Clearwire to Launch 4G Smartphone

WCAI/GDC member Clearwire, the US-based WiMAX network operator, will launch the first 4G-enabled dual-mode smartphone in the second half of this year, according to chief executive William Morrow. A dual-mode WiMAX smartphone will enable mobile users to download Internet content up to five times faster than the present generation of 3G handsets as well as make voice calls over Sprint Nextel’s existing voice network. Morrow said Clearwire was already talking to a number of manufacturers and while he did not identify which companies were likely to launch WiMAX handsets, he noted that there is “a natural affinity” between Google’s Android operating system and Clearwire’s all IP-based network  Details.

SaskTel Contracts NSN for HSPA Rollout in Canada

Saskatchewan-based full-service telecoms operator SaskTel has awarded a contract to Nokia Siemens Networks (NSN) to build the core network component of a 3G/3.5G W-CDMA/HSPA system across its home province. The Finnish vendor will provide infrastructure including mobile softswitching and a packet core solution with ‘direct tunnel’ functionality, as well as harmonized subscriber management systems. The ultimate aim is to future-proof SaskTel for a smooth transition to 4G technology based on the LTE standard.  Details.

3G Delayed as EGoM Fails to Fix Auction Date and Modalities in India

Auction of 3G telecom spectrum is set for yet another delay, with sources saying it could be pushed beyond this financial year. The Empowered Group of Ministers (EGoM) headed by finance minister Pranab Mukherjee met in the capital on Tuesday to resolve some of the thorny issues, but the meeting remained inconclusive on 3G dates, number of slots for telcos and payment modalities.  Details.

Sprint Drops Price of Mobile WiMAX by Another $10

WCAI/GDC member Sprint Nextel reduced the monthly price of its CDMA/mobile WiMAX service by another $10, down to $59.99, a Sprint spokeswoman confirmed. The price cut is the second $10 cut in less than five months; Sprint made a similar change to its unlimited 3G/4G mobile broadband package in August. The price cut is "just to make it a no brainier for our customers to choose 4G," Sprint spokeswoman Stephanie Vinge told FierceWireless. She said the action also reflects increasing economies of scale, as Clearwire launches more markets.  Details.

Green Packet Aims To Be World's Top WiMAX Modem Vendor

WCAI member Green Packet aims to be the world's number one WiMAX modem vendor and connectivity solutions provider by the end of this year. Green Packet's senior general manager, Kelvin Lee said the company is now the world's number three WiMAX modem vendor, with a 14% share of the global market last year. The company is also aiming for a 30% market share this year. Announcing Green Packet's new campaign, "New Horizons," Lee said the company has target to increase its shipment volume by at least three-fold in 2010. He also said the company planned to double its sales force and expand its presence to the United States, Central and Latin America, and Europe.  Details.