Sprint and Clearwire talking again, might still go to prom together

Hey, breaking up is hard to do -- which is why we totally understand these reports that Sprint and Clearwire have been back in touch after two companies split back in November. Apparently all that interest in Clearwire from ICO, Amp'd, and DirecTV was enough to get Sprint back to the table, and Reuters is reporting that the new venture could see additional funding from Google and Best Buy to keep costs down. Still, we hate to see hearts break, and if this one doesn't work out, well, maybe it's time to set some boundaries, get some distance and seek out some new national telecom companies to partner with -- you two deserve better than this.

[Joel Stephen @ Jan 30th 2008 7:02AM]

I'm guessing that sprint is seeing the writing on the wall and realizing that their cellphone business is starting to dwindle and they may want to restructure and become an ISP instead over time then mayhaps move to a VOIP service...just my two cents

[StrangeBum @ Jan 30th 2008 10:10AM]

I just wish Sprint would come out with a decent first-party Wireless repeater or router to extend my network coverage at my home, which sucks. Or some sort of router like what T-Mobile offers to let my phone route through my IP basically making a VOIP/cellphone.

[John @ Jan 30th 2008 12:34PM]

They do, it's called Airave and connects to your router, allowing you to use your cell phone at home while it uses the internet for unlimited calls.

Currently being rolled out in test markets, hopefully soon all over.

[Sam @ Jan 30th 2008 7:07AM]

forget prom, its the afterparty where the fun really starts.

[StrangeBum @ Jan 30th 2008 12:29PM]

@Bradley

Yeah. That's precisely the device I mean. I should have stated more clearly, because I live in Arizona. And it's not available here. But yeah, that's the thing.

[Bradley @ Jan 30th 2008 11:52AM]

@StrangeBum

Are you meaning a device like this: http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/17/sprint-airave-signal-booster-goes-on-sale-today-in-denver-and/

[Amitabh Kumar @ Feb 18th 2008 8:46AM]

The deal if it goes through will give a new dimension to mobile WiMAX in the US and perhaps in parts of Europe. Embroiled as they are in the 700 MHz spectrum auction, the companies have bid over $19 Billion for 700 MHz spectrum, which has just now been declared as one for which certification profiles" will be announced" by the WiMAX forum. However Sprint and Clearwire can sew together virtually all of the mobile WiMAX spectrum in the 2.5-2.69 GHz, the band where certified Wave 2 devices with MIMO are set to be available anytime now. The support of Inel, will also help with the chipsets and customer devices the last remaining link for success of this new technology. It is to be remembered that the competition will be with the Mobile industry at the prime of its life with mobile handset launches averaging one a day, mobile multimedia on the go and WiFi connectivity et el. Hence the new combination presents one of the best opportunities for success against the industry in the prime as well as one yet to be born in the 700 MHz band with a handicap of Billions of dollars in spectrum charges weighing down the business plans.
See for details wimaxbook.net