As we begin another year, I thought it would be a perfect time to reflect on 2008 and the “year in WiMAX.”  It was a big year for the industry, so I wanted to revisit some of the most important milestones:

• Sprint and Clearwire’s merger was probably the most important milestone in 2008.  From when it was first announced in May to when the merger was finalized just last month, it seemed not a week went by that the two companies weren’t making headlines related to WiMAX.  And with backing from Intel, Google, Comcast and many other industry heavy hitters, I am sure they will continue to be a top story as we head into 2009.

• There were also some spectrum decisions in 2008 that will likely have important implications for the WiMAX market – particularly the FCC’s decision that will allow new broadband devices to operate in white space (the spectrum that has been used to run analog TV.) It’s hard to say what exactly this will mean for WiMAX and the wireless industry in general, but many (including myself) feel the white space spectrum could be used for wireless broadband technologies, like WiMAX, in the future.

• Sprint’s XOHM network went live in Baltimore in October – receiving rave reviews in BusinessWeek, PC Mag and of course, my blog. 

Towerstream also had some important announcements this year as well, which I think are good signs for progress in the market.  We expanded our NYC and Miami markets, installed mobile WiMAX gear in Chicago and won some exciting awards.  We also saw several strong quarters and reached EBITA profitability in Chicago – all indicators of strength of our company and WiMAX in general going into 2009! 

Of course no one knows what will happen in 2009 for the WiMAX industry – but if 2008 is any indication, it’s going to be a great ride! 

Happy New Year everyone,

Jeff