a feeling that the ailing wireless carrier will be making some moves in the near future - they’ve essentially banked on WiMAX, so we’re expecting Sprint to put that $5 billion to good use. [Via: WSJ ] ---Related Articles at IntoMobile:Samsung signs on to build WiMAX network for Sprint in New York Metropolitan areaTexas to be among the first to try out Sprint Nextel's WiMAX networkSprint reserves $5 billion for WiMAX network - we mean XOHMSprint plans Launch of commerical WiMAX service in Q2 2008Sprint planning to rollout WiMAX service as "XOHM"?