FiberTower makes WiMAX backhaul deal with Sprint

FiberTower has inked a deal with Sprint [1] to provide the carrier with wireless backhaul [2] services, or transport from cell site to switch, in seven of Sprint Nextel's initial launch markets for WiMAX. The agreement calls for FiberTower to deploy commercial Ethernet services, considered the Holy Grail when it comes to backhaul. Sprint has long been vocal about trading up to DS-3 and Ethernet solutions. Such a solution is supposed to save on cost and offer greater reliability, key factors for offering a mass-market mobile broadband service.

Financial details of the deal were not disclosed. Sprint plans on rolling out its WiMAX service in Chicago, Boston, Providence, Salt Lake City, Seattle, Portland, Baltimore, Washington, DC, Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio and others.

For more on the deal:
- read this press release [3]