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Next-generation
networks and interactive multimedia services are envisioned
OVERLAND PARK, Kan., and SANTA CLARA, Calif. — 05/05/2005 Sprint (
NYSE: FON ) and Intel Corporation today announced an agreement to
engage in joint efforts to advance the development of IEEE
standards-based 802.16e WiMAX mobile technology, which can provide
high-capacity wireless broadband coverage and services throughout
metro areas and an enriched multimedia user experience.
The companies will collaborate on technical specifications, perform
equipment trials and conduct interoperability testing to examine
possible next-generation wide-area wireless broadband devices and
services. Ubiquitous wireless broadband access will help meet
blossoming demand among businesses and consumers for rapid wireless
Internet connectivity and integrated multimedia services.
"Our relationship with Intel will help validate requirements, drive
key ecosystem development needs, formulate network strategies and
define the potential for advanced wireless services adoption,"
explained Oliver Valente, chief technology officer and vice president
- Technology Development, Sprint. Sprint is fostering a number of
strategic partnerships and investigating multiple technologies in
support of future wireless interactive multimedia services that would
be considered for deployment in the 2.5 GHz band of spectrum. WiMAX is
one of the technologies Sprint is investigating for these services.
"WiMAX technology has the promise to deliver new broadband services to
consumers globally," said Sean Maloney, executive vice president and
general manager of the Intel Mobility Group. "We are excited to work
closely with Sprint to bring these new services and new networks to
the market."
WiMAX, short for Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access, is a
standards-based wireless technology that provides high-throughput
broadband connections. WiMAX will provide fixed, nomadic, portable and
eventually mobile wireless broadband connectivity without the need for
direct line-of-sight with a base station.
In January, Sprint joined the WiMAX Forum and was recently elected to
the Board of Directors to lend its support and network expertise to
that organization's mission of global interoperability standards
formation for broadband wireless access products. |
