Sprint-ClearWire Deal = Mobile Internet Breakthrough

Many of us were pleased to see the Sprint-ClearWire deal announced last week. This is an important next step for the mobile internet. Each of the major players brings something valuable to the party:

• Sprint has plenty of spectrum, a national operation, and a customer base. And with their base wireless business in decline, they have a motivation to take some risks and try a new game.


• ClearWire has an established operation and the visionary mind of Craig McCaw. Craig is usually ahead of the industry in thinking about ways to meet customer needs in new ways, and drives technology choices rather than letting them drive him. He also knows how to make money on the way toward the vision.


• Google is visionary, supports open systems, and appears to understand the importance of the mobile internet.


• Comcast has a customer base and needs a "quadruple play" (TV + internet + telephony + mobile) asset.

Some of my predictions are:

• While WiMAX will be the lead technology, this team will be technology-agile if something better comes along or WiMAX falters.


• While there is initially much discussion about PC cards to connect laptops to the network, we will see more focus on mobile handsets featuring communications (telephone and written), games, media, browsing, and navigation services.


• Other companies are likely to join this consortium -- including content providers and key application providers.  They will want the favored position and insight gained from being a charter member.