US Wimax operator Clearwire has abandoned its retail strategy to focus on being a wholesale operator, people familiar with the matter told the Wall Street Journal. Clearwire's new goal is to turn cash flow positive as quickly as possible, which could take 12-18 months. According to the paper, the shift in strategy represents a victory for Sprint, Clearwire's non-controlling, majority shareholder. Sprint has wanted Clearwire to stop competing in the retail market and focus on building out its network. This could open the door for Sprint to invest some much-needed cash in Clearwire. For the moment, Clearwire will contiue its retail services and maintain its 140 stores, the paper said.
