A WiMax deal gone bad - On Friday, Sprint Nextel and Clearwire mutually agreed to terminate the letter of intent (LOI) to provide a US nationwide high speed wireless WiMax network.  This announcement resulted in the company stock is declining  by approximately 20%. Clearwire is one of the few carriers in the US rolling out this network.

WiMax is a relatively new form of wireless communication that is capable of delivering high-speed Internet access over greater distances at relatively low cost. The technology allows consumers to access the Internet on cell phones, laptops and potentially other devices at high speeds. Sprint Nextel and Clearwire are the only two companies pursuing WiMax technology and controlling complementary swaths of radio spectrum in the U.S.

Without a large network carrier to drive consumer enthusiasm where will WiMax go?

Our Digicel has also invested in WiMax and successfully launched networks in Cayman and Jamaica, will this be short lived?

FCC REVISES 700 MHz RULES TO ADVANCE INTEROPERABLE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMUNICATIONS AND PROMOTE WIRELESS BROADBAND DEPLOYMENT

Washington, D.C., July 31 -– In a Second Report & Order (Order) adopted today, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) revised the 700 MHz band plan and service rules to promote the creation of a nationwide interoperable broadband network for public safety and to facilitate the availability of new and innovative wireless broadband services for consumers.

The 700 MHz Band spectrum, which runs from 698-806 MHz, currently is occupied by television broadcasters and will be made available for other wireless services, including public safety and commercial services, as a result of the digital television (DTV) transition. The Digital Television and Public Safety Act of 2005 (DTV Act) set a firm deadline of February 17, 2009, for the completion of the DTV transition. The DTV Act also requires the FCC to commence an auction of the previously unauctioned commercial spectrum in the 700 MHz Band no later than January 28, 2008.

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