Sprint signs new deal with Clearwire for 4G WiMAX, LTE networks

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Sprint and Clearwire have renewed their long-standing relationship, as the two companies have signed new network access agreements that cover both current WiMAX networks and future LTE networks. Under the new agreement, Sprint will pay $926 million for unlimited access to Clearwire's WiMAX network in 2012 and 2013 and will continue to sell WiMAX handsets throughout 2012, supporting them throughout their two-year contracts. Clearwire has committed to keeping its WiMAX network active through 2015. Looking forward to an LTE future, Sprint has agreed to pay Clearwire $350 million in a series of pre-payments over two years for LTE network access if Clearwire can build its LTE network out enough by June 2013. Clearwire has said that it wants to deploy a TDD-LTE network, but it needs $600 million in capital to do so. The fresh infusion of cash from Sprint should only help Clearwire reach its goal.