Exciting New Wireless Broadband Venture

When Google is part of a new company, I personally perk up and listen.

I was thrilled to see this press release from Sprint, announcing the creation of a new, "next-generation" wireless broadband business.

The high-points from the release:

• Sprint and Clearwire to Combine WiMAX Businesses, Creating a New Mobile Broadband Company
• Intel, Google, Comcast, Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks to Invest $3.2 Billion in Combined Company, at Target Price of $20.00 per Share
• Formation of New Company Brings Together the Nation's Leaders in Communications, Technology Innovation and Entertainment
• New Company to Speed Deployment of First Nationwide Next-Generation Mobile WiMAX Network

From the release:

Clearwire Chairman Craig O. McCaw, said, "The power of the mobile Internet, which offers speed and mobility, home and away, on any device or screen, will fundamentally transform the communications landscape in our country. We believe that the new Clearwire will operate one of the fastest and most capable broadband wireless networks ever conceived, giving us the opportunity to return the U.S. to a leadership position in the global wireless industry."

"Google is a firm believer in supporting new ways for people to access the Internet," said Eric Schmidt, chief executive officer and chairman of Google. "We are proud to invest in the new Clearwire alongside several leading technology and communications companies, and we believe that its planned WiMAX network will increase the ability for users to get high-speed broadband anytime, anywhere."

I have a couple of thoughts on this announcement:

1. It's high time that the US wireless industry is announcing something new. Wouldn't it be great if the US does return to a global leadership position?
2. It will be interesting to see what Google is up to with their involvement in the new company. Some people are suggesting that they'll become an ISP or a mobile carrier (although they are denying this). Another thought is that this network will allow Google to offer location-specific ads through mobile devices (as they'll now know where the consumer is). Google says, however, that they are most interested in the 'openness' of the new network. From Google's blog: "As we've supported open standards for spectrum and wireless handsets, we're especially excited that Clearwire intends to build and maintain a network that will embrace important openness features."

I look forward to seeing how this new company evolves, and to enjoying an enhanced wireless experience in the near future.