Together with their 4G partner Clearwire, Sprint has been hard at work since 2008 slowly rolling out the first 4G wireless network in the United States. But the question has always remained: what good is a 4G network if there are no 4G devices available to use with it? According to an article on Forbes, Sprint has now confirmed that their first WiMax 4G device will be available to consumers in the first half of 2010, and answering all of our questions. Well, almost all of them.

We still don't know yet what the device will be, but there is a lot of speculation that it will be the HTC Supersonic, a device that was first mentioned a few months ago. According to a few tipsters, the Supersonic will have a 4.3" display, an HD2 type (very thin) shell, a snapdragon processor and of course WiMax. The interesting twist for many is that the Supersonic is rumored, and shown in more than one leaked picture, to be running Android 2.1 with the usual HTC Sense overlay.

With Sprint still losing customers on an regular basis, their first WiMax device could not come at a better time. Their two year long investment into the future will clearly put them in front of Verizon and AT&T in the U.S. for 4G capabilities, and hopefully help their struggle against monthly churn. The good news for consumers is that once the first WiMax handest is released, there will certainly be more, not too far behind. Sprint CEO, Dan Hesse, told Forbes that they are working with "several equipment manufacturers that will embed 4G capability into dozens of devices." Sprint and Clearwire are currently able to offer 4G services to 30 million people in 27 markets, but are planning a major push this year and anticipate bringing the total number to 120 million people, by adding Boston, New York, San francisco and Washington.

As an Android user I am definitely hoping that the device that Sprint is referring to this summer is the Supersonic, and I am exicted to see what other devices will follow. Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Source: Engadget

According to AndroidGuys, a tipster has reported that Sprint may just be looking to Walmart for help in providing WiMax coverage throughout the U.S. According to the source, Walmart would be adding WiMax towers on top of all of their stores, thereby catapulting Sprint to near nationwide 4G coverage in one fell swoop. Because of the placement of the towers, Sprint could save a ton of money in zoning and the cost associated with erecting free-standing towers.

With LTE just a few months away from a global implementation, and specifically for Verizon and AT&T in the U.S., this would be a huge addition to Sprint's current lead in the 4G race. Sprint knows they need the head start and are obviously hoping to get as many new contracts as possible prior to thier competition even getting off the ground, as evidenced by their latest round of commercials and marketing information. We also know that Sprint has plans to release WiMax enabled handsets in 2010 and the rumored partnership with Walmart would certainly help them provide their 4G service to a much larger demographic.

I don't know if the source is right on or just plain off his rocker, but as a Sprint customer and a resident in Walmart country, I sure am hopeful. Let us know you think in the comments.

Source: InformationWeek via WMPowerUser

"Sprint 4G will launch later this month in the Texas cities of Austin and San Antonio."

"In 2010, Sprint expects to launch service in multiple markets, including Boston, Houston, New York, San Francisco and Washington, D.C."

Source: Sprint Newsroom ]]> http://www.ppcgeeks.com/2009/11/02/sprint-launches-4g-in-multiple-cities/feed/ 6 http://www.ppcgeeks.com/2009/10/22/sprint-and-clearwire-announce-more-cites-dates-for-4g-launch/ http://www.ppcgeeks.com/2009/10/22/sprint-and-clearwire-announce-more-cites-dates-for-4g-launch/#comments Thu, 22 Oct 2009 21:30:01 +0000 rainfreak http://www.ppcgeeks.com/?p=1012

Today Sprint and Clearwire, their WiMax partner, announced several cities and completion dates for their 4G rollout collaboration. Philadelphia is expected to launch within a matter of the "next few weeks." November will prove to be a good month for Chicago, Charlotte, Greensboro, Raleigh, Austin, Dallas/Fort Worth and San Antonio, as they are the next in line. Seattle and Tacoma will follow in early December. Rounding out the year will be Honolulu and Maui.

Sorry if your city isn't listed but Sprint and Clearwire have not released their schedule for 2010 yet, so here's hoping it's on the list when it is made available.

Source: PhoneScoop ]]> http://www.ppcgeeks.com/2009/10/22/sprint-and-clearwire-announce-more-cites-dates-for-4g-launch/feed/ 2