Bringing WiMax handsets to market in a timely fashion is key for Motorola, which is one of the three major infrastructure suppliers named by Sprint Nextel Corp. for its forthcoming mobile WiMax network in the U.S. The Reston, Va.-based operator is working with Motorola to launch a 1,000-site mobile WiMax deployment in Chicago by the end of this year; a nationwide rollout is planned in 2008.

Motorola is clearly intending to have suitable handsets available as soon as possible -- even if the company doesn't want to give away too much detail at the moment. "I'd rather not pre-announce any products," a spokesman told Unstrung in response to questions. "Motorola will announce details about specific products either through news releases or launch events."

The Schaumburg, Ill.-based company will face competition in the race to be the first with commercial handsets using the new technology from Sprint's two other major infrastructure suppliers for the WiMax network -- Nokia Corp. and Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. -- all of which are tasked with supplying gadgets as well as radio gear.

Source:  Wimaxxed