AT&T asks FCC to deny Sprint-Clearwire WiMax deal

Source:
http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9110762
http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/djf500/200807241913DOWJONESDJONLINE000908_FORTUNE5.htm

"Although a September launch of a WiMax mobile wireless network in Baltimore is still expected, the future of a national WiMax network remains in question.

Yesterday, AT&T Inc. asked the U.S. Federal Communications Commission to deny a request by Sprint Nextel Corp. and Clearwire Corp. for radio spectrum licenses that are needed for their proposed joint venture to offer nationwide WiMax service.

The fate of that petition remains unclear, but it demonstrates how intensely AT&T, and possibly other carriers, intend to fight WiMax technology."

"Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ), another giant in the wireless market, didn't file a comment on the proposed merger between Sprint and Clearwire. "

It would be a big loss to US consumers if AT&T succeeds in this request. WiMax (if it works as promised) would be a great technology for everyone except AT&T and other mobile operator shareholders.

It is also possible that AT&T might be playing the delaying tactic so that they can catch up with their LTE technology.