Sprint and Clearwire Complete Deal For New Mobile WiMax Internet

By: John Lester
Staff Writer
Published: Nov 30, 2008

Sprint Nextel and Clearwire have completed their merger for building a new mobile WiMax Internet network. The next-generation wireless data network promises faster data speeds than current cellular broadband. The companies expect to reach 140 million people by 2010.

Sprint Nextel Corp and Clearwire Corp have completed their merger for building a new mobile WiMax Internet network. The next-generation wireless data network promises faster data speeds than current cellular broadband.

The deal includes a new company which will retain the name Clearwire. The company headquarters will remain Kirkland, Washington.

The news company expects to reach 140 million people by the end of 2010. New investors of the wireless network include Intel, Google, Comcast, Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks. They will contribute $3.2 billion and will acquire a 22 percent stake.

Sprint will contribute all of its 2.5 GHz spectrum including its XOHM business.

Intel plans to work with manufacturers to embed WiMAX chips into Intel Centrino 2 processor laptops. The company will also market Clearwire services with Intel's performance notebook PC brand.

Google will partner with the new Clearwire to develop new Internet services. Some of the services include advertising and applications for mobile WiMAX devices. In addition, Google will be the preferred search provider for the new Clearwire retail products.