What is WiMax you ask? Well simply put is a telecommunications technology aimed at providing wireless data over long distances developed on the IEEE 802.16 wireless standard. For those that don't speak geekeeze, it's something like WiFi or wireless internet on steroids. It's been quite the buzz in the wireless internet community for 4 or 5 years now. WiMax speculatively will give customers wired like broadband performance in a wireless platform.

What it is, or is supposed to be is a new long range high capacity (very fast) wireless communications technology. A large share of the technology is being manipulated by Sprint and its partners of collaboration such as Sony Ericsson, Samsung Motorola, Alcatel Lucent and many others.

Specifically branded under the Trade name of Xohm WiMAX, Sprint announced early this year their intent to move ahead with the development and deployment of a new 4G wireless network which will reside within its existing 2.5 gigahertz network that Sprint and partner Clearwire already have in place.

WiFi because of where it resides in the radio spectrum is mandated to low power signals so as not to overrun other networks. Sprint and Clearwire by virtue of owning the parts of the 2.5gigahertz band that they intend to use for the new WiMax network, gives them the ability to use much stronger signals that will make greater distances possible without the fear of interference from other networks.

What will the range of WiMax Be? The range of WiMax is for the most part speculative at this point. But those familiar with the technology estimate it to be able to give good service in a non-line of site situation such as in dense urban areas of 4 to 5 miles from its source point, traveling through buildings, trees and other objects. With line of site or point to point applications, speculation is that it will work well up to 10 miles or more, giving it a clear advantage in the wireless broadband market.

How soon will it be available? Sprint speculated that it would have the first commercially available WiMax system launched later this year. Plagued with all manner of obstacles that have had to be over come, including a completely new business model that sprint has not as of yet given full detail of, the company has fallen behind its earlier projected start up dates. If WiMax becomes a viable communications tool, it is expected that sprint will begin deployment with its top 100 market areas in the United States, and expand as time and resources allow to other areas and round the world.

Don't expect the change to take place over night. New technology takes time to implement. New network devices will need to acquired by those who will be using the new system. Although Sprints partners have been trying to keep pace with the new WiMax technology it probably will be some time before the appliances are in adequate supply should the new communications platform take off.

How much will it cost? This is the big question that no one seems willing to answer yet. Because it's new and supposedly better, it most probably will cost more. How much more is anyone's guess and Sprint has not said, only that it should fall in line with the service that will be provided. Sprint as well as everyone else knows that to be commercially successful internet technology has to also affordable to use. It is estimated that the price tag for Sprints development of its new WiMax network systems and marketing plan have exceeded $5 billion, quite a hefty price tag to recoup and see a net profit from. But if it can deliver what it claims and offers wired like broadband speed it might be the next big rage.

In summary, if you live in one of Sprint's larger market areas and WiMax is successful it's possible that in one to two years you could be taking advantage of this new high speed wonder technology. If you live in other then the largest Sprint market areas it might be wise to not hold your breath in anticipation. And if you live in rural America it might be best if you don't get rid of your dial up or high speed DSL service any time soon

Scott Best is a freelance author in association with My Freedom DSLl