Clearwire to deploy “developer sandbox”

Clearwire is going to deploy a WiMAX “sandbox” network in Silicon Valley, supported in part by Google, Intel, and Cisco. Each of the backers has its own motives here, of course, but we think there is a common desire to see as many broadband conduits to the user as possible and as many new applications for wireless as possible.

All of the players would also likely want a solid “migratory user” market to develop, and the final issue is that WiMAX might force faster LTE rollouts by AT&T and Verizon. It’s the classical “arms-race” mindset. The good news is that it suggests that everyone believes in a consumer recovery by the end of the year. The new network will be primarily for developers and will be offered at no cost.