Where’s WiMAX?
With rumors of a Sprint-bound tri-mode CDMA/WiFi/WiMAX handset gaining traction, we thought it might be a good time to talk about what is as opposed to what could be. Sure, a tri-mode handset would be amazing but without official word from Sprint it’s still just speculation. 3G is so 2000 and late, Sprint is the only carrier with a live 4G network here in the US… So what’s up? Hit the jump for a full assessment of where Sprint 4G is at right now and where it’s confirmed to be going in the near future.
The following markets are live or will be live before 2009 is out, according to Sprint (alphabetical order):
- Atlanta
- Baltimore
- Chicago
- Charlotte
- Dallas/Ft. Worth
- Honolulu
- Las Vegas
- Philadelphia
- Portland
- Seattle
At least the following markets will launch in 2010, according to Sprint:
- New York
- Boston
- Washington, DC
- Houston
- San Francisco Bay Area
As far as hardware goes, the dual mode U300 is currently available and it supports both 3G and 4G. Other devices Sprint has stated will reach market throughout 2009 and 2010 include a single-mode 4G data card, embedded laptops, “Small-office-home-office devices”, 4G personal hotspot devices and a 4G phone. In other words, things have most definitely been slow going but Sprint finally appears to be kicking things into high gear. In fact, the company is poised to have a substantial 4G network in place with a respectable portfolio of devices before the competition even gets its feet off the ground. 4G personal hotspot? Yes, please.
I’m still curious as to how this works….
Do we have any handsets rumored?
Who cares? It’s Sprint.
I’ll wait until the grownups go 4G.
lTe is gOnna blow wimax oUt the wateR. uh hehe he!!!
ya big deal there 3G Network isnt anygood how are they gonna try and go 4G?
I bet none of u have had sprint. Just trying to be cool by bashing sprint.
funny thing is that where I’m at I can access my yahoo email and youtube faster on my fusic than my friend can on his att curve….
The U300? What could 4G possibly do for a clamshell -so called- dumb phone.
joe, isn’t the u300 a usb card?
image is funny as hell
Phel your comparing apples to oranges. Att curve is EDGE(2.5G). So you can see why you can view youtube faster
As i said before….people who dont have sprint are bashing Wimax….meanwhile us Sprint users are enjoyin 4G NOW….while everyone else waits for Lte to get going.
Everyone brings up the Global aspect when most dont even leave the country
Ahead of the competition with the next network and still lagging behind.
Slow day at BGR for this to be a story…what prompted a review/rehash of 6month old news today???
This becomes relevant when phones and users are real. Sprint is ahead of other carriers but its not news today…..
Everyone with an ATT phone give me a call and I’ll tell you how great my Sprint Service is and how well my 3g works…If you have any reception that is.
WiMAX is currently live in Baltimore under the Xohm brand and Portland, Atlanta, and Las Vegas are all live under the Clear brand.
Only devices out now are connection cards (usb, expresscard, pcmcia), home modems, and WiMAX-enabled laptops/netbooks.
the only WiMAX-enabled handset that i know of, is the HTC MAX (GSM/WiMAX) on the Yota Network in Russia.
Yeah WiMax is currently live in Atlanta. I work for Clear which used to be Clearwire until Sprint merged with them. And i believe that they are focusing on Clear providing an alternative internet option.
Mite wanna try that again jj….looks like u confused yourself
Can confirm wimax is a go in ATL. At least this article has some merit – albeit with the standard thumbs down because its sprint.
But it beats the hell out of that so called “review” of the Pre. Funny how this is the ONLY tech site to not mention the pre (and for the most part rave about it) since that joke of a review.
Whatever.
Third one countries (like Pakistan) have been enjoying WiMax for last couple years and here we are, only one carrier is implementing and still no where close.
America has always been behind when it comes to Telecom tech.
With the most dependable 3G network in America TODAY and as the only carrier to be rolling out 4G (Sprint custmers are seeing peak download speeds of up to 12 Mbps in Baltimore today) it’s worth a very serious look, especially for businesses and public sector. Even if you’re in a city where there is just 3G available from each carrier now and in the near future, Sprint is your best, most dependable, cost-effective choice. Check it out – you’ll be glad you did.
guess u were to big headed to see that comment was in relation to people sayin sprint and wimax suck when those people have 2 wait 4 LTE on other networks. Thats the point…and if u think hard enuff youll notice that is the case…no duplicity or hypocrisy needed Just fact. 4 cities now sure beats no cities with LTE.
I wonder why there isnt a “Wheres LTE?” Article….
can u look up the answer for that? With Reliable sources?
lol “2000 and late” nice Boom boom pow reference.
JJ is the new backbeat w/o the cuss words, still can’t face the fact this will be here in more places
@:Kach: I wouldn’t say ALWAYS lacking behind in Telecom. Telephony was invented in the U.S.! Just since the inception of the cellular phone…lol, the CWA and IBeW just had to hold on to trunks, frames, and relays as long as they could!