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Sprint Eyes Spinning Off WiMAX Service

Company considers split; investors to share cost of network

By Jim O'Neill, Newser User

Posted Dec 4, 2007 2:43 PM CST

(Newser) – Weeks after a planned partnership to build and operate a next-generation WiMAX network with Clearwire fell through, Sprint Nextel is looking for investors and is considering a spinoff of its nascent high-speed wireless operation, reports Reuters. Acting CEO Paul Saleh yesterday said the company was considering options for a WiMAX unit that could take “various forms.”

Sprint planned to spend $5 billion with Clearwire on a nationwide network to deliver fast mobile web service. Experts said Sprint, the third-largest cell carrier in the US, was wise to consider a spinoff. “There have always been concerns they were jumping into this headlong,” said one. Sprint plans to offer WiMAX service in Chicago and Washington, DC, this year.

Gary Forsee, ex-CEO of Sprint Nextel Corp., was ousted recently in part because Sprint's board was unhappy with his focus on WiMAX. (Associated Press)

A Sprint phone store sign is enveloped by sunlight and shadows in this Feb. 28, 2007 file photo, in Murray, Utah. (Associated Press)

Various models of phones are displayed on a computer screen as a customer is helped at a Sprint store in this Feb. 28, 2007 file photo, in Murray, Utah. (Associated Press)

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Sprint Eyes Spinning Off WiMAX Service

Company considers split; investors to share cost of network

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Company considers split; investors to share cost of network

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Sprint Nextel • WiMAX • Clearwire

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Sprint Nextel Revives WiMAX Plans

Mobile carrier looks for partners to cut cost of high-speed wireless network

Sprint Loses 1M Customers, $505M in Q1

Embattled carrier will cut 4K jobs, close outlets, sell assets

Comcast, Time Warner Weigh $1.5B WiMax Investment

Companies would back Sprint/Clearwire plan for nationwide network

Sprint, Clearwire Network Deal Shelved

Collapsed deal heavy blow to Clearwire

Sprint Joins Verizon in Google Phone Talks

Long-rumored gPhone may be unveiled shortly

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Newser By Users

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