Cisco lands deal to outfit Clearwire WiMAX network

The company said that it had struck a deal to provide the IP Next-Generation Network (NPN,) which will serve as the core for the new WiMax deployment. The company will also begin work on WiMax-enabled consumer devices.

Clearwire has been looking to establish a national broadband network in the US since the company was purchased by Sprint. The service is currently limited to a handful of test projects in cities such as Baltimore and Portland.

Wireless broadband has become a growing market in the US, which has traditionally lagged behind other nations in adoption of wireless networks due in large part to the country's physical size and dispersed population. Simialr systems are planneed for Europe.

By the end of next year, the companies hope to have the WiMax network established in some 80 cities throughout the US.

In addition to the infrastructure for the new network, Cisco is also hoping to score big in the market by producing WiMax-enabled routers and networking equipment for its own customers.

"Clearwire's ecosystem of partners, coupled with our all-IP next-generation network, will deliver a true mobile broadband experience," said Ned Hooper Cisco's senior vice president of corporate development and consumer business.

"In addition, incorporating WiMax into our products will help enable people to move freely throughout the United States, while maintaining continuous connectivity to personalized applications and services."