Washington DC/Baltimore & North VA to get Sprint/Nextel WiMax 1st

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Samsung, Sprint Nextel Bring Mobile WiMAX to Nation's Capital


Samsung to Conduct an Initial Launch of WiMAX Service in Washington D.C. and Baltimore, MD.

Samsung Electronics today confirmed that it has been awarded the Washington D.C. and Baltimore, MD markets by Sprint Nextel to help develop Mobile WiMAX wireless broadband network infrastructure and provide customers with an enhanced mobile multi-media experience.

Washington D.C. and Baltimore, MD are the first markets awarded to Samsung since Samsung and Sprint Nextel agreed last August to work together on the major US carrier's 4G wireless broadband initiative which will use the Mobile WiMAX (IEEE 802.16e TDD OFDMA) technology standard.

Sprint Nextel is currently planning the network infrastructure for this market, with plans to initially deploy Mobile WiMAX base stations covering Washington D.C., Baltimore, and northern Virginia. Beginning on December 7, 2006, and using Samsung network equipment and devices, Sprint made the first live Mobile WiMAX data calls in this market which is now demonstrating the delivery of high-speed data and streaming video. Sprint expects to start commercial service in the region in late 2007. These advanced services will be delivered via new and innovative devices once the Mobile WiMAX infrastructure is completed. Customers will also benefit from Samsung's international experience in Mobile WiMAX, which will now be applied to the U.S. market. In addition, Samsung has committed to delivering six WiMAX- capable devices, including Ultra mobile PCs and personal media players. Samsung also plans to enter the WiMAX chipset business.

"Samsung is particularly honored to be entrusted with the early deployment of the network for the capital of the United States of America, which also includes Sprint's executive headquarters," said Tom Jasny, Vice President of Wireless Systems and Broadband for Samsung Telecommunications America.

A pioneer in Mobile WiMAX technology, Samsung has been conducting numerous trials with various partners in North and South America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Currently, seven trials are underway, with more planned in this year. Periodic demonstrations have also been conducted. The technology has already been commercialized in South Korea since May 2006, and Samsung now provides Mobile WiMAX network solutions to various service providers in North and South America, and Asia.

http://www.wirelessiq.com/content/newsfeed/9442.html