Sprint has one of the largest and fastest 3G cellular wireless
networks in the United States, and the company is in the process of
rolling out a 4G network using
Mobile WiMax.
Unfortunately for this telcom, its leading-edge technology
hasn't resulted in it gaining new customers. On the contrary, its
subscriber base has actually declined in recent years, along with
its share price.
As a result, Sprint's chief executive resigned last Monday. Gary
Forsee had been the driving force behind this telcom's plan to have
a nationwide WiMax network in place by 2010, and some are urging
his replacement -- who has yet to be named -- to re-think the
plan.
Critics of the Xohm service point out that it will cost $5
billion to put in place, is based on unproven technology, and do
nothing about the the company's short-term problems. Defenders say
that in the long term it will bring in many new customers by
offering a mobile Internet service that's as fast as a DSL
connection.
Those who are against the WiMax plan urge the new CEO to either
slow down the process or even sell its assets to another company.
Sprint can't completely drop the project, as it has purchased the
rights to use portions of the wireless spectrum earmarked for
WiMax.
As decision on the fate of the Xohm service won't be made until
Sprint has found a new CEO.