Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Mobile Miscellany: week of April 23rd, 2012]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/28/mobile-miscellany-week-of-april-23rd-2012/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/28/mobile-miscellany-week-of-april-23rd-2012/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/28/mobile-miscellany-week-of-april-23rd-2012/#comments Mobile Miscellany: week of April 23rd, 2012

Not all mobile news is destined for the front page, but if you're like us and really want to know what's going on, then you've come to the right place. This past week, we learned that ZTE intends to release a phablet of its own, and Samsung unseated Nokia as the world's largest supplier of mobile phones. These stories and more await after the break. So buy the ticket and take the ride as we explore the "best of the rest" for this week of April 23rd, 2012.

Continue reading Mobile Miscellany: week of April 23rd, 2012

Mobile Miscellany: week of April 23rd, 2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 28 Apr 2012 22:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>attaustraliaboostboost mobileBoostMobileclearwirecomscorecricketdroid 4droid bionicDroid4DroidBionicearningsfinancialfinancialsfinlandgoogle playgoogle play moviesGooglePlayGooglePlayMovieshtchtc radarHtcRadarisupplijapanleapleap wirelessLeapWirelessltelumia 900Lumia900minecraftmmmobile miscellanyMobileMiscellanymobilepostminimotorola droid 4motorola droid bionicMotorolaDroid4MotorolaDroidBionicnokianokia lumia 900NokiaLumia900phabletq1-2012radarsalt lake citySaltLakeCitysamsungsmartphonesmartphonessprintvirginvirgin mobileVirginMobilewimaxzteSat, 28 Apr 2012 22:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Clearwire's TDD-LTE rolling out in 'early 2013,' coming to NYC, SF, LA, Chicago, Seattle and more]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/26/clearwires-tdd-lte-2013-new-york-city-chicago-seattle-san-francisco/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/26/clearwires-tdd-lte-2013-new-york-city-chicago-seattle-san-francisco/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/26/clearwires-tdd-lte-2013-new-york-city-chicago-seattle-san-francisco/#comments cellphone tower

Clearwire's hardly throwing in the towel after that whole "WiMAX" thing; instead, the outfit has its sights firmly set on bringing TDD-LTE to the masses here in America, starting with an initial rollout in early 2013. A release put out today confirms that New York City, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago and Seattle will be among the 31 cities where the company will launch the aforesaid network, though there's no breakdown on which of those metro markets will be forced to wait until "mid-2013" to get served. Speaking of, Clearwire's making no bones about the fact that "high demand hot zones" will be the ones targeted initially, and in a bid to outshine those LTE networks already live, President and CEO Erik Prusch is suggesting that his firm's 4G network "will show that not all LTE networks are created equal." Bold words, sir.

Continue reading Clearwire's TDD-LTE rolling out in 'early 2013,' coming to NYC, SF, LA, Chicago, Seattle and more

Clearwire's TDD-LTE rolling out in 'early 2013,' coming to NYC, SF, LA, Chicago, Seattle and more originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 Apr 2012 20:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4g4g lte4gLteChicagocitiesclearwirelaunchLos AngelesLosAngelesltemetromobile broadbandmobile internetMobileBroadbandMobileInternetmobilepostcrossNew York CityNewYorkCitynycSan FranciscoSanFranciscoSeattletd-ltetdd-ltewirelesswireless internetWirelessInternetThu, 26 Apr 2012 20:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Sprint will activate LTE on the 800MHz band in 2014]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/13/sprint-lte-800mhz/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/13/sprint-lte-800mhz/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/13/sprint-lte-800mhz/#comments Image
Sprint's Steve Elfman has said that the company's intending to activate an LTE service over its 800MHz spectrum by 2014. Big Yellow's already received 3GPP certification to turn Band 26 into super-fast mobile internet, the only remaining regulatory hurdle left to overcome is a thumbs-up from the FCC. The due date isn't set in stone, as it'll depend entirely on how quickly the company can force current iDEN users to migrate to its CDMA Direct Connect service. Meanwhile, LTE service in Atlanta, Baltimore, Houston, Dallas, Kansas City and San Antonio will activate across next year, with the company confident that it'll be able to keep pace with AT&T and Verizon's services by offloading traffic onto Clearwire's TD-LTE Network which should go live by June 2013. We can only guess that after that the announcement was done, Mr. Elfman looked at a picture of Philip Falcone and had to step outside for a little cry.

Sprint will activate LTE on the 800MHz band in 2014 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 13 Apr 2012 18:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3GPP800MHzClearClearwireFCCLightsquaredLTEmobilepostcrossmobilepostminiSprintSprint Band 26Sprint LTESprintBand26SprintLteSteve ElfmanSteveElfmanTD-LTEFri, 13 Apr 2012 18:24:00 EST<![CDATA[FreedomPop plans to give away mobile internet, still make money somehow]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/29/how-freedompop-makes-money/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/29/how-freedompop-makes-money/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/29/how-freedompop-makes-money/#comments Image"Freemium" mobile broadband outfit FreedomPop has pulled back the curtain on how it plans to make money while giving away 4G internet. In an interview with GigaOm, Marketing VP Tony Miller revealed that once it has got enough consumers hooked on the gratis data, his company will start selling premium features, potentially including a VoIP solution for the network, now supplied by Clearwire after the collapse of LightSquared. The company will also charge a penny for every megabyte used over the free monthly allowance (currently pegged at 1GB) and build a social network where more data can be earned and traded between friends. Alongside the WiMAX shell for the iPhone, we can also expect to see an iPod Touch edition, USB dongle and mobile hotspot arrive before the network's launch. The company doesn't have too long to iron out the kinks in the business plan however, as it'll go live in the third quarter of 2012.

FreedomPop plans to give away mobile internet, still make money somehow originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Mar 2012 15:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4GClearwireFree InternetFreedomPopFreeInternetLightSquaredmobilepostminiNiklas ZennstromNiklasZennstromSkypeSocial NetworkSocialNetworkTony MillerTonyMillerVoIPWiMAXThu, 29 Mar 2012 15:23:00 EST<![CDATA[NetZero launches '4G' wireless service, we go hands-on]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/19/netzero-launches-4g-wireless-service-we-go-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/19/netzero-launches-4g-wireless-service-we-go-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/19/netzero-launches-4g-wireless-service-we-go-hands-on/#comments NetZero launches '4G' wireless service, we go hands-onRemember NetZero? Today the company announced that it's launching NetZero 4G Mobile Broadband, a wireless service rolling out in 80 US cities and offering value-priced monthly data plans without activation fees, contracts, commitments or overage charges. Customers can chose between two levels of service -- Lightspeed (up to 1Mbps down / 384Kbps up) to conserve data and Warpspeed (up to 10Mbps down / 1.5Mbps up) for maximum performance -- and can switch back and forth by simply logging into NetZero's website (this can take up to 15 minutes). Five monthly data plans are available:
  • Free, $0, 200MB (limited to Lightspeed and limited to one year)
  • Basic, $9.95, 500MB (limited to Lightspeed)
  • Plus, $19.95, 1GB
  • Pro, $34.95, 2GB
  • Platinum, $49.95, 4GB
Two devices are offered -- the NetZero 4G Stick ($49.95 + shipping) is a Windows and OS X-compatible USB modem and the NetZero 4G Hotspot ($99.95 + shipping) is an eight device-capable WiFi hotspot with an LCD and a 2,200mAh battery.

So far, so good -- NetZero is becoming an MVNO. Yet strangely, there's no mention in any of the PR as to which network the company is using. We test drove NetZero's new wireless service over the weekend using the WiFi hotspot and figured out that it's using Clearwire's WiMAX network. In fact NetZero's 4G Stick is identical to the Clear 4G Mobile USB modem (manufactured by Ubee), and its 4G Hotspot is the same as the Clear Spot Apollo (a rather bulky unit made by Gemtek)-- see the FCC links below and read on for our impressions after the break.

Gallery: NetZero 4G Hotspot hands-on

Continue reading NetZero launches '4G' wireless service, we go hands-on

NetZero launches '4G' wireless service, we go hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 19 Mar 2012 07:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CLEARClearwirecontract freeContractFreedata planDataPlanhands-onlaunchmobilepostcrossMVNONetZeroNetZero 4G HotspotNetZero 4G Mobile BroadbandNetZero 4G StickNetzero4gHotspotNetzero4gMobileBroadbandNetzero4gStickpre-paidUnited OnlineUnitedOnlineUSB modemUsbModemWiFi hotspotWifiHotspotWiMAXwireless serviceWirelessServiceMon, 19 Mar 2012 07:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Cricket looks to enhance LTE rollout plan, strikes five-year deal with Clearwire]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/14/cricket-and-clearwire-strike-five-year-lte-deal/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/14/cricket-and-clearwire-strike-five-year-lte-deal/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/14/cricket-and-clearwire-strike-five-year-lte-deal/#comments
It looks as if the Big G's plan to offload its Clearwire stake didn't stop Cricket from striking a deal with the Sprint-born network. The five-year agreement allows the underdog wireless carrier to use Clearwire's LTE Advanced-ready waves to aid with its own rollout, which is expected to be fleshing out over the next "two to three years." Similar to that LightsSquared pact from last year, mum's the word on how much cash was involved in the signing. That said, chances are all you care about is how speedy the 4G browsing will be (and how much you can use before getting throttled).

Continue reading Cricket looks to enhance LTE rollout plan, strikes five-year deal with Clearwire

Cricket looks to enhance LTE rollout plan, strikes five-year deal with Clearwire originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 14 Mar 2012 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4g4g lte4gLte5 year deal5YearDealclearwireclearwire lteClearwireLtecricketcricket clearwire dealcricket wirelessCricketClearwireDealCricketWirelessdealfive year dealfive-yearFiveYearDeallte advancedlte networklte-advancedLteAdvancedLteNetworkmobilepostmininetworkWed, 14 Mar 2012 18:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Sprint reveals it spent $15.5 billion to fuel its iPhone hunger]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/28/sprint-iphone/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/28/sprint-iphone/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/28/sprint-iphone/#comments Sprint's SEC filings have revealed that the carrier has committed to purchasing $15.5 billion worth of iPhones as part of the long-promised $20 billion gamble. If each handset costs around $630 at trade, then we're talking about the network holding nearly 24 million units. Given that the company most recently ate a loss of $1.3 billion, most of which was caused by carrier subsidies for the 4S, there's a genuine fear that the company won't be able to make enough back on each customer to offset the initial outlay. Given the Baller-style purchasing decisions of Dan Hesse of late, we'll be watching how this unfolds with great interest and our fingers very firmly crossed.

Sprint reveals it spent $15.5 billion to fuel its iPhone hunger originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Feb 2012 16:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>10-K10-K Filing10-kFilingAppleBusinessCarrier SubsidiesCarrier SubsidyCarrierSubsidiesCarrierSubsidyCellphoneClearWireFinancialsiOSiPhoneLossNetworkNumbersProfitSECSEC FilingSecFilingSecurities and Exchange CommissionSecuritiesAndExchangeCommissionSprintTue, 28 Feb 2012 16:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Sprint raising $2 billion, may throw some dough Clearwire's way]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/28/sprint-raising-2-billion-may-throw-some-dough-clearwires-way/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/28/sprint-raising-2-billion-may-throw-some-dough-clearwires-way/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/28/sprint-raising-2-billion-may-throw-some-dough-clearwires-way/#comments Sprint and ClearSprint is looking to sell $2 billion in notes to raise cash, a large chunk of that likely earmarked for network upgrades. The money will come in handy too, as making the leap from WiMAX to LTE won't be cheap. Then, there's its partner Clearwire. After Sprint's board shot down a quest to snatch up MetroPCS, the carrier is even more reliant on the former WiMAX champion -- a company that just saw Google announce plans to dump its shares at a $450 million loss. According to Bloomberg, Sprint may take some of the $2 billion it plans to raise and use it to prop up Clear, which is making the transition to TD-LTE. At this point, we're beginning to think the carrier's cash infusions are the only thing keeping the wireless wholesaler going.

Sprint raising $2 billion, may throw some dough Clearwire's way originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Feb 2012 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businesscashclearclearwiredebtinvestmentmobilepostcrosssprintTue, 28 Feb 2012 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Google plans to sell off stake in Clearwire at a steep loss]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/24/google-plans-to-sell-off-stake-in-clearwire-at-a-steep-loss/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/24/google-plans-to-sell-off-stake-in-clearwire-at-a-steep-loss/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/24/google-plans-to-sell-off-stake-in-clearwire-at-a-steep-loss/#commentsIt was just under four years ago that Sprint and Clearwire brought together an impressive group of companies as part of a multi-billion dollar partnership to back the WiMAX service provider, but it's safe to say that things haven't quite worked out as planned in the years since. While Clearwire is of course still up and running, its WiMAX-based network has faced an uphill battle against other carriers' LTE-based networks, which even Sprint and Clearwire itself have been switching to. Now one of those partners, Google, has decided to offload its stake in Clearwire at a steep loss. According to an SEC filing, Google will be selling off its shares at a price of $1.60 each, or just over $47 million in all -- that's compared to the $500 million it spent to invest in the company. Not surprisingly, that has caused Clearwire's stock to take a bit of a tumble. As of this writing, shares in the Washington-based company were down almost six percent.

Google plans to sell off stake in Clearwire at a steep loss originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 24 Feb 2012 11:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clearclearwiregoogleltemobilepostcrosssprintwimaxFri, 24 Feb 2012 11:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Clearwire says it plans on launching TD-LTE network by June 2013]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/16/clearwire-plans-to-launch-lte-network-in-june-2013/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/16/clearwire-plans-to-launch-lte-network-in-june-2013/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/16/clearwire-plans-to-launch-lte-network-in-june-2013/#comments Clearwire says it plans on launching TD-LTE network by June 2013
Clearwire's been promising us that speedy LTE network for quite some time now. The good news is, we may have a clearer view of when to expect the waves to start flowing. During yesterday's Q4 earnings call, CEO Erik Prusch said his company plans on rolling out its LTE tides by June of next year, with the help of 5,000 wave sites around the US and a "longer-term" plan of adding about 3,000 more. The 2.5GHz spectrum will take over the WiMAX regime you've grown to love, and while we're still many handsets and slates away from testing it out, it's something all you Now Network users can happily look forward to.

Clearwire says it plans on launching TD-LTE network by June 2013 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 16 Feb 2012 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4g wimax4gWimaxclearClear 4gClear4gclearwireclearwire lteclearwire td-lteClearwireLteClearwireTd-ltemobilepostcrossnetworksprinttd-ltetd-lte networkTd-lteNetworkwimaxThu, 16 Feb 2012 17:33:00 EST<![CDATA[H2O Bolt promises unlimited 4G internet for $50, pretends it's never heard of Clear]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/15/h2o-bolt-unlimited-4g-internet/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/15/h2o-bolt-unlimited-4g-internet/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/15/h2o-bolt-unlimited-4g-internet/#comments H2O Bolt promises unlimited 4G internet for $50, pretends it's never heard of ClearIt's not everyday that an MVNO decides to offer up unlimited data courtesy of Clearwire's WiMAX network, but H2O's latest entrant known as Bolt makes us wish the practice were far less frequent. The $50 no-contract service essentially replicates Clear's own offering at the very same price point that's been available to customers for years. Furthermore, both companies share Best Buy as their most significant retail channel. Now, for whatever reason, H2O's Bolt Flash (the $100 USB modem) and Bolt Spider (the $150 mobile hotspot) will sit side-by-side Clear's own offerings at the big box retailer, where it'll be up to those in Smurf shirts to explain the difference -- there's none. You'll find the PR after the break, but if you're living in Detroit, Phoenix, Indianapolis, Louisville, New Orleans, Memphis or Albuquerque, none of this even remotely matters. Frustrating, isn't it?

Continue reading H2O Bolt promises unlimited 4G internet for $50, pretends it's never heard of Clear

H2O Bolt promises unlimited 4G internet for $50, pretends it's never heard of Clear originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 15 Feb 2012 00:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4gbest buyBestBuybolt flashbolt spiderBoltFlashBoltSpiderclearclearwiredatadata planDataPlanh2oh2o boltH2oBolthot spotHotSpotmobilepostminimvnounlimitedusb modemUsbModemwifiwimaxWed, 15 Feb 2012 00:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Clearwire unveils $99 Clear Hub Express and $129 Clear Spot Voyager hotspots]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/30/clearwire-unveils-99-clear-hub-express-and-129-clear-spot-voya/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/30/clearwire-unveils-99-clear-hub-express-and-129-clear-spot-voya/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/30/clearwire-unveils-99-clear-hub-express-and-129-clear-spot-voya/#comments Clearwire unveils $99 Clear Hub Express and $129 Clear Spot Voyager hotspots
Clearwire's impending LTE rollout isn't going to happen overnight, so why not continue to milk the proverbial cow that is their existing WiMax network? That's exactly what the wireless provider is doing today, with a fresh duo of hotspots. The first, the Clear Hub Express, is a $99 WiFi router-mobile hotspot combo which is destined for home or office duty. The second is the Clear Spot Voyager, which for $124 will hawk WiMax to eight devices for up to six hours of continuous use off its internal rechargeable battery. Those are identical specs to last year's model, the Clear Spot 4G Apollo, albeit sans-screen and in a thinner package. They're available today from Clearwire, and either can be kitted with "unlimited 4G" plans that start at $35 a month. Get acquainted with them in the PR after the break.

Continue reading Clearwire unveils $99 Clear Hub Express and $129 Clear Spot Voyager hotspots

Clearwire unveils $99 Clear Hub Express and $129 Clear Spot Voyager hotspots originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4G4g hotspot4g hotspots4gHotspot4gHotspotsclearclear hub expressclear spot voyagerClearHubExpressClearSpotVoyagerclearwirehotspothotspot wifiHotspotWifiwimaxwimax hotspotWimaxHotspotMon, 30 Jan 2012 13:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Clearwire Q4: revenues up, costs down, LTE expensive]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/24/clearwire-q4/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/24/clearwire-q4/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/24/clearwire-q4/#comments Things are looking up at Clearwire, its Q4 revenue came in just over Wall Street's estimates at $362 million, split between $198 million retail and $164 million wholesale -- with the latter figure up 20 percent over the last quarter. It pointed a finger at increased smartphone usage and slashed operating costs (spending only $82 million) as the reason for the bump. With this being Clearwire, it's still in the business doldrums, relying on handouts from Sprint to keep it going. It's planning to flog off around $300 million of debt to "qualified investors" as a way to ensure sufficient funding for the forthcoming LTE rollout. If you're interested in this sort of thing, you can read the full breakdown after the interval, presumably storming around pretending that you're Gordon Gekko.

Continue reading Clearwire Q4: revenues up, costs down, LTE expensive

Clearwire Q4: revenues up, costs down, LTE expensive originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 24 Jan 2012 19:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BusinessClearwireEarningsEarnings ReportEarningsReportfinancialsLTEmobilepostcrossQ4SprintWiMaxTue, 24 Jan 2012 19:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Sprint merging consumer and business sales / marketing units, giving four execs the boot]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/06/sprint-merging-consumer-business-sales-marketing/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/06/sprint-merging-consumer-business-sales-marketing/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/06/sprint-merging-consumer-business-sales-marketing/#comments According to a brief report that just went live at Reuters, Sprint is "merging its sales and marketing operations for its business and consumer operations in a streamlining that includes the departure of four top executives." Reportedly, that news was delivered by none other than CEO Dan Hesse himself, who has been in the news a fair amount since 2012 began. Reportedly, the carrier is aiming to "gain efficiencies" in a market where hordes of customers snap up services as individuals, but actually use services tied to "employer-related contractual discounts." Hesse's exact words? "As the wireless market has evolved, the lines between consumers and businesses have blurred." Evidently, they've blurred enough to oust four unnamed bigwigs, too.

Sprint merging consumer and business sales / marketing units, giving four execs the boot originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 Jan 2012 15:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4gadvertiseadvertisingbusinesscdmaclearwireconsumerdan hesseDanHesseindustryltemarketingmobilepostcrosspromotionalsprintwimaxFri, 06 Jan 2012 15:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Sprint LTE phones to arrive 'in the second half' of 2012]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/06/sprint-lte-phones-to-arrive-in-the-second-half-of-2012/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/06/sprint-lte-phones-to-arrive-in-the-second-half-of-2012/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/06/sprint-lte-phones-to-arrive-in-the-second-half-of-2012/#comments Sprint CFO Joe Euteneuer has spilled the 4G beans on the carrier's plans to introduce LTE devices, narrowing it down to the third quarter or the beginning of the fourth quarter next year. Compared to what we've already heard, Sprint looks to be stepping up its game: "We're talking about covering 120 million [people] by the end of 2012 -- we've accelerated this because we believe LTE is really key to our future." The Now Network will offer up "a number of different models" on the next generation network, and hopes to reach 250 million potential customers by the end of 2013.

The company also added that it will be paying $350million to ClearWire spread over two years, "if they meet targets in delivering LTE to sites where traffic is heaviest." But what does the future hold for those less fortunate WiMAX users? Stay calm: the Sprint CFO reiterated that the other 4G network will continue to be supported until 2015.

Sprint LTE phones to arrive 'in the second half' of 2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Dec 2011 06:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4g4g lte4gLteclearwireJoe EuteneuerJoeEuteneuerltelte advancedlte-advancedLteAdvancedmobilepostcrossnetworknow networkNowNetworksprintwimaxTue, 06 Dec 2011 06:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Sprint gives Clearwire $1.6 billion golden parachute, lovers of WiMAX rejoice]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/01/sprint-gives-clearwire-1-6-billion-golden-parachute-lovers-of/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/01/sprint-gives-clearwire-1-6-billion-golden-parachute-lovers-of/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/01/sprint-gives-clearwire-1-6-billion-golden-parachute-lovers-of/#comments LTE may be Sprint's future network of choice, but WiMAX will be with us for a while longer. Clearwire provides the Now Network's waves of WiMAX, but it's had recent financial troubles that it claimed could prevent it from making a required $237 million interest payment due today. However, Sprint has come to Clearwire's rescue by agreeing to pay $926 million to keep the WiMAX network running through 2015. It also pledged to kick in $350 million to help fund the firm's shift to LTE, plus another $347 million in equity funding if Clearwire can raise more than $400 million on its own. Why buy the cow, when you can get the milk for free $1.6 billion, right Mr. Hesse?

Sprint gives Clearwire $1.6 billion golden parachute, lovers of WiMAX rejoice originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 01 Dec 2011 14:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clearwireltemobilepostminisprintwimaxThu, 01 Dec 2011 14:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Sprint's LTE getting Advanced in 2013, WiMAX's inferiority complex intensifies]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/25/sprints-lte-getting-advanced-in-2013-wimaxs-inferiority-compl/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/25/sprints-lte-getting-advanced-in-2013-wimaxs-inferiority-compl/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/25/sprints-lte-getting-advanced-in-2013-wimaxs-inferiority-compl/#commentsSprint just started building out its LTE network, but being the eager beavers that they are, the folks in Overland Park are already talking about taking the Now Network to the next level. Iyad Tarazi, Sprint's VP of network development and engineering, said that Sprint will be rolling out an LTE-Advanced network in the first half of 2013. (As a brief refresher, LTE-Advanced is a true 4G technology that can make regular LTE speeds look positively pedestrian in comparison.) Tarazi added that we would see 12 LTE devices in 2012 and that over 250 million people will have access to Sprint-flavored LTE by the end of 2013 -- with voice over LTE service coming in the first quarter of that year. For those (hundreds?) of you worried about the fate of of WiMAX, well, don't. Apparently, the out-of-favor 4G network will continue to be supported for several more years due to Sprint's agreement with Clearwire. So, it appears Sprint's really making a run at Verizon's LTE hegemony. Good luck Mr. Hesse, you're probably going to need it.

Sprint's LTE getting Advanced in 2013, WiMAX's inferiority complex intensifies originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 25 Oct 2011 23:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4g4g lte4gLteclearwiredan hesseDanHesseiyad taraziIyadTaraziltelte advancedlte-advancedLteAdvancedmobilepostcrossnetworknow networkNowNetworksprinttaraziwimaxTue, 25 Oct 2011 23:09:00 EST<![CDATA[The cost of switching to LTE: Sprint to spend $10 billion over the next two years]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/07/the-cost-of-switching-to-lte-sprint-to-spend-10-billion-over-t/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/07/the-cost-of-switching-to-lte-sprint-to-spend-10-billion-over-t/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/07/the-cost-of-switching-to-lte-sprint-to-spend-10-billion-over-t/#comments
Wonder just how much it costs to phase out iDEN and WiMAX networks and put all your eggs in one, CDMA / LTE-flavored basket? Well, Joe Euteneuer, Sprint's CFO, just offered up a frank answer here at its "Strategy Update" event: $10 billion over the next two years. That's a heckuva lot more than the $4 billion to $5 billion Wall Street was expecting, but Euteneuer assured all the suited-up financial analysts in the room that the company should save $10 billion to $11 billion through 2017 (a figure widely reported before today), with $4 billion of that resulting from not having to maintain the 'ol ball and chain iDEN network anymore. Now it's true, we're a minority in this meeting of industry analysts, but you don't need to be a banker to understand that's one telling figure: clearly, the company's betting its future not just on the (CDMA!) iPhone, but LTE's brand of 4G.

The cost of switching to LTE: Sprint to spend $10 billion over the next two years originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 07 Oct 2011 12:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4GClearwireDan HesseDanHesseiDENJoe EuteneuerJoeEuteneuerLTEmobilepostcrossnetworknetworksnextelOctober eventOctoberEventphase outPhaseOutspectrumSprintSprint Strategy UpdateSprintStrategyUpdatewimaxFri, 07 Oct 2011 12:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Sprint converts its network to LTE, plans 'aggressive rollout' to be completed by 2013]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/07/sprint-converts-its-cdma-network-to-lte/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/07/sprint-converts-its-cdma-network-to-lte/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/07/sprint-converts-its-cdma-network-to-lte/#comments We knew more or less that an announcement of this sort was coming. Back in July, Dan Hesse had teased us face-to-face with the promise of a "great story this fall around 4G," and now the time to tell that tale has arrived. At its strategy event today, Sprint finally went public with plans to "simplify its network" by converting its 1900MHz holdings and LightSquared's 1600MHz spectrum ("pending FCC approval") to LTE, an industry favorite. Helping the operator make that transition is the swath of 800MHz spectrum it reclaimed from the, now defunct, iDEN push-to-talk network -- which had been a drain on the company's resources. This spectrum, acquired from Nextel, will be phased out by mid-2013 and rolled into LTE. The company plans for a rapid deployment of this new 4G network, with the first LTE markets and handsets to hit in mid-2012, and the full rollout mostly completed by 2013. Current subscribers signed up for WiMAX plans won't have to worry as their devices will continue to be supported throughout 2012.

Beginning tomorrow, Sprint's consolidating its 4G LTE (including LightSquared), 3G and Direct Connect networks into one single architecture. All the major technical milestones, such as test calls and field integration, have cleared their hurdles and work on over 22,000 cell sites are currently in process. Samsung, Alcatel Lucent and Ericsson have partnered with Sprint to install multimode 3G and 4G base stations to handle the network's future traffic, essential for deploying the multitude of frequencies required by hosted devices. Prospective iPhone 4S users on the network will be able to take advantage of better signal strength and improved voice service as Sprint intends to also offload the latter onto 800MHz.

Expect a steep "reduction in roaming costs" and deeper signal penetration throughout the operator's expanding national footprint over the course of the next two years. Naturally, LTE speeds on this new network will be significantly improved over the currently in-use WiMAX, and a planned implementation of WiFi offloading should help to cut congestion by 20 percent. By the end of next year, Sprint aims to have a combined WiMAX/LTE population coverage of 176 million -- with 123 million covered by LTE and 76 million overlapping both. When the network build-out is nearly complete in 2013, the company should have over 250 million blanketed in LTE, far outstripping the stagnant 120 million served by WiMAX.

Sprint converts its network to LTE, plans 'aggressive rollout' to be completed by 2013 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 07 Oct 2011 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4Gbreaking newsClearwireDan HesseDanHesseFD-LTEFrequenciesiDENLightSquaredLTEmobilepostcrossnetworkNextelOctober eventOctoberEventspectrumSprintSprint Strategy UpdateSprintStrategyUpdateTD-LTEWiMAXFri, 07 Oct 2011 09:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Sprint's LTE build out already underway, new 4G network to launch first half 2012?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/27/sprints-lte-build-out-already-underway-new-4g-network-to-launc/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/27/sprints-lte-build-out-already-underway-new-4g-network-to-launc/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/27/sprints-lte-build-out-already-underway-new-4g-network-to-launc/#comments

At this point, it's pretty much an open secret that Sprint needs to hitch its ride to LTE to stay in the wireless game. CNET caught wind of the operator's intended 4G plans ahead of its scheduled October strategy announcement -- an event at which many in the industry expect Sprint to lay out its LTE cards. According to the report, the Hesse-led network's been hard at work installing the necessary infrastructure to convert to its towers to FD-LTE, which is the same flavor of LTE as Verizon and future partner LightSquared. Using the iDEN spectrum it acquired from its Nextel purchase, Sprint reportedly plans to set up 4G shop on those radio waves, and make use of current WiMAX provider Clearwire's proposed switch to TD-LTE by incorporating chipsets in future phones that accommodate both frequencies. The network changeover, rumored to cost Sprint somewhere in the range of $4 - $5 billion, should get carried out over the next five years, laying the groundwork for a true three-way 4G race.

Sprint's LTE build out already underway, new 4G network to launch first half 2012? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 Sep 2011 11:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4GClearwireFD-LTEFrequenciesiDENLightSquaredLTEmobilepostcrossnetworkNextelOctober eventOctoberEventspectrumSprintTD-LTEverizon wirelessVerizonWirelessWiMAXTue, 27 Sep 2011 11:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Dish CEO muses about partnerships and acquisitions, possibly Sprint or Clearwire]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/26/dish-ceo-muses-about-partnerships-and-acquisitions-possibly-spr/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/26/dish-ceo-muses-about-partnerships-and-acquisitions-possibly-spr/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/26/dish-ceo-muses-about-partnerships-and-acquisitions-possibly-spr/#commentsWe've already heard that Dish Network was in the mix for a possible Hulu acquisition (which still isn't off the table), but it looks like the company could also setting its sights even higher. Speaking with Bloomberg, Dish CEO Joseph Clayton talked a bit about the possibility of getting involved with a wireless carrier, noting that it will "look at partnerships, acquisitions, all of the above." When asked if that could include an acquisition or partnership with Sprint or Clearwire, Clayton reportedly said, "could be," and added a "stay tuned" when asked more generally about the possibility of a Dish wireless network (which could benefit from some of the company's existing spectrum holdings). Head on past the break for a video of the interview.

Continue reading Dish CEO muses about partnerships and acquisitions, possibly Sprint or Clearwire

Dish CEO muses about partnerships and acquisitions, possibly Sprint or Clearwire originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 26 Sep 2011 11:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acquisitionclearwiredishdish networkDishNetworkhdpostcrossjoe claytonJoeClaytonjoseph claytonJosephClaytonmobilepostcrosssprintMon, 26 Sep 2011 11:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Cellular South renamed C Spire Wireless, becomes Puff Daddy of regional carriers]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/22/cellular-south-renamed-c-spire-wireless-becomes-puff-daddy-of-r/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/22/cellular-south-renamed-c-spire-wireless-becomes-puff-daddy-of-r/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/22/cellular-south-renamed-c-spire-wireless-becomes-puff-daddy-of-r/#comments We were expecting something big to come out of Cellular South this coming Monday, but we definitely didn't anticipate the company going all Diddy Dirty Money on us. Letting the cat out of the bag a few days early, the regional carrier is re-branding itself as C Spire. The name is apparently inspired by the company's dedication to customized wireless services, and will become official Monday with a new website: cspire.com. The new service includes an app recommendation program, known as Scout, a rewards program called Percs, "social media integration," and customer service initiatives known as Pulse and Circle. This new name also ushers "personalized plans" with "infinite data," which C Spire's CEO, Hu Meena, points out is actually unlimited, with no nights-and-weekends-style restrictions -- except when it comes to streaming data (which will carry its own unique charges). He went on to say that the new services will come at no charge to existing Cellular South C Spire customers. And the whole shebang looks like it's going to be an opt-in affair.

Cellular South renamed C Spire Wireless, becomes Puff Daddy of regional carriers originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 22 Sep 2011 17:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3g4gbreaking newsc-spirecarriercdmacellular southCellularSouthclearwirecomcastcspire wirelessCspireWirelessfccgsmhspahspa plusHspaPlusltemobilepostcrossMVNOnetworkoperatorPersonalized WirelessPersonalizedWirelessprepaidspectrumteaseteaservideowirelessThu, 22 Sep 2011 17:37:00 EST<![CDATA['Personalized Wireless' launching September 26th (update: it's Cellular South, and it'll be regional)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/20/personalized-wireless-launching-september-26th-bringing-mysteri/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/20/personalized-wireless-launching-september-26th-bringing-mysteri/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/20/personalized-wireless-launching-september-26th-bringing-mysteri/#comments Does America need another wireless operator? Is the MVNO boneyard really due for another? Are you eager for a carrier that adapts to your needs, and magically delivers "stuff" that matters to you? Have you watched Napoleon Dynamite with your closest friends within the past week? We can't promise that "Personalized Wireless" (or whatever it ends up being called) is destined to answer all of those inquiries, but it'll at least strive to formulate a logical response to one of 'em. A newly-aired teaser clip promises a network of a different color here in the States, and the company's product page (captured above) leads to believe that all will be revealed come September 26th. We're surmising that this has something to do with either Comcast or Clearwire given the token "C" logo at the end, but we'd be happy hear other opinions of the origin down in comments below. Vid's after the break, vaquero.

Update: We have it on good authority that the launch here relates to Cellular South's recent buyout of a number of southern cellular shops, with this being the merger of those. There aren't any details yet on what it'll mean for prospective customers in that region, but it seems -- at least for now -- that this won't be a national rollout.

Continue reading 'Personalized Wireless' launching September 26th (update: it's Cellular South, and it'll be regional)

'Personalized Wireless' launching September 26th (update: it's Cellular South, and it'll be regional) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Sep 2011 11:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3g4gcarriercdmaclearwirecomcastfccgsmhspahspa plusHspaPlusltemobilepostcrossMVNOnetworkoperatorPersonalized WirelessPersonalizedWirelessprepaidspectrumteaseteaservideowirelessTue, 20 Sep 2011 11:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Clearwire announces deal with China Mobile to accelerate TD-LTE deployment]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/16/clearwire-announces-deal-with-china-mobile-to-accelerate-td-lte/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/16/clearwire-announces-deal-with-china-mobile-to-accelerate-td-lte/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/16/clearwire-announces-deal-with-china-mobile-to-accelerate-td-lte/#comments The world's largest mobile operator and the heretofore scrappy WiMAX provider have linked arms to accelerate the rollout and adoption of time-division LTE (TD-LTE) across China. While there's little chatter about an infrastructure build-up itself, China Mobile and Clearwire have established an agreement "to cultivate a robust device ecosystem that supports multi-mode, multi-band devices with minimum component complexity and cost," with particular emphasis on the common 2.5GHz spectrum. More specifically, the collaboration will work to build up a high volume of TD-LTE chipsets and devices for commercial availability in 2012. If Sprint were to purchase (or make a significant investment in) Clearwire, this deal could be especially important, but for the time being, the company is finding some independence from the uncomfortable love triangle that's brewing between itself, Sprint and LightSquared. While there's no telling what sort announcement will come on October 7th, it's nice to see Clearwire secure an international lover that's willing to commit to a shared LTE vision. You'll find the full PR after the break.

Continue reading Clearwire announces deal with China Mobile to accelerate TD-LTE deployment

Clearwire announces deal with China Mobile to accelerate TD-LTE deployment originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 16 Sep 2011 19:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2.5GHz4gagreementchinachina mobileChinaMobileclearwiredeploymentlightsquaredltemobilepostminipartnershipsprinttd-lteFri, 16 Sep 2011 19:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Sprint Strategy Update coming on October 7th, significant 4G plans likely to be unveiled]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/29/sprint-strategy-update-coming-on-october-7th-significant-4g-plan/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/29/sprint-strategy-update-coming-on-october-7th-significant-4g-plan/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/29/sprint-strategy-update-coming-on-october-7th-significant-4g-plan/#comments Sprint's Dan Hesse told us point-blank back in July that he was penning a "great story around 4G" for this fall, and it looks as if October 7th will be the date that it "all becomes clear." We just received an invitation to quite the atypical event -- a "strategy update" for the press to cover in New York City. All we're told is that presentations by senior management will be on tap, with a sure-to-be-lively Q&A session to follow. 'Course, this may all be a ploy to waste our precious time on a precious Friday in autumn, but something tells us Sprint ain't exactly in a position to be blowing cash on a Hot Air session. So, what's on deck? Let's count the possibilities: more details on its side regarding the iPhone 5? A full-on acquisition of Clearwire (plus a shift to LTE-Advanced)? More details on that elusive LightSquared arrangement? A merger with AT&T&T to create the largest telecommunications provider this side of Pluto? We'll be there to find out, but for now, hypotheses are being accepted in comments below.

Sprint Strategy Update coming on October 7th, significant 4G plans likely to be unveiled originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 29 Aug 2011 23:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4gbreaking newsbusinesscarrierclearwireeventlightsquaredltemobilepostcrossoperatorpartnershipSprintSprint Strategy UpdateSprintStrategyUpdateStrategy UpdateStrategyUpdatewimaxMon, 29 Aug 2011 23:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Sprint in alleged talks to acquire Clearwire, cablers huddle 'round for some LTE pie]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/19/sprint-in-alleged-talks-to-acquire-clearwire-cablers-huddle-ro/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/19/sprint-in-alleged-talks-to-acquire-clearwire-cablers-huddle-ro/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/19/sprint-in-alleged-talks-to-acquire-clearwire-cablers-huddle-ro/#comments 'Tis the season for patent disputes and wireless industry takeovers, or so a recent glut of moves would indicate. Shedding a little light on Clearwire's recently announced allegiance to LTE, Bloomberg is reporting that the company's currently in talks to sell its business to Sprint, and perhaps secure the funding it so desperately needs for a network build out. According to several insider sources, the third place wireless carrier's considering a joint investment (amongst other options) with Comcast, Cablevision and Cox, that would give the cablers a bundled high-speed, wireless broadband competitive advantage, and Sprint an LTE boost in its battle against AT&T and Verizon's rival 4G networks. None of the players in this rumored takeover have yet to comment on the purported transaction, although the business gossip has had quite an uplifting effect on Clearwire's shares. While we can't speculate as to the veracity of the claim, we know one thing for sure -- that LTE network's not gonna build itself.

Sprint in alleged talks to acquire Clearwire, cablers huddle 'round for some LTE pie originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 19 Aug 2011 14:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4gacquisitionATTcable operatorsCableOperatorsCablevisioncarriercdmaclearclearwireComcastcommunicationcommunicationsCoxcox communicationsCoxCommunicationsindustryinfrastructureltelte advancedLTE-AdvancedLteAdvancednetworkoperatorrumorsprinttakeoverVerizonverizon wirelessVerizonWirelesswimaxFri, 19 Aug 2011 14:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Clearwire: Erik Prusch to take over as CEO]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/10/clearwire-erik-prusch-to-take-over-as-ceo/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/10/clearwire-erik-prusch-to-take-over-as-ceo/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/10/clearwire-erik-prusch-to-take-over-as-ceo/#commentsPrecisely five months since the last time Clearwire had a permanent CEO in place, a new boss has been selected to take the place of Bill Morrow. Being promoted to the position is Erik Prusch, the company's Chief Operating Officer, who will be faced with a monstrous challenge: secure roughly $600 million in capital to fund Clearwire's buildout of LTE. If none can be found, the company will be completely out of cash by the end of 2012. Fortunately, he's got some talent to help him in the arduous quest; backing Prusch as the Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors will be John Stanton, who's served as the interim CEO since Morrow's departure. Given the situation, it's a difficult position to be placed in -- either he'll be the hero that saves the company, or the villain responsible for taking it down. Check out the full press release after the break.

Continue reading Clearwire: Erik Prusch to take over as CEO

Clearwire: Erik Prusch to take over as CEO originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 10 Aug 2011 16:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4gbill morrowBillMorrowbuildoutceoclearwireclearwire ceoClearwireCeoerik pruschErikPruschjohn stantonJohnStantonltenetworksprinttransitionwimaxWed, 10 Aug 2011 16:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Clearwire adding 120Mbps 'LTE Advanced-ready' technology to its holdings, restates commitment to WiMAX]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/03/clearwire-adding-lte-advanced-ready-technology-to-its-holdings/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/03/clearwire-adding-lte-advanced-ready-technology-to-its-holdings/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/03/clearwire-adding-lte-advanced-ready-technology-to-its-holdings/#comments Is it really fall? We can't say for certain that this is what Dan Hesse was referring to when he told us face-to-face that something spectacular would be coming our way a bit later in the year, but Clearwire definitely just announced its intent to add "LTE Advanced-ready" technology to its 4G network. In what'll likely go down as the most shocking mobile news this side of the proposed T-Mobile / AT&T merger, America's biggest WiMAX fan has finally caved to the realities of the next-gen wireless war: LTE's winning, and it's picking up all sorts of steam. Verizon Wireless has been building out LTE at a breakneck pace, and soon enough, Ma Bell (and presumably, T-Mob) will be following suit. According to the bizarrely worded release, Clearwire will be leveraging "deep spectrum resources and an all-IP network to meet long-term mobile broadband demands." Translation? An "unmatched LTE network" capable of serving current and future wholesale / retail customers.

We're told that the initial LTE rollout will target "high-demand areas of current 4G markets," taking advantage of existing 4G infrastructure in order to reduce expenditures. For those curious about transmission rates, you can look forward to download speeds exceeding 120Mbps (or so it says). In a telling quote, Dr. John Saw, Clearwire's Chief Technology Officer, confesses:

"This is the future of mobile broadband. Our extensive trial has clearly shown that our 'LTE Advanced-ready' network design, which leverages our deep spectrum with wide channels, can achieve far greater speeds and capacity than any other network that exists today. Clearwire is the only carrier with the unencumbered spectrum portfolio required to achieve this level of speed and capacity in the United States. In addition, the 2.5GHz spectrum band in which we operate is widely allocated worldwide for 4G deployments, enabling a potentially robust, cost effective and global ecosystem that could serve billions of devices. And, since we currently support millions of customers in the 2.5 GHz band, we know that our LTE network won't present harmful interference issues with GPS or other sensitive spectrum bands."

No doubt, that closer there is a direct shot at the dilemmas faced by LightSquared -- a company that Sprint curiously just inked a partnership deal with. It's hard to envision how this unholy love triangle's going to play out, but the company's making it quite clear that its LTE network will be "LTE-Advanced-ready," enabling it to have a leg-up on the laggards here in the States. The dirty little secret in all of this is that Clearwire's still waiting on "additional funding" to fully implement its LTE desires, which involve the use of multicarrier, or multichannel, wideband radios that will be carrier aggregation capable. As you'd likely expect, the company closed with a restatement of its support to the existing WiMAX network, but it's practically a guarantee that you've seen the last expansion effort on that one. In case you've been looking the other way, Clearwire hasn't produced plans for a new WiMAX market in all of 2011. Now you know why.

Continue reading Clearwire adding 120Mbps 'LTE Advanced-ready' technology to its holdings, restates commitment to WiMAX

Clearwire adding 120Mbps 'LTE Advanced-ready' technology to its holdings, restates commitment to WiMAX originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 03 Aug 2011 16:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4gbreaking newscarriercdmaclearclearwirecommunicationcommunicationsgame changerGameChangerindustryinfrastructureltelte advancedLTE-AdvancedLteAdvancednetworkoperatorsprintwimaxWed, 03 Aug 2011 16:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Sprint and LightSquared confirm agreement, 15 years worth of LTE network sharing and more]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/28/sprint-and-lightsquared-confirm-agreement-15-years-worth-of-lte/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/28/sprint-and-lightsquared-confirm-agreement-15-years-worth-of-lte/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/28/sprint-and-lightsquared-confirm-agreement-15-years-worth-of-lte/#comments The rumors were true, but given the long, torrid affair between these two it shouldn't be a surprise. Sprint and LightSquared have confirmed their intentions to the world, stepping into a whopping 15 year agreement that will be worth $9 billion in cash for Sprint and will save LightSquared an estimated $13 billion. LightSquared will have the right to sell access to Sprint's burgeoning LTE network, while Sprint can also piggy-back on the other's existing capacity where needed. Additionally, LightSquared will be able to roam on Sprint's current 3G network, opening new doors for one while helping the other accelerate its apparent transition to LTE. This is of course good news for Sprint and naturally for LightSquared, which is trying desperately to put the whole GPS fiasco behind it. The loser? Clearwire, we'd say -- and WiMAX in general.

Continue reading Sprint and LightSquared confirm agreement, 15 years worth of LTE network sharing and more

Sprint and LightSquared confirm agreement, 15 years worth of LTE network sharing and more originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 28 Jul 2011 07:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agreementbreaking newsclearwirelightsquaredlightsquared wholesaleLightsquaredWholesaleltepartnershipsprintwimaxThu, 28 Jul 2011 07:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Clearwire announces $99 Clear Spot 4G Apollo hotspot]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/25/clearwire-announces-99-clear-spot-4g-apollo-hotspot/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/25/clearwire-announces-99-clear-spot-4g-apollo-hotspot/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/25/clearwire-announces-99-clear-spot-4g-apollo-hotspot/#comments
We just spotted it at the FCC earlier this month, and Clear customers will now soon be able to get their hands on the company's new Clear Spot 4G Apollo mobile hotspot. Clearwire announced today that the device will be available for $99 (or leased for $6 a month) in "late July," which should mean any day now unless our calendars are off. Built by Gemtek, the hotspot allows for up to eight simultaneous connections, and promises up to six hours of continuous use from its built-in rechargeable battery -- plans to go along with it start $35 a month, with unlimited mobile data running you $45/month (with no long-term contract, of course). Press release is after the break.

Continue reading Clearwire announces $99 Clear Spot 4G Apollo hotspot

Clearwire announces $99 Clear Spot 4G Apollo hotspot originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 25 Jul 2011 20:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4gapolloclearclear spotclear spot 4gclear spot 4g apolloClearSpotClearSpot4gClearSpot4gApolloclearwirehotspotwimaxMon, 25 Jul 2011 20:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Sprint's Dan Hesse: significant 4G plans to be announced this fall]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/19/sprints-dan-hesse-significant-4g-plans-to-be-announced-this-fa/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/19/sprints-dan-hesse-significant-4g-plans-to-be-announced-this-fa/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/19/sprints-dan-hesse-significant-4g-plans-to-be-announced-this-fa/#comments We're here at Sprint's monolithic campus in Overland Park, and part of our day was spent speaking directly with CEO Dan Hesse. Amongst other things, the bigwig confessed that it had been awhile since his company (or Clearwire) had launched a 4G market. While Verizon Wireless has been pushing out LTE to new cities on what feels like a fortnightly basis, there's been nary a WiMAX deployment in the US during 2011. But that, friends, is gearing up to change. According to Hesse: "We're going to come out with a great story this fall around 4G, and it'll all become clear." He seemed curiously excited about whatever's around the bend, and Sprint's VP of Product Development, Fared Adib, seemed similarly giddy about the impending unveiling. Neither of 'em would crack on what markets would be addressed or what tactics would be used to match rivals in terms of 4G reach, but whatever the case, we're guessing Sprint users will be a lot happier with their service once they get through the summertime blues.

Oh, and it's worth mentioning that Sprint's "not exclusive to WiMAX, nor the Clearwire relationship." Not a soul on the campus would talk details surrounding that rumored LightSquared investment, but judging by the smiles, it's at least on the table.

Sprint's Dan Hesse: significant 4G plans to be announced this fall originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 19 Jul 2011 16:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4gcarriercdmaclearwiredan hesseDanHesselightsquaredltenexteloperatorroadmapsprintwimaxTue, 19 Jul 2011 16:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Clearwire boosts NYC WiMAX coverage by 21 percent, 91,363 people rejoice uncontrollably]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/13/clearwire-boosts-nyc-wimax-coverage-by-21-percent-91-363-people/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/13/clearwire-boosts-nyc-wimax-coverage-by-21-percent-91-363-people/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/13/clearwire-boosts-nyc-wimax-coverage-by-21-percent-91-363-people/#commentsConsider yourself a New Yorker? If so, you could find yourself underneath Sprint / TWC / Clearwire's 4G umbrella, as the trio has announced a 21 percent coverage expansion in the greater New York City area. Folks in Alpine, Bayonne, Elizabeth, Fair Lawn, Newark, Paramus, Secaucus, Union, NJ; and Hartsdale, New Rochelle, New York, Rockville Centre, Yonkers, NY will now be covered in the regional Clear network, and as of last count, that amounts to an extra 91,363 people. 'Course, a few newcomers will be born every minute, so maybe we've breached 91,369 by now. Or maybe more. Talk about confusing.

Continue reading Clearwire boosts NYC WiMAX coverage by 21 percent, 91,363 people rejoice uncontrollably

Clearwire boosts NYC WiMAX coverage by 21 percent, 91,363 people rejoice uncontrollably originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 13 Jul 2011 01:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4gbroadbandclearclearwireexpansioninternetmobile broadbandmobile internetMobileBroadbandMobileInternetnew yorknew york cityNewYorkNewYorkCitynynycsprinttime warnertime warner cableTimeWarnerTimeWarnerCabletwcwimaxwirelessWed, 13 Jul 2011 01:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Clear Spot 4G sails through the FCC, heading to WiMAX territories soon]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/11/clear-spot-4g-sails-through-the-fcc-heading-to-wimax-territorie/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/11/clear-spot-4g-sails-through-the-fcc-heading-to-wimax-territorie/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/11/clear-spot-4g-sails-through-the-fcc-heading-to-wimax-territorie/#comments Remember that Clear Spot 4G that was unveiled a fortnight or so ago? Hello, again! The so-called WIXFMM-122 has just made its way into the FCC's blossoming database, boasting 4G-only hotspot functionality (here we're talking WiMAX, not LTE), a minuscule display for showcasing signal strength and battery life, and support for up to eight simultaneous connections. Per usual, there's no information regarding a solid price or release, but given the inability to switch over to a 3G network if necessary, we're guessing it'll go for a song.

Clear Spot 4G sails through the FCC, heading to WiMAX territories soon originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 11 Jul 2011 06:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4gclearclear spotclear spot 4gClearSpotClearSpot4gclearwirefcchotspotmobile hotspotMobileHotspotsprintwimaxWIXFMM-122Mon, 11 Jul 2011 06:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Ericsson to manage Clearwire's 4G network as part of cost-cutting deal]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/19/ericsson-to-manage-clearwires-4g-network-as-part-of-cost-cuttin/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/19/ericsson-to-manage-clearwires-4g-network-as-part-of-cost-cuttin/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/19/ericsson-to-manage-clearwires-4g-network-as-part-of-cost-cuttin/#comments Now that Clearwire definitely isn't producing its own smartphone, the company has apparently decided to focus its efforts on maintaining its WiMAX network -- with the help of Ericsson. Yesterday, the 4G operator announced that it had struck a seven-year deal with the Swedish telecom firm, just a few months after fighting a brief trademark lawsuit filed by Sony Ericsson. Under the arrangement, Ericsson will assume all network engineering, operations, and maintenance responsibilities, allowing Clearwire to concentrate on cutting costs and increasing efficiency. Clearwire will retain ownership over its technology and will still handle all customer relations, but about 700 of its employees will be transferred to Ericsson. The Kirkland-based company says its decision was at least partially influenced by new best friend Sprint, which forged a similar partnership with Ericsson back in 2009. Financial details on the new deal remain fuzzy, though Clearwire says it expects to see a major reduction in operating costs -- which sounds like the right prescription. Full presser after the break.

Continue reading Ericsson to manage Clearwire's 4G network as part of cost-cutting deal

Ericsson to manage Clearwire's 4G network as part of cost-cutting deal originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 19 May 2011 09:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4gbusinessclearwirecostdealefficiencyericssonindustrymanagementmoneynetworkoperationpartnershipsmartphonesony ericssonSonyEricssonsprintwimaxWiMAX 4GWimax4gThu, 19 May 2011 09:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Clearwire ditches plans to produce phones, satisfied Sony Ericsson drops logo lawsuit]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/14/clearwire-ditches-plans-to-produce-phones-satisfied-sony-ericss/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/14/clearwire-ditches-plans-to-produce-phones-satisfied-sony-ericss/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/14/clearwire-ditches-plans-to-produce-phones-satisfied-sony-ericss/#comments We thought Clearwire might have had a chance at legal victory against Sony Ericsson, but the wireless carrier has apparently dropped out of the ring. Clearwire told a federal court it no longer plans to produce a smartphone -- which basically nullified Sony Ericsson's worry that upcoming Clearwire handsets would oh-so-similar swirling orb logo. As a result, Sony Ericsson's reporting today that it's dropped the trademark infringement lawsuit, which sounds good for all involved, except it leaves Clearwire not producing much of anything now.

Clearwire ditches plans to produce phones, satisfied Sony Ericsson drops logo lawsuit originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 14 May 2011 18:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clearClearwirelawlawsuitlegallogoSEsettlementSony EricssonSonyEricssontrademarktrademark infringementTrademarkInfringementWiMAXSat, 14 May 2011 18:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Clearwire posts Q1 loss amid record subscribers, decides not to sell spectrum after all]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/05/clearwire-posts-q1-loss-amid-record-subscribers-decides-not-to/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/05/clearwire-posts-q1-loss-amid-record-subscribers-decides-not-to/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/05/clearwire-posts-q1-loss-amid-record-subscribers-decides-not-to/#comments You know you're having a wacky quarter when it involves a resigning CEO, lawsuits, and rumors that one of your wholesale partners is courting your potential replacement. But can you still come out on top? Clearwire answered this question during yesterday's Q1 2011 earnings report to investors, and the answer is just as intriguing as the quarter itself. Though it posted a substantial revenue of $242 million, the company was also inflicted with a net loss of $227 million. Don't worry, it gets crazier -- Clearwire experienced record subscriber growth, seeing an increase of 533 percent year-over-year from Q1 2010. Sounds like a contradiction, right? A few factors led to the loss, such as higher costs from network expansion and writing off the "abandonment of projects that no longer fit within management's strategic network plans." A loss is a loss, but at least the future looks brighter; Clearwire predicts it will end the year with nearly a million more subs than originally forecasted (9.5 million, up from 8.8). Saving the best news for last, CEO John Stanton announced his company is no longer feeling the pressure to sell off some of its spectrum, primarily due to its recent $1 billion deal with Sprint. The deal will add enough cash flow to sustain network operations for the next year, so Clearwire just needs to make sure it uses some of the extra cash to buy us all something pretty. The full press release can be found after the break.

Continue reading Clearwire posts Q1 loss amid record subscribers, decides not to sell spectrum after all

Clearwire posts Q1 loss amid record subscribers, decides not to sell spectrum after all originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 May 2011 07:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4Gclearclearwirecoveragefinancialfinancial resultsFinancialResultsnumbersquarterly earningsQuarterlyEarningsresultswimaxThu, 05 May 2011 07:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Clearwire ditches Rover pre-paid WiMAX service]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/04/clearwire-ditches-rover-pre-paid-wimax-service/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/04/clearwire-ditches-rover-pre-paid-wimax-service/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/04/clearwire-ditches-rover-pre-paid-wimax-service/#comments
It's been less than a year since it went live, but Clearwire has now officially dropped its Rover pre-paid WiMAX service, saying that it was simply a way to "test some new pay-as-you-go pricing options and was offered on a limited retail basis in a couple markets." As you may recall, the brand offered just two products -- the Rover Puck WiFi hotspot and a USB stick -- and it gave customers the ability to purchase 4G WiMAX service on a daily, weekly or monthly basis starting at just $5 a day. As a Clearwire spokesperson explains to FierceWireless, however, the company is not giving up on pre-paid options altogether, and says that it's own new no-contract plans "should meet the needs of most of the Rover customer base."

Clearwire ditches Rover pre-paid WiMAX service originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 May 2011 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4gclearclearwirepre-paidprepaidroverwimaxWed, 04 May 2011 17:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Sprint to pay at least $1 billion to use Clearwire's 4G network through 2012]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/19/sprint-to-pay-at-least-1-billion-to-use-clearwires-4g-network/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/19/sprint-to-pay-at-least-1-billion-to-use-clearwires-4g-network/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/19/sprint-to-pay-at-least-1-billion-to-use-clearwires-4g-network/#commentsAlthough it might not make a difference to consumers, the 4G network ripping through Sprint-branded devices such as the EVO 4G doesn't actually belong to the carrier. Rather, Sprint rents use of Clearwire's network, and the two have been duking it out for months over just how much that service is worth. That battle finally came to an end today when Sprint, which happens to be Clearwire's majority owner, agreed to pay at least $1.03 billion this year and next to run its WiMAX devices on the network. The two companies also agreed to mutual wholesale rights, meaning they can sell access to each other's 3G and 4G networks to other providers. And they reached a pricing agreement for phones that offer both 3G and 4G connectivity -- a bone of contention for Sprint, whose customers can't all take advantage of 4G speeds, depending on where they live. Then again, Clearwire needs those billions precisely so that it can expand its network. As for Sprint, it can now blow less cash on legal fees -- and instead gird itself for a potential three-horse race against Verizon and AT&T&T.

[Image courtesy of Mobiledia]

Continue reading Sprint to pay at least $1 billion to use Clearwire's 4G network through 2012

Sprint to pay at least $1 billion to use Clearwire's 4G network through 2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 19 Apr 2011 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4G4G network4G networks4gNetwork4gNetworkscarrierClearwiredisputedisputeslegalnetworknetworkssettlementSprintWiMaxTue, 19 Apr 2011 12:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Best Buy Connect takes the 4G leap, now stocking over 20 WiMAX products]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/30/best-buy-connect-takes-the-4g-leap-now-stocking-over-20-wimax-p/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/30/best-buy-connect-takes-the-4g-leap-now-stocking-over-20-wimax-p/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/30/best-buy-connect-takes-the-4g-leap-now-stocking-over-20-wimax-p/#comments Took 'em long enough! Nearly a full year has elapsed between the time that Best Buy announced that its 'Connect' program would support 4G and the time that it actually started stocked 4G gear. In fact, the company actually took the time to sign up for LightSquared's wholesale LTE service a full week prior to making good on its commitment to Clearwire, which may or may not say anything about the future viability of WiMAX. At any rate, those who'd prefer to sift through mounds of peripherals (and be hounded at the exit by employees attempting to hawk product protection plans) in order to buy their 4G service can now do just that. BB Connect stores in the US will offer unlimited 4G service for $45 per month with a month-to-month or two-year contract, and if you choose the latter, the $35 activation fee will be waived and a hardware subsidy ("up to $150") will be yours. So, you digging in, or feeling the tug of Long-Term Evolution?

Continue reading Best Buy Connect takes the 4G leap, now stocking over 20 WiMAX products

Best Buy Connect takes the 4G leap, now stocking over 20 WiMAX products originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 30 Mar 2011 16:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4gavailablebest buybest buy connectBestBuyBestBuyConnectclearclearwireMobile Broadbandmobile wwanMobileBroadbandMobileWwannow availableNowAvailableon saleOnSaleretailwimaxwwanWed, 30 Mar 2011 16:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Clearwire CEO Bill Morrow resigns]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/10/clearwire-ceo-bill-morrow-resigns/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/10/clearwire-ceo-bill-morrow-resigns/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/10/clearwire-ceo-bill-morrow-resigns/#commentsCiting "personal reasons," Clearwire boss Bill Morrow has rather suddenly stepped down from his positions both as CEO and executive board director. Replacing him on an interim basis will be John Stanton, current chairman of the board and former CEO of VoiceStream (a company you may know better as T-Mobile USA). Now, it's no secret that Clearwire has been under a bit of pain lately -- it's scaled back its ambitious growth plans and shelved its retail strategy, not to mention the fact that 4G partner Sprint has been seen carousing with both LightSquared and T-Mobile lately -- so it stands to reason that Morrow may have had a little help being shown the door. Follow the break for Clearwire's full press release.

Continue reading Clearwire CEO Bill Morrow resigns

Clearwire CEO Bill Morrow resigns originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 Mar 2011 16:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bill morrowBillMorrowbreaking newsclearclearwirewimaxThu, 10 Mar 2011 16:17:00 EST