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Wireless broadband takes a small step forward as Spring begins to expand on WiMax work it has done with Intel.

Sprint and other carriers love the promise of WiMax. They may be able to overcome dead spots in large urban centers, and bring more services to rural areas. The broadband component means they can market faster data products, like TV and streaming video conferencing.

The WiMax technology Sprint and Motorola have in testing will distribute broadband access over an area of several miles in size. After initial testing has been completed, Sprint expects to conduct a service trial in a major urban area.

Sprint has an excellent opportunity to take advantage of WiMax. After the company completes its merger with Nextel Communications, the combined entity will own a large swath of the spectrum it needs to operate the service.

Motorola has been the exclusive handset provider for Nextel. Nextel fulfills the various network and customer support services necessary itself and with the help of outsourcers like Affiliated Computer Services, Inc. With the pending merger, Sprint will benefit from the Motorola relationship.

WiMax has one more hurdle to clear before wireless providers can begin rolling it out with wide availability. The standard must be agreed upon and ratified by a standards body first. WiMax is widely considered the leader in that race, and Sprint expects to see it ratified this year.

David Utter is a staff writer for WebProNews covering technology and business. Email him here.