Sprint, Google Join For Wireless Network

Sprint is the third largest US mobile service provider. It has recently teamed up with Clearwire to build WiMax network. This is a ‘long-range wireless technology’ that allows any device, including cell phones, laptops, and even digital cameras, to access the web wirelessly.

Sprint claims that the network will provide with web access about five times faster than the existing mobile networks. It is almost as fast as broadband connections. The cost is going to be comparably low. WiMax will also be open for any single web service, such as web calling of Skype, which is blocked by several mobile service providers.

WiMax network is planned to have a homepage that will be the interface between a user and web applications. Users will have access to the web and application all through the home page. Google will provide the network with its tools, such as search, email and calendar services.

The mobile device will also be able to detect your location without requesting your zip code. It will provide you with local information, for example, if you search for a restaurant, WiMax will offer you exactly the ones that are closer to your place.

Sprint will not charge WiMax users for Google’s services. Instead, the companies will share internet advertisement revenues.

Google is already engaged in similar deals with Japanese and Chinese mobile service providers, and this is the first US major deal of the company. Google believes that wireless technology is the future form of connection and it does its best for the industry to prosper.

Sprint is also happy with the deal. "If you think of the Internet you automatically think of Google," said Sprint's Chief Technology Officer Barry West. "Obviously having a powerful partner on the Internet helps us become synonymous with the mobile Internet."

Sprint plans to test the wireless network in Chicago, Baltimore and Washington by the end of 2007 and launch it in April 2008. WiMax is expected to have a 100 million people using the coverage by the end of 2008. HULIQ