With the emergence of 3G cellular broadband using technologies like EV-DO and HSDPA, Sprint Nextel is taking the lead by introducing the first 4G wireless broadband network in the U.S., utilizing WiMAX technology.

Several factors have converged to make this the opportune moment for nationwide WiMAX broadband, with Sprint being the ideal company to spearhead it. WiMAX is reaching maturity, with numerous trial deployments, solidified standards, and certified equipment being manufactured at scale. WiMAX’s global dominance has been evident, with the only question being the timing of its widespread adoption. It seems mid-2006 marks a significant milestone, with services slated to commence by the end of the following year.

Sprint is committed to deploying the IEEE802.16e-2005 Mobile WiMAX standard due to its adaptability for both fixed and mobile data transfers.

Sprint and Nextel are primarily known as cell phone providers, and their immediate application for WiMAX is to enhance existing services such as SprintTV video on demand, music downloads, and other 3G entertainment options. Sprint intends to deploy its 4G WiMAX network alongside its 3G EV-DO network, with Motorola and Samsung manufacturing devices compatible with both. Similar to current 3G devices that transition between speeds depending on coverage, the new networks will fall back from WiMAX to EV-DO outside metropolitan WiMAX deployment areas.

Beyond enhancing video downloads, WiMAX offers significant potential. Its design as a wireless Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) enables broadband internet service delivery to laptops and desktops, covering up to 31 miles with shared bandwidth up to 70 Mbps. Sprint is projected to deliver 2 to 4 Mbps bandwidth to fixed and mobile users, a substantial improvement over 3G speeds. This makes WiMAX an attractive alternative to DSL and cable broadband, especially with Intel’s plan to incorporate WiMAX solutions into its Centrino Mobile Technology devices. Consequently, we can anticipate the emergence of devices with built-in WiMAX alongside WiFi, including wireless access points and routers equipped with a WiMAX transceiver for WAN and WiFi for LAN.

Furthermore, Sprint and Nextel can leverage WiMAX technology to backhaul their cellular phone traffic. Currently, many cell towers rely on T1 landlines with limited bandwidth. Implementing WiMAX on towers for customer broadband service presents an opportunity to replace these lines with long-range radio carriers, creating a system upgrade and potentially reducing costs.

Another factor contributing to Sprint’s decision is the need to utilize their extensive 2.5 GHz band licenses effectively. Both Sprint and Nextel hold significant licenses in this former MMDS band, covering over 85% of households in the top 100 U.S. markets. This valuable spectrum is currently underutilized. Moreover, Sprint Nextel is obligated to establish a 2.5 GHz network reaching at least 30 million people by the end of the decade as part of their merger agreement with the FCC. Sprint Nextel aims to surpass this commitment, targeting 100 million people by the end of 2008.

Sprint Nextel possesses a valuable asset in their 2.5 GHz band, highly suitable for WiMAX transmissions. These frequencies penetrate buildings more effectively than the 3.5 GHz and 5.8 GHz bands, also designated for WiMAX. This presents an opportunity to replace wireline broadband services and enable practical indoor and in-vehicle roaming. Eventually, WiFi hotspots may become obsolete, similar to dial-up internet service.

A nationwide WiMAX network will likely foster the development of innovative business and consumer mobile services that demand greater bandwidth. This includes applications like full-motion video conferencing, streaming audio and video, large database applications, and mobile simulations and presentations. The prospect of widespread WiMAX might even prompt faster deployment of fiber optic networks and further innovation in mobile applications.