Sprint, Intel to Test WiMAX Broadband

Sprint announced on Thursday plans to begin testing WiMAX technology, which promises wireless broadband access over a larger area than current wireless technologies can provide.

The company will work with chipmaker Intel on the new service, ironing out specifications and performing WiMAX trials. Sprint will also test interoperability with new technologies for future wireless broadband standards.

"Our relationship with Intel will help validate requirements, drive key ecosystem development needs, formulate network strategies and define the potential for advanced wireless services adoption," explained Oliver Valente, Sprint's CTO.

Sprint is looking to utilize a 2.4GHz wide-area broadband technology, and WiMAX is one of the technologies Sprint plans to test.

WiMAX is an acronym for Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access. The goal of WiMAX is to provide wireless broadband connectivity to fixed, portable and mobile devices without the need for line-of-sight to a base station.

Sprint in January joined the WiMAX forum and recently was elected to its Board of Directors.