Nextel drops WiMax from wireless broadband wish list

[DandyDon]

Nextel Communications says it no longer considers wireless wunderkind WiMax a future option for mobile broadband service, a rare blow to a technology backed by major tech heavyweights. The reason? WiMax isn't yet ready for the rigors of delivering broadband to people on the move, Nextel spokesman Aaron Radelet said Tuesday. That's why the nation's fifth-largest cell phone service provider favors either the same cell phone equipment Verizon Communications uses to sell broadband now in 20 major markets, or even faster but lesser-known wireless equipment using Flarion Technologies' FLASH-OFDM technology, a spokesman for the carrier said.

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I didn't think this would be a big surprise, Nextel has stated early on the service needs to be mobile and wi-max just doesn't offer mobility if you're cruising down the highway. Good decision if you ask me.

[Bugwart]

True enough, WiMAX does not offer mobile broadband, however 802.20 does and it is not far behind. IEEE 802.20