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Sprint Nextel is partnering with Clearwire, a broadband technology company, to build a nationwide WiMax network for cell phones, both companies announced Thursday.

WiMax is a wireless technology that offers high rates of data transfer and a long transmission reach.

The Sprint Nextel and Clearwire mobile WiMax network is set to have speeds comparable to wireline broadband, the type of Internet connectivity commonly accessed by cable lines. Users will be able to use the network for wireless activities such as downloading media files for full-length movies and conducting video conferences.

Pending government approval, the deal is expected to be finalized within 60 days.

The two companies predict that together, by the end of 2008, they will offer mobile WiMax network access to about 100 million people. Eventually, Sprint Nextel plans to offer WiMax coverage to 185 million users in its 50 largest market areas in the United States, while Clearwire plans to give coverage to an additional 115 million people.

The deal will result in a faster deployment of the next-generation technology than either company could have achieved individually. The companies also plan to share in the commercialization and joint marketing of the network under one common brand, according to the joint statement.

By Marguerite Reardon
Staff Writer, CNET News.com

Published: July 6, 2007, 3:46 PM PDT

Breaking up is hard to do, especially when you’re getting dumped by your cell phone carrier.After eight years as a Sprint Nextel customer, Rene, who goes under the pseudonym MissDiva on SprintUsers.com, received a letter from Sprint Nextel telling her they were done.

What’s new:

Sprint Nextel has terminated some subscribers’ contracts due to what it calls an excessive number of calls to customer support.

Bottom line:

While Sprint’s move has rankled customers, the company is probably saving money by cutting ties with subscribers who keep the service lines busy.

More stories related to this topic

As is the case at the end of many relationships, Rene–who doesn’t want her last name used because she was publicly criticized after posting her saga on the SprintUsers.com forum–said she never saw it coming.

“I am very upset,” she said. “I was a very loyal customer. I didn’t even get the courtesy of a phone call.”

Underscoring its interest in serving the rural market, AT&T Inc. recently announced that it will acquire Dobson Communications Corporation, a provider of rural and suburban wireless communications services.  The transaction will enhance AT&T’s wireless network coverage in the United States by combining the two companies’ complementary networks. Dobson, which markets wireless service under the Cellular One brand, has provided roaming service to AT&T and predecessor companies since 1990. This combination will allow AT&T to deliver a better customer experience to its wireless customers, including Dobson’s 1.7 million subscribers. “AT&T is focused on mobility, which includes offering our customers in markets large and small the best and broadest wireless network,” said Randall L. Stephenson, chairman and CEO of AT&T.   “The rural market is attractive to us, and the addition of Dobson to our wireless family will expand our network coverage and better allow the customers of both companies to be connected whenever, wherever and however they want.”  This acquisition demonstrates AT&T’s commitment to providing reliable, high-quality wireless service to its customers across the United States. Dobson’s network covers rural and suburban areas in several states, including Pennsylvania.   Dobson customers will have access to the largest digital voice and data wireless network in the United States, AT&T’s fully-integrated GSM network, which covers 284 million people in 13,000 cities and towns. In addition, Dobson customers will have access to AT&T’s high-quality service platforms and wide range of compelling, innovative products and services for which AT&T is known. AT&T is the sole carrier for the Apple iPhone and offers the most comprehensive mobile music subscription service offered by a U.S. wireless service provider.