Clearwire Launched 4G WiMAX Wireless Broadband Network in Atlanta
June 17, 2009 10:54 AM | Services | Comments (0)
 Unlike other wireless services, CLEAR delivers a mobile broadband Internet experience on par with speeds typically experienced only on fixed residential and commercial connections, like DSL. For example, some of today’s 3G wireless networks typically deliver download speeds of between 1.0 and 1.7 Mbps. CLEAR customers, however, can expect to see download speeds of 4 to 6 Mbps with bursts exceeding 15 Mbps, far surpassing even the peak theoretical speeds of 7.2 Mbps in upcoming 3G upgrades. In Atlanta, the CLEAR network utilizes an area-wide WiMAX radio system from Motorola. |
CLEAR’s simple and innovative pricing gives customers ultimate flexibility. CLEAR’s mobile and residential plans can be purchased by the day or by the month, and do not require long-term service contracts. Home Internet service plans start at $20 per month, while mobile Internet plans start at $40 per month, or customers can purchase a convenient day pass for $10. Additional savings are available for customers purchasing both home and mobile Internet services or signing up for a two-year service agreement. Full details about pricing options and business plans are available at www.clear.com.
Simply Plug-In and Go
CLEAR offers several simple choices for broadband connectivity.
- USB modem: Mobile users simply plug-in CLEAR’s compact, mobile WiMAX-enabled USB modem into their laptop to get online. The USB modem, from Motorola, is available for only $59.99 or leased for just $4.99 per month. Customers can purchase the modem from a store or online.
- Residential modem & services: For residential service, CLEAR offers customers a wireless high-speed modem, about the size of a small book. Customers simply plug the modem into a power outlet anywhere in their home or office and connect the modem to their PC or wireless router. This enables consumers and businesses to install high-speed Internet service without the need to schedule an appointment, drill holes in their walls, or otherwise disrupt their day. The CLEAR residential modem, from Motorola, can be purchased for $79.99 or leased for just $4.99 monthly. Residential customers can also add in-home voice service with purchase of the CLEAR Voice Adapter for $15, and receive unlimited local and long distance service for just $24.99 per month.
- CLEAR Spot: With the CLEAR Spot, any existing, off-the-shelf Wi-Fi device (compatible with 802.11b/g) can connect to CLEAR’s mobile WiMAX network. The CLEAR Spot creates a personal Wi-Fi hotspot that travels with consumers anywhere they happen to be within CLEAR’s mobile WiMAX service area. This $139 device is a portable, battery-powered router that seamlessly connects up to eight standard Wi-Fi-enabled devices (computers, mobile phones, portable gaming, consoles, cameras, etc.) to the Internet via a CLEAR USB modem to access CLEAR’s mobile WiMAX network.
- Intel Embedded WiMAX Laptops: Numerous CLEAR-compatible embedded WiMAX laptops based on Intel Centrino 2 processor technology are now available directly from their manufacturers and through other channels. From Dell, these include the Studio 17, Studio XPS 16, Latitude E4300, Latitude E6400, Latitude E6400 ATG, Latitude E6500, Precision M2400, and Precision M4400. From Fujitsu, this includes the LifeBook P8020. WiMAX-ready laptops from Lenovo include the ThinkPad line: SL400, SL500, X200, X200s, X200 Tablet, X301, T400, T500, W500, W700. From Samsung, this includes the X460 notebook as well as the NC10, the first WiMAX-enabled netbook based on the Intel Atom processor, available in the U.S. From Toshiba, consumers can order the Portégé R600-ST520W and Satellite U405-S2920.
- Coming Soon: Panasonic has announced plans to deliver this year a Toughbook computer with embedded WiMAX based on Intel Centrino 2 processor technology, and compatible with the CLEAR network. A dual-mode, 3G/4G, modem is coming this summer, which will provide CLEAR customers access to Sprint’s nationwide 3G network, and consumers will also soon be able to order the Samsung Mondi, mobile WiMAX enabled handheld device.
Atlanta Launch Event and Community Outreach
Clearwire will also host a consumer launch event at Atlantic Station today, June 16, from 9:30am-3:00pm in The District section of Atlantic Station, located in midtown Atlanta. The event is an opportunity for the public to experience CLEAR‘s advantages firsthand through a series of mobile WiMAX demonstrations. In addition, attendees will be treated to some unique visual displays of the service including on a CLEAR-branded hot air balloon, and a glass-enclosed living room on wheels. Attendees will also have opportunities to win prizes, including CLEAR product discounts and other merchandise. In addition, CLEAR and Intel will announce plans to provide dozens of embedded WiMAX laptops based on Intel Centrino 2 processor technology, as well as netbooks based on Intel Atom processors, with CLEAR service to Atlanta Public Schools before the start of the next school year.
Additional Markets
As part of a multi-year network build-out plan, Clearwire’s 4G network will be available in major metropolitan areas across the United States. In addition to Atlanta, mobile WiMAX is already available in Baltimore, Maryland, and Portland, Oregon. Clearwire also plans to launch CLEAR in Las Vegas later this summer.
The company plans to bring CLEAR to 80 markets and up to 120 million people by the end of 2010. Some of the additional markets planned to launch in 2009 include Chicago, Charlotte, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Honolulu, Philadelphia, and Seattle. Some of the additional markets planned to launch in 2010 include New York, Boston, Washington, D.C., Houston and the San Francisco Bay Area.
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