Sprint, Clearwire among companies asking for TD-LTE standard in WiMAX spectrum
By Chris Ziegler 
posted March 30th 2010 6:19PM
posted March 30th 2010 6:19PM
Clearwire has made it crystal clear that it isn't taking a "WiMAX or die" approach to 4G -- and frankly, it couldn't afford to, considering that the infrastructure suppliers and hardware manufacturers could easily continue their trend toward shunning the next-gen underdog. What's interesting, though, is that the company now appears to be taking a very active role in developing an LTE-based standard that could supplant WiMAX in its 2.6GHz spectrum should the need arise. Along with Motorola, Huawei, ZTE, Cisco, Nokia Siemens, Alcatel-Lucent, and -- surprise, surprise -- Clearwire partner Sprint, the company is asking the 3GPP to define a standard for running TD-LTE in the 2.6GHz slot. Unlike the more commonly-used FD-LTE -- the standard Verizon is using, among others -- TD-LTE operates unpaired, meaning it can operate in slimmer chunks of spectrum than its counterpart. Asking for a standard is clearly a far cry from actually building out a network, but it's interesting to note that Clearwire and Sprint alike both have their eyes firmly fixed on an LTE-based technology if the WiMAX industry packs it in.
Isn't TD-LTE also the variant of LTE China is looking into using when they make that switch? China is a huge market and having the TD-LTE devices made for them be compatible with US market networks would be awesome.
@Valicore It is, but on the consumer's end, TDD based LTE is less efficient than FDD based LTE due to the fact that the radio will never reach full power because it must constantly switch between the downlink and the uplink. Despite this, however, it is better for wireless carriers that do not have a lot of spectrum available to them since each user does not use as much bandwidth.
So now they with Wimax... Then they go with LTE... They should have choose them from the first place. I remember reading that they gonna upgrade to WiMax 2 but it looks like they making a smart move. It would be better if they were on GSM or better instead of that crappy CDMA then I would give them a good credit.
I think this is a good move for Sprint.They are sittin on all that spectrum why not do both Wimax and LTE ,they will get $ from Iden,cdma,wimax,LTE then all options will be availiable when it comes to phones plus as a customer my lines wont ever be clogged with data users like At&t and them.Im on Sprint and have 0 problems just feed me hot phones and keep the price right!
@aschettler Which is why Sprint has a good chance, we're sitting on a boatload of spectrum, something Verizon and AT&T don't have an abundance of.
If was a company, looking for a fixed or mobile wireless solution for data, to cut my ties with local telco, and I was offered 99.9% uptime with wireless, I would want it now, not wait for some theoretical trial speed or trial.
I look at it this way, Sprint/Clear roll out with WiMAX now, and throw in LTE equipment in said sites later, thus offering the best of both worlds, or a migration path. Either way, we are first to market in a big way.
Is it me or does it seem like this thread is full of shill?
Every time I see a thread about Sprint we see stuff like:
"... they have the best priced plans, unbeatable value. I save about $2000 a year over a comparable plan on any other provider. I'm taking Sprint to the bank, baby!"
or
"Sprint really does have it going on right now. The first 4G phone coming out soon (hopefully) and a great network. I've had Sprint for 7 years and am not planning on switching anytime soon, especially with the EVO on deck. Lets go Sprint"
Be less obvious, really.
@Touzoku Maybe you see it because it's the truth. I know it is for my area (Washington D.C. Metro area).
@Touzoku
It's all true, look it up if you don't believe. It's damn near impossible to find a better plan on another network that offers the same services for a better price. But I were with verizon or at&t I'd be upset and in denial as well.
What people should understand is, Sprint was an inch away from deploying CDMA EV-DV. (Evolution, Data and Voice) But they chose to go with EV-DO (Evolution, Data Only)
CDMA is, was capable of data AND voice, just like GSM. But it didn't happen.
And as for you Sprint bashers... The Nextel purchas was worth $35 Billion dollars. Because of the government friendly iDEN network, and Nextel's holdings of 40+% of the 2.5 Ghz spectrum.
@DeltaSPARTAN003
Oh, and I forgot to add... Sprint/Clearwire own 88% of the 2.5 Ghz spectrum. While 6-8% percent will be unreachable due to University of Michagan owning all the spectrum for their state. Which means, No roaming.
It was decided by the FCC that the 2.5 Ghz frequency was to be used for education. (i.e. Universities, and Colleges) But somehow the Telecomm people got a hold of it... Which is good for me as a Sprint customer.
@DeltaSPARTAN003
Oh, and I forgot to add... Sprint/Clearwire own 88% of the 2.5 Ghz spectrum. While 6-8% percent will be unreachable due to University of Michagan owning all the spectrum for their state. Which means, No roaming.
It was decided by the FCC that the 2.5 Ghz frequency was to be used for education. (i.e. Universities, and Colleges) But somehow the Telecomm people got a hold of it... Which is good for me as a Sprint customer.
Now rush out there, buy the HTC EVO 4G ¡¡¡¡WIMAX!!!! and wait for the never ever coming deployment of that technology.....
Do not be fooled Wimax is NOT going to be the 4G standard but LTE.