Sprint Nextel Corp. switched mobile WiMAX vendors for its Dallas/Fort Worth Xohm network, bringing in existing inventory manufactured by Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.
Because the Texas city became ready for equipment ahead of schedule, Sprint Nextel opted to replace Nokia Siemens Networks as the primary provider for the network, said John Polivka, a Sprint Nextel/Xohm spokesman.
“Samsung was further along with equipment capabilities,” he said. “We took advantage of the opportunity to accelerate deployment activities by leveraging equipment and existing inventory.”
As Sprint Nextel builds out its mobile WiMAX-powered Xohm network, the company has chosen Motorola Inc., Samsung and NSN as its preliminary vendors. Earlier this week, Sprint Nextel launched Xohm in Baltimore and is preparing to launch Washington, D.C., and Chicago later this year. Networks are also being built in Boston, Dallas and Philadelphia.
Polivka said the company has not announced a date when Xohm would become available in the Dallas area.
Launch ahead of schedule
Nokia Siemens officials said they understand the reason why Samsung equipment will be used.
“Xohm’s Dallas market was ready for deployment ahead of schedule, so it made sense that they would use existing inventory to accelerate the deployment,” said Chantal Boeckman, NSN communications manager.
Boeckman said NSN’s strategy is to leapfrog the competition with the development of its Flexi Base stations. The company has greatly reduced the size of the equipment and the technology can not only support WiMAX networks but also LTE, a wireless broadband technology that a growing list of carriers are looking to deploy including AT&T Mobility and Verizon Wireless.
Boeckman said NSN’s technology is performing well in Xohm laboratories and the company has started the product certification process.
“We continue to be an active member of the WiMAX ecosystem,” she said. “We’re confident Nokia Siemens will be part of the new Clearwire Corp. deployments moving forward.”
Polivka said Sprint Nextel is pleased with the progress NSN’ has made and is satisfied so far with its test results.
“Nokia Siemens remains a valued partner and key member of the Xohm WiMAX ecosystem,” he said. “We anticipate Nokia Siemens playing a significant role in future market awards, which will be announced by the new Clearwire.”
