“This is a major step towards launch readiness and Sprint is extremely pleased with the performance of the mobile WiMAX network and access devices from Samsung,” said Barry West, XOHM president. “The collaboration with Samsung and our other partners has created a WiMAX ecosystem that has now proven that it can deliver this new technology to the marketplace well ahead of any feasible alternative.” -Press Release

Sprint has been testing the network in those cities in the lab last year, and beginning this year some were even allowed to use the service on a very small scale. There are already several accessories out for the network, and with its launch drawing nearer, we are about to be in for a 4G treat courtesy of Sprint and Samsung.

Press release

Samsung’s Mobile WiMAX infrastructure and devices pass Sprint’s rigorous commercial acceptance criteria with flying colors

HERNDON, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Sprint (NYSE: S) and Samsung Electronics Corporation Ltd. announced today that a new broadband wireless network offering the speed and mobility of WiMAX has met Sprint’s rigorous commercial acceptance criteria including overall performance, handoff performance and handoff delay. This key technical milestone has been passed after extensive evaluation both in the XOHMTM lab environment and with the commercial service network being built in the Baltimore and Washington D.C. area. Sprint plans on launching commercial WiMAX service in those cities later this year.

Samsung has been working with Sprint in the United States to test and build Sprint’s XOHM mobile broadband Internet service compliant to the mobile WiMAX standard. Since finalizing a supply agreement in 2007, the two companies have steadily made progress on the extensive project with previous key milestones including first data session in the lab (June 2007), first data session on the live network (October 2007) and successful interoperability testing with multiple other device vendors (April 2008).

“This is a major step towards launch readiness and Sprint is extremely pleased with the performance of the mobile WiMAX network and access devices from Samsung,” said Barry West, XOHM president. “The collaboration with Samsung and our other partners has created a WiMAX ecosystem that has now proven that it can deliver this new technology to the marketplace well ahead of any feasible alternative.”

Last month, Samsung announced the introduction of several WiMAX-enabled devices. The Express Card (E100 PC Card) and WiMAX embedded UMPC (Q1 Ultra Premium Mobile PC) underscore Samsung’s position as the leading provider of end-to-end mobile WiMAX network systems. With the technology proven to be ready, the Samsung mobile WiMAX systems being deployed for Sprint in Baltimore and Washington D.C. support the commercial introduction of XOHM service anticipated to begin later this year.

“The wireless subscribers in the United States are ready to step up to the next level of a truly broadband wireless network that surpasses the performance of existing wireless networks today,” said Dr. Hwan Chung, senior vice president of Samsung Telecommunications America. “Sprint’s acceptance of Samsung’s WiMAX technology shows Samsung’s strong commitment to meet our customers’ needs for the most reliable, seamless, and fastest wireless network. Samsung’s mobile WiMAX expertise will help Sprint answer the mobile broadband needs of U.S. wireless subscribers.” he added.

Samsung is the global leader in delivering mobile WiMAX technologies and offers an end-to-end solution including chipsets, infrastructure, mobile devices and consumer electronics, including devices capable of accessing both mobile WiMAX and other wireless technologies.

The XOHM business unit within Sprint specifically focuses on developing the WiMAX ecosystem and standards to bring the latest broadband wireless technology to the U.S. marketplace. Sprint is utilizing the significant spectrum holdings at 2.5 GHz that were combined in the Sprint Nextel merger to deploy mobile WiMAX technology from Samsung and other vendors.

“WiMAX will be an attractive offer in areas where there are no wired networks, and in areas where the existing DSL speed is suboptimal. WiMAX will solve the broadband access problem for users located at the fringes of DSL coverage. This is in fact the case in a number of developed nations such as UK, USA, Ireland and Scandinavia, and WiMAX network operators are deploying networks to address this market need. Additionally in developing countries - such as India - network operators are aiming to provide basic connectivity.”

In the United States the whole Clearwire deal will be providing WiMAX services for the most part. The technology is also very attractive to operators that need to provide broadband in areas that running traditional lines is not economical. Mountainous areas are a good example of an area where this technology could flourish, as operators can save money by not bringing crews in to wire these areas.

[Via DSLReports]

The deal is very high profile. The deal has massive investments from Google, Comcast, Intel, Time Warner, and a smaller investment from Bright House, a smaller cable provider. Under the deal, the three cable companies would be able to rebrand and resell the WiMAX service, under a set of terms and conditions, that have yet to be seen.

[Via Phone Mag]

First off, many people assume because Sprint is going with WiMAX for 4G it is part of the CDMA upgrade path. This is not true, WiMAX, like it’s brother 4G technologies LTE and UMB uses the OFDMA air interface. OFDMA is a completely different, and independent technology. Furthermore, WiMAX also operates in different frequencies than CDMA, and the technology is meant to replace, not upgrade, Sprint’s CDMA network. WiMAX is capable of an AIPN, or All IP Network. This means voice will be Voice Over IP(VoIP). Data, well it will be data, go figure.

Another common misconception about WiMAX is that it is ‘WiFi on steroids’. While WiMAX is often compared to WiFi, it is not WiFi, and shares no technological similarities with it. Both are separate IEEE standards, with their own interest groups and goals.

Now that we have the myths cleared up, lets look at how it works. Get a little technical. It is important to understand that WiMAX is not a cellular network. For the purposes Sprint will use it for, it can be considered as one. However, this is mobile WiMAX. Fixed WiMAX is different, and is often used as ‘last mile’ patches by ISPs to deliver broadband to customers. That said, WiMAX will be deployed in much the same way as current cellular networks.

Next, on to deployment. WiMAX, in America, will be deployed on BRS 2500MHz/2600MHz spectrum. While much less talked about, 2300MHz has been deemed suitable for WiMAX as well. Nokia and Motorola will be the main provider of WiMAX base station equipment. WiMAX radios have special needs. They need special enclosures, and operate safely at -20 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. For Sprint, their Nextel cell sites provide the best conditions, with enclosures necessary for the iDEN equipment. People in areas where WiMAX is being deployed have noticed panels being traded out on iDEN cell sites. WiMAX antennas will be MIMO(Multiple In, Multiple Out), which will offer optimum speeds. Under this scheme, WiMAX is capable of throughput speeds over 70mbps. WiMAX is very efficient, when it comes to spectral efficiency, it is one of the best. This means more WiMAX on less spectrum, which allows greater speed and more capacity.

Initial offerings of WiMAX will be in the form of data oriented devices. PC cards, and laptops. Recently, the Nokia N810 with WiMAX was introduced. As more devices become available, you will be hearing much more about WiMAX. WiMAX is not going to be limited only to these devices though. Many devices such as cameras, home appliances and game consoles, really, anything mobile, will be able to benefit from WiMAX. It will not be offered with subsidized devices only like current cellular and broadband offerings. Sprint, and other WiMAX operators, will license use of their network right to device manufacturers.

This sounds almost too good to be true. Mobile broadband, efficient technology, cool devices, this technology must be far away, right? Actually, is much closer than you think. Sprint has already been extensively testing the technology, and is scheduled to have WiMAX available to 100 million people by the end of the year. While they are not on track for that date, they are no doubt chugging along. It is only a matter of time.

WiMAX truly will revolutionize the face of the mobile industry. As the wait becomes ever shorter, there is only one place to go to keep track of the WiMAX revolution, and you have found it.

MIDDLETOWN, R.I., April 29, 2008 — Towerstream (NASDAQ:TWER) a leading fixed WiMAX service provider, today announced it will be powering one of New York City’s landmark skyscrapers with building-wide access to its high-speed, wireless broadband solution. The 50-story building, which extends a full city block, will also serve as Towerstream’s sixth point-of-presence (PoP) in its New York City wireless broadband network, extending broadband coverage to much of Manhattan’s north side. The site is the first Towerstream-powered building to take full advantage of wireless gigabit broadband delivered directly from the company’s rooftop equipment. Now, all building tenants can enjoy high quality wireless broadband at very low costs, giving them true redundancy and service reliability.

The site is the first Towerstream-powered building to take full advantage of wireless gigabit broadband delivered directly from the company’s rooftop equipment. Now, all building tenants can enjoy high quality wireless broadband at very low costs, giving them true redundancy and service reliability.

“By adding this skyscraper as a PoP in our network, we not only expand our coverage area to more businesses, but we now have a tremendous opportunity to fill a growing demand at that location for broadband access to all offices located on site,” said Mel Yarbrough, Towerstream’s Vice President of Sales. “This is the first time we have rolled out access in this way; we see it as a viable strategy for continuing to expand our customer base, particularly in densely populated business centers. Unlike legacy carriers and other providers we offer a reliable, cost effective and completely wireless broadband option, with no dependency on fiber or wirelines. With the pent-up demand already in place from northern Manhattan businesses, we expect to see immediate revenue as a result of this expansion.”

Towerstream’s customers have a range of bandwidth options to choose from, including T1, T3, 100 and 1000 Mbps connections as well as service reliability backed by an industry-leading Service Level Agreement (SLA) and a no-risk, money-back guarantee. Towerstream’s fixed wireless broadband network delivers high-speed Internet access supporting VoIP, bandwidth on demand, wireless redundancy, VPNs, disaster recovery, bundled data, and video services. Companies utilizing multiple appliances simultaneously, such as streaming video and VoIP, can prioritize their bandwidth to secure mission-critical activities. In addition to New York City, Towerstream currently serves businesses of all sizes in Chicago, Los Angeles, Seattle, Boston, San Francisco, Miami, Dallas-Fort Worth and Providence/Newport. Towerstream also offers a Rapid Installation Program which guarantees installation within 48 hours.

For a map of the regions covered by Towerstream’s service, please visit http://www.towerstream.com . For sales inquiries, please call 866-848-5848; or visit http://www.towerstream.com/index.asp?ref=support .

About Towerstream

Towerstream is a leading fixed WiMAX service provider in the U.S., delivering high-speed Internet access to businesses. Founded in 2000, the company has established networks in such markets as New York City, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, Seattle, the San Francisco Bay Area, Dallas-Fort Worth, and the greater Boston, Providence and Newport, R.I. areas, and continues to expand coverage throughout the country. The company was the first carrier selected to join the WiMAX Forum to assist leading vendors in establishing industry compliance with international broadband wireless access standards and cross-vendor interoperability.

Safe Harbor

Certain statements contained in this press release are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable federal securities laws, including, without limitation, anything relating or referring to future financial results and plans for future business development activities, and are thus prospective. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties some of which cannot be predicted or quantified based on current expectations. Such risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, the risks and uncertainties set forth from time to time in reports filed by the company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Although the company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to have been correct. Consequently, future events and actual results could differ materially from those set forth in, contemplated by, or underlying the forward the forward-looking statements contained herein. The company undertakes no obligation to publicly release statements made to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof.

WiMAX is an acronym for Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access which uses the 802.16 spectrum to wirelessly send information. WiMAX technology is considered better than WiFi because it can provide higher speeds over longer distances (up to 30 miles) and may be less prone to interference and line of sight issues.

Aspen has created an initial network of 12 buildings and towers (all having higher elevations and/or roof-tops to provide for a more expansive coverage area) and connected these sights with over 380 miles of fiber across Dallas and Fort Worth. The initial network rollout will use the Gigabit Ethernet protocol to provide up to 1000 Mbps speeds. They hope to have twice that many buildings online by fourth quarter 2006.

By bundling a turn-key solution that includes back-haul, Internet access, network services, co-location, and WiMAX tower sites all with one vendor, Aspen thinks that they can attract some of the exploding Dallas Fort Worth WiMAX market. One exciting feature for wireless service providers is they will be able to allocate bandwidth anywhere across the Aspen network with only incremental charges, as opposed to having to purchase new circuits at every location. Currently, Aspen has six wireless service providers using their network.

“Running fiber between high rise buildings, carrier hotels and potential WiMAX tower locations is not the core focus of our wireless service provider clients,” says Aspen’s Sales & Marketing Director Rocky Ahmann. “Our turn-key solution takes care of the back end and lets them focus on what they do best — servicing their customers.”

Aspen’s network of fiber and wireless facilities currently spans Dallas, North Dallas, Fort Worth and East Texas; and in February they will light McKinney, Grapevine and Frisco.

“In a few months, we will be able to deliver a 10 Mbps connection on a 300 foot tower in McKinney for under $1500 per month which is unheard of today,” says Ahmann.

He believes that this will lower costs for the consumers while at the same time improving their connectivity. Wireless is commonly used in rural communities where cable and dsl is not available; however, new and innovative technologies such as WiMAX will offer a myriad of potential applications for rural and metro areas.

The cities of Philadelphia, Addison and Anaheim are also currently deploying a WiMAX infrastructure for their cities.

For more information go to http://www.AspenTX.com

The SWC-E100 is a single mode PC card that operates on Sprint’s XOHM service. The E100 mobile WiMAX ExpressCard is a 34 Pin standard device, featuring high speed network access with download rate of 10Mbps and upload rate of 3Mbps. It works on Windows XP, Vista and Mac OS. The E100 attaches to the user’s laptop computer to deliver WiMAX speeds with ubiquitous mobility. E100 is scheduled to be available in June. Pricing has yet to be announced.

The device above is the Samsung Q1 Ultra Mobile PC outfitted with XOHM WiMAX technology. The Samsung Q1 Ultra Premium Mobile PC, is a compact computer that operates on the Windows Vista or XP Tablet Edition OS and the Intel Core Solo ULV processor. The Q1 Ultra Premium offers a large 7-inch LCD screen, V1.5 split-QWERTY keyboard, and up to 6.5 hours of run time. The Q1 Ultra Premium supports ubiquitous connectivity via the embedded Sprint XOHM broadband service, as well as support for 802.11b/g Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR.

Both devices will run exclusively on Sprint’s XOHM network compliant to the WiMAX standard. The commercial launch is expected to begin in Baltimore, Washington DC and Chicago.

It sure looks like some sort of chest-expander, in actual fact this handled hunk of cellular goodness is ZyXEL’s modem for Sprint’s upcoming WiMAX Xohm network. The MAX-206m2 is a 4G router/modem intended for commercial applications.