Sprint Nextel named Nokia as a key infrastructure and consumer electronic device provider for its 4G WiMAX network. Nokia joins Intel, Samsung and Motorola on the Sprint Nextel project, which is currently expected to enter service in late 2007.
The strategic relationship with Nokia involves network infrastructure, mobile device and market development commitments. Under the agreement Nokia will:
- Be a major supplier to Sprint for WiMAX network infrastructure, including the market-leading Nokia Flexi WiMAX base transceiver stations which bring significant site and operating cost savings,
- Develop and market WiMAX-enabled mobile devices in significant volumes, including multimedia computers and Internet tablets,
- Jointly develop mobility services and applications to improve the customer experience, and
- Conduct co-marketing efforts to drive market development and support global adoption to help establish worldwide roaming.
Sprint Nextel said it is expecting to invest up to $800 million in 2007 and between $1.5 billion and $2 billion in 2008 relating to the 4G WiMAX mobile broadband network. Sprint Nextel’s goal is to have a broad range of mobile WiMAX-enabled chipsets and modules and an array of portable data, multimedia and consumer electronics devices available from multiple vendors which work seamlessly among Sprint’s network offerings. As a result, customers will experience an interactive mobile data network that is designed to offer faster speeds, lower cost, greater convenience and enhanced multimedia content.
http://www.sprintnextel.com
http://www.nokia.com
- In August 2006, Sprint Nextel announced that it had selected WiMAX (IEEE802.16e-2005) technology for a next generation wireless network which would utilize the company’s extensive 2.5GHz spectrum assets, and the formation of a unique business ecosystem designed to spur widespread adoption of WiMAX devices and services.