Clearwire (CLWR) said it will launch its TDD-LTE network across 31 cities during the first half of 2013, including New York City, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago and Seattle. The carrier noted that the deployment will target what it termed “high demand ‘hot zones’” in urban centers that can take advantage Clearwire’s deep spectrum portfolio in the 2.5 GHz band.
Clearwire noted the initial phase would include up to 5,000 cell sites in the 31 cities, with total plans for up to 8,000 sites as part of its first phase of deployment. Clearwire added that it expects 2012 capital expenditures to range between $350 million and $400 million, which is about $100 million to $150 million lower than previous estimates.
The deployment will also dovetail with LTE plans by partner Sprint Nextel, which has said it will rely on Clearwire’s 2.5 GHz-based LTE network to provide capacity enhancements in urban areas. Sprint Nextel vowed to invest up to $350 million into Clearwire should the carrier hit “certain build-out targets and network specifications by June 2013.”
Sprint Nextel currently relies on Clearwire’s WiMAX network to provide “4G” services that it expects to continue to support for several years, though it has stopped adding WiMAX-enabled devices to its lineup. The carrier did note that it planned to introduce WiMAX-based services for its prepaid brands.
Leap Wireless is also expected to benefit from the offering as the carrier recently signed a five-year wholesale agreement to provide Leap and its Cricket brand with LTE coverage for customers when they are outside of the company’s native markets.
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