Comcast, Sprint, Google May Fund WiMax

[kristopher]

http://news.wired.com/dynamic/stories/W/WIMAX_FUNDING?SITE=WIRE&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2008-03-26-16-11-09

PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- Major cable, telecom and Internet companies are in preliminary, but serious, talks to create a national wireless network that would link devices such as computers, televisions and cell phones, according to a person familiar with the talks.

Comcast Corp., Time Warner Cable Inc., Bright House Networks, Google Inc., Intel Corp., Sprint Nextel Corp. and Clearwire Corp. are considering investing a total of $3 billion to $4 billion in the joint venture, said the person, who asked not to be named because the person was not authorized to discuss the talks.

Sprint and Clearwire, a startup founded by cellular pioneer Craig McCaw, have already announced their plans to build out a network using WiMax technology, but had been looking for outside funding.

WiMax promises faster wireless connection speeds for laptops and phones than the latest networks run by cell-phone operators, and it is even seen as a potential competitor to fixed-line broadband like DSL.

Comcast, Google and Intel are each considering putting in about $1 billion into a new company that would operate the network, the person said. Time Warner Cable's portion is $500 million while privately held Bright House could contribute $100 million to $200 million, the person said.

Intel has been heavily involved in developing the WiMax technology and will be making WiMax chips for computers, set-top boxes and cell phones.

The joint venture would be a way for cable companies to participate in a wireless strategy without owning a mobile phone company, something Comcast CEO Brian Roberts had said wasn't attractive....

Rest at link above

[Yael]

1. Another monopoly

yay.

[aquart]

2. Speedier phone taps