The recent news that Sprint Nextel and Clearwire cancelled their plans to collaborate for the deployment of a U.S. nationwide WiMAX network left many analysts digging for reasons – some stating that the risks are high and business models are not yet proven.

But alas, behind the announcement we see that Clearwire is pressing forward and Sprint Nextel may only be delaying their efforts. Meanwhile, other carriers, such as Verizon Wireless, are pressing forward with broad deployment.

Even though the door of collaboration has closed between Sprint Nextel and Clearwire, there is good reason for optimism regarding a continued, rapid and widespread deployment of WiMAX in the United States. At least two new doors are now opening – the 700 MHz band and the 3.65 GHz band.

The fact that the FCC is opening portions of the 700 MHz band for commercial wireless WAN usage, which includes WiMAX, has been well reported. Spectrum auctioning will take place on Jan. 24, 2008 with a Dec. 3, 2007 deadline for bids.

Research and Markets covers the ins and outs of the 700 MHz auction in a 150-page report that reveals market stakes and players. WiMAX and the 700 MHz Auction: Peril or Opportunity for the Service Provider discusses this new door of opportunity in a band that had range and penetration capabilities superior to the GHz bands.

Currently occupied by TV broadcasters, using channels 52 through 69 in the 698 to 806 MHz range, this 108 MHz of spectrum will be placed on the block. This spectrum will be repurposed for wireless commercial and public safety uses. TV broadcasters must vacate the premises no later than Feb. 17, 2009. The overall goal is to establish a nationwide, interoperable broadband communications network for the benefit of state and local public safety users.

The spectrum in question has already been divided up into blocks, each having a designated purpose, most of which are for national, regional and local public safety. The blocks of interest here are those labeled as block D, designated for commercial (private) use in cooperation with public needs in what the FCC calls a ‘public/private partnership.’

Two 5 MHz block D channels, in the upper band area above 746 MHz, will be assigned for nationwide use to the highest bidder. Specifically, they are TV channels 62 and 67 (758-763 MHz and 788-793 MHz).

In addition to opportunities in the 700 MHz band is the door that has recently been opened for WiMAX in the 3.65 GHz band. Redline Communications has announced that its RedMAX AN-100U WiMAX base station has received FCC approval – the first such approval of equipment designed for 3.65 GHz WiMAX.

Mario Pidutti, director of product management for RedMAX said, "With the FCC approval of Redline's 3.65 GHz RedMAX product, service providers can leverage a mature platform, that has been installed worldwide, and is available for immediate deployment in the US.”

Announcements regarding WiMAX must be taken in balance, circumspectly, giving consideration to the entire environment and not an isolated shock story, such as the Spring Nextel and Clearwire breakup. Doors continue to open for WiMAX and deployment is moving forward undaunted.

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