July 15, 2008: Counting down to Xohm

Intel did not excite the WiMAX sector this week when it announced the dual mode WiMAX/WiFi module for Centrino 2 will not be available until later this year, while Centrino 2 will launch later this week. Most pundits assume Intel will be sure to have the WiMAX capabilities for Centrino 2 by the time Clearwire launches its Xohm network in Baltimore in September.

Xohm's lead evangelist Barry West came under some fire at Centrino 2's launch event when he continued to supply a vague launch date for Xohm--some time between September 1 and September 30, he said. One publication called the remark a poor attempt at humor.

FierceBroadbandWireless editor Lynnette Luna wonders where all the WiMAX devices are--Nokia's N810 has yet to get the Forum's seal of approval and ZTE has yet to get its products approved either. While Clearwire had previously announced support for these devices, West made it clear in the past that certification of devices will not hold up the launch.

ALSO: Have you submitted your company for a WiMAX World Award? The only reason not to is if you think it's undeserved. Check out all the details we supplied in last week's newsletter here and get those nominations in by August 8! There will be no extensions this year--so don't delay!