Nokia deployed Sprint's WiMax 4G network

Nokia has said it has been chosen by Sprint to build a fourth-generation (4G) wireless network based on WiMAX technology in major US cities.

Sprint expects 100 million people around the US to use its WiMax network by the end of this year, and Nokia is responsible for deploying the necessary infrastructure in the original markets.

According to Sprint, the initial markets for WiMax will be Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, and Austin, all of which are in Texas, and people will be using WiMax early next year.

Nokia's representative said WiMax-compliant mobile devices will be available in the market by the time the networks are complete. These devices will include multimedia computers, Internet tablets . with built-in WiMax technology.

Sprint has "shocked" experts when it announced that WiMax will benefit its 4G technology in August 2006. At that time, Sprint announced it would partner with Intel, Motorola and Samsung to deploy a new 4G network.

So far, Sprint has deployed the 2.5GHz frequency band granted to the carrier, which is expected to be used for wireless technologies. The investment in wireless broadband infrastructure on this band is considered cheaper while Sprint gradually loses Qualcomm's costly use of CDMA technology.

However, Sprint plans to use CDMA as a platform for voice services, and said it will continue to invest in its future 3G networks (based on EVDO technology).