Lately seems that WiMAX has not been receiving as much positive publicity as its sister 4G network LTE. However, there is hope: a new partnership between Clearwire and Earthlink, two wireless high-speed internet service providerss, suggests that everyone who has been panicking over WiMAX not being signed on for the iPhone5 may have been ‘crying wolf’ way too early. WiMAX may not have landed the new iPhone, but it has been making headway in other new deals that may prove to be just as important to the company’s continuity.
Last Monday, September 10, Clearwire and Earthlink announced in an official Press Release that they have decided to collaborate together. Beginning in early 2013, Earthlink will begin using Clearwire’s 4G network WiMAX to provide their customers with wireless networks.
The wireless service will begin by focusing on in-home use and will later grow to include mobile devices and other new services for small business customers. Michael Toplisek, the executive Vice President of Product & Marketing for Earthlink, stated that “Customers are increasingly equation broadband services with wireless services and our wholesale agreement with Clearwire will allow Earthlink to offer the wireless products and services necessary to remain a leader in communications services”. Toplisek is definitely right about the increasing need for wireless networks, a field that is becoming more competitive by the day (demonstrated by the release of the iPhone5), but it seems like this partnership may just be the boost that both companies are in need of in this ever- evolving market.
More importantly, it just goes to show that WiMAX is far from over yet, and may have more tricks under its sleeve than most are giving it credit for. After all, this could be the start of a beautiful friendship.
