Remember that Softbank already has a 2.6GHz LTE network running. If Sprint can get some of those devices in then things are more rosy. If not, well yeah, this is a huge gamble.
1. "The vast majority of those are subscribers to Sprint's "4G Now" using dual-mode WiMax and 3G"
2. Sprint no longer sells WiMax phones.
3. Sprint's LTE phones don't support Clearwire's LTE
To my eyes this adds up to Clearwire's revenues dropping like a sack of potatoes as Sprint's WiMax customers migrate to new phones.
As with Sprint's Nextel buyout, they have great long term plans (probably some wonderful Powerpoint presentations), but how are they going to survive in the short term to make it to their long term game? What are they doing to support Clearwire today, and their present customers? Do they even offer a phone that won't be obsolete in 6 months?
I think keeping the WiMax network separate til they can convert customers and then switching it off makes most sense. Clearwire has enough 2.6GHz spectrum that Sprint can start to deploy LTE TDD right away if they want.
Most options are going to piss investors off though. This deal will trickle down into more spending on Network Vision that's almost 100% certain.
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