What with Intel’s decision to field entire WiMax chipsets, this may be the technology to watch. The whole aim, of course, is seamless voice and data coverage over the ‘entire’ country. It’s obviously some years away, but widespread WiMax would help.

Cell phone operator Sprint plans to begin testing next-generation WiMax handsets and other WiMax equipment from Motorola, a sign that Sprint’s future network plans are falling into place.

Sprint will be puttering in its labs with a mobile version of the experimental wireless technology that distributes broadband Internet access over a range of several miles. If the technology passes muster, Sprint says, a small-scale trial in a major urban area will be next.

The Motorola/Sprint deal dovetails with Sprint’s ongoing work with Intel to develop WiMax cell phone circuitry, said Len Barlik, Sprint vice president of technology development. The development work with Intel began earlier this year, he added.

Read more…