29/09/2010 By http://www.goingwimax.com ( Source: http://www.goingwimax.com )

Sprint Shows Off 4G WiMax Network in Boston

There have been plenty of doubts and aspersions cast in the direction of Sprint’s burgeoning WiMax network. With industry leaders Verizon and AT&T focused on bringing 4G wireless broadband via LTE in the near future, a lot of pressure has been placed square on the shoulders of Sprint to prove their product’s mettle. They set about removing any doubt of the power of WiMax yesterday at the Copley Westin in Boston.

The focus of the demonstration was not solely the mobile broadband network’s entertainment capabilities, but also on its more practical uses. Sprint called on Crime Point to highlight the benefits that having a network– that on average streamed at speeds of around 4Mbps– could provide for those with both security and law enforcement concerns. That specific presentation centered around a construction site in Maryland where surveillance cameras could be set up to be monitored 24/7 without the hindrance of the time it takes to hardwire a connection. The radius of coverage of that WiMax network would enable those wireless devices to communicate directly with public officials in real-time.

Also in the spotlight was the performance of American TeleCare's LifeView patient self-help station, a video streaming application that gives patients the power to seek diagnosis remotely by sending images and biometrics to their doctors. Though 3G and 4G capable, such a speedy tool for diagnosis could help revolutionize the health industry– making long visits to the waiting room a thing of the past. Though the technology performed admirably in the WiMax presentation, American Telecare isn’t limiting its options to one or the other. Both could play a significant role in the immediate exchange of medical information.

Though the focus on societal improvements was an admirable stab at getting public approval for the power of WiMax, the 4G battle will ultimately be won in the moneyed trenches of entertainment. Sprint didn’t shy away from showing off their network’s chops in this arena either. With the Sprint Overdrive Mobile Hotspot as its focal point– able to support as many as five devices at once (and leap tall buildings in a single bound)—Sprint’s WiMax network displayed impressive speed and strength when streaming from Netflix and being beamed directly to TV.

Ultimately, Sprint did itself an incredible service in an attempt to silence the naysayers, putting their WiMax where their mouth is. Whether or not this results in an increased share in the wireless market as they spread their network to every major market in the U.S. by the end of the year, remains to be seen. Perhaps, the Boston display is a harbinger of things to come. If those hungry for 4G speeds get a sneak peak at the effectiveness of WiMax, they’ll be less inclined to wait for when LTE rolls around. One thing’s for sure, by the end of the year, up to 120 million people could have a big decision to make