Summary
1. Since the deal with Clearwire was completed, Sprint has issued two press releases that focus on the fourth generation of wireless technology. 2. Together, it uses the term, “4G”, over 60 times, while, “WiMAX”, is only mentioned three times. 3. Instead of “Xohm WiMAX,” its new brand name is apparently “Sprint 4G” now.
Analysis
The Sprint.com/4G site is extremely sparse for a company that in the past put out a lot of hype about WiMAX. In fact, there is no reference to WiMAX there. One almost gets the sense that the site is in transition. There will certainly be plenty of space to talk about LTE, which looks like the company’s ultimate destination.
The idea that Sprint would want to be an MVNO for Clearwire indefinitely would not be logical. Sprint will want to offer its own 4G service. If Clearwire goes with a less ambitious strategy, it will give Sprint another out. After all, Sprint wants to continue being a nationwide carrier.
