If Intel is to be successful here they need to offer systems in the Under 2GHz range for WiMAX, preferably 700Mhz and possibly AWS (1700Mhz, 2100Mhz) areas. Of course this would require minimum of 20Mhz of spectrum and FDD based WiMAX products to be solid enough to compete with LTE 4G systems.
What I would anticipate is a tri mode Centrino product addressing LTE, WiMAX and WiFi (802.11n) systems. If Google etc are successful in freeing up the WHite Space market then Intel will need to provide something for that space (50Mhz to 700Mhz) as well.
2.5Ghz is just not right for all markets, especially Rural areas with any semblence of Foliage that will kill any mobile links.

So much for compatible (GSM Nets) Customer Access Devices (CAD's)and shared costs between AT&T and Verizon Wireless new LTE networks.
1st AT&T announces that it will deploy their LTE network using both 700Mhz and AWS SPectrums and now they have committed to Googles ANdroid. Verizon Wireless is 100% 700Mhz and will work using LIMO products

All Narrowband Services at Best.
What we need is a real converegence to happen with Metro Area Wireless Mesh offering real Broadband links (4-6Mbps) while roaming in the Wireless Mesh Sector and convergence (handoff) to CellCO (at 500-800Kbps) as one leaves the WiFi/WiMAX coverage areas.
All this will change when FCC auctions the 700Mhz spectrum and vendors make WiMAX (and WiFi Mesh) based featured 700Mhz radios for full mobile Data/VoiceIP and Video services.
If the FCC allows selective shared licensed 700Mhz spectrum use it will be even better as the existing Metro Mesh Networks upgrade and deploy a real Broadband service with in and outdood coverage.
Watch what Qualcomm allows the carriers to do with their 700Mhz Video Networks-just a taste.

Jacomo

Might be they picked a new vendor for their Mesh.

The author has too narrow a focus. With his approach there is no incentive for any nationwide provider of Wireless Services to address the Rural and small cities markets. A centralized National model limits competition placing to much control in the hands of the Big CellCO and RBOCs.
We have an opportunity with the new 700Mhz and below (White space) spectrums being considerd for auction 2008 to open up some of this spectrum to Unlicensed use, especially in 700MHz, and allow the market to choose between a Licensed Premium services and a low cost Unlicensed services Local/Regional Service providers can offer their subscribers.

Jacomo

If this is accurate I would expect Linkys would be willing to guarantee this without any problem. Can we get a 3rd party (like Tolly group) to do a quick test-should be very easy.

Jacomo