Sprint and Intel yesterday announced a partnership to help develop WiMax broadband wireless equipment. The two companies will work together to test and refine equipment using the mobile version of WiMax, 802.16e, and determine if the technology is a viable option for Sprint. 802.16e is still awaiting standards approval by the IEEE. Chips based on that standard aren't expected to hit the market until late 2006 or early 2007. No financial details of the partnership were released. Many insiders interpret this deal as a sign that Sprint is seriously considering 802.16e as an option for wireless data services. Some speculate that Sprint may use the mobile version of WiMax to compliment its 3G network.
For more on the Sprint, Intel WiMax partnership:
- read this article from CNET