WiMAX made strides this week. Clearwire released its 2009 and 4Q results while Sprint showcased its latest 4G marketing plans. It also outlined the markets where Sprint will launch WiMAX services in 2010. Sprint highlighted how its 4G service can help municipalities and health care companies.
Greenpacket highlighted its plans to market and grow in 2010. Huawei also made a splash by announcing its plans for the WiMAX equipment market in Asia. San Marino, a very small country in Europe, will become the first to be completely covered by WiMAX. Craig Wireless will cover much of the populous areas of western Canada with WiMax after launching it in Vancouver and Vigo, Spain launched a network for use in public spaces. 7NetLayers began services in Iraq.
Novatel ran its successful test of its WiMAX hotspot, similar to Sprint’s Overdrive. It will enable up to four or five WiFi devices to connect to 4G. Moblic unveiled its gaming device at MWC with a WiMAX connection and WiMAX expert Cecil Taylor is looking for a WiMAX phone that has 3G connection as well.
It’s an interesting time and 2010 is set to be the year that Clearwire launches in the top remaining markets, including San Francisco, Houston, Washington, D.C. and New York. Sprint will continue to lead the WiMAX revolution, but Clear will be along side in brand recognition after 2010. New West Marketing’s Laz Aguayo highlighted the benefits and expansion of 4G and WiMAX deployments in the U.S.
Companies are interested to see the success of Clearwire in the U.S. before Verizon ramps up LTE later this year. Devices are key to converting users to WiMAX. If there’s a phone or mobile hotspot that users can carry around in their pockets, then expect fast adoption by the main stream.
Top Five Stories of the Week
1. Sprint Announces New Markets for 2010
2. Sprint Layouts Latest Advertising Campaign
4. Novatel Tests Its HotSpot Device
Stat of the Week: 120 million: Number of People Clearwire plans on covering by the end of 2010
Tweet of the Week: bnceo: @IARSprint Thank you for the info. Hope WiMAX comes to New York really soon!
Photo Courtesy of jwalsh via Flickr
