WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal regulators are giving Sprint Nextel Corp. the green light to spin off and merge its new WiMax wireless broadband network with that of Clearwire Corp. In a 5-0 vote Tuesday, the Federal Communications Commission approved a plan to combine Sprint's Xohm network with Clearwire's WiMax-like network. Google Inc., Intel Corp. and a group of cable companies are investing billions into the $14.6 billion venture, which will carry Clearwire's name. The Justice Department has already indicated that it will allow the deal to proceed, but will continue to monitor it.
What will this mean for us consumers?
First and foremost, it means a big development push for WiMAX. The new Sprint/Clearwire will be investing $14.5 billion into WiMAX, which will hopefully pave the way for faster expansions and more covered areas - their goal is to reach 120-140 million subscribers by the end of 2010. Additionally, Google's interest in the company will make them Sprint's mobile search provider, giving Sprint users easier access to Google services like Google Maps and YouTube on their mobile devices, and Intel will be supplying networking gear and software.
This merger should mean great things for WiMAX's future. Expect to see extended coverage in more areas and a greater number of products sooner rather than later!
