We have discussed Sprint & Clearwire's battles with iPCS, an Illinois-based Sprint affiliate, several times over the past year - iPCS was trying to block Sprint/Clearwire from deploying WiMAX in the markets they serve, citing exclusivity clauses - and it appears that Sprint has finally found a solution to their legal wranglings with the company by purchasing iPCS. The acquisition would make iPCS's lawsuit against Sprint moot, and Sprint and Clearwire would then be able to move ahead with launching WiMAX networks in those markets (iPCS currently offers service in portions of Illinois, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Iowa, Ohio and Tennessee).
Sally Wesorick, the city administrator of Grand Rapids, Michigan, who has worked more than two years to set up Clearwire's 4G mobile network, is hopeful that the acquisition will mean that Clearwire will finally be able to launch WiMAX in her community. "I've been in touch with Clearwire, but no timeline has been set," she said. "I believe they will wait until the deal is concluded." Clearwire spokeswoman Susan Johnston echoed that sentiment, saying "Given the uncertainties that surround such agreements prior to closing, it would be premature to speculate on how this well affect our plans for Grand Rapids."
Stay tuned for more details on the iPCS acquisition and hopefully subsequent WiMAX launch plans in the region, and discuss the issue on the 4G Forums.
