Clearwire Communications, an operating subsidiary of Clearwire Corporation, has launched its 4G WiMAX wireless broadband network service, CLEAR, in Atlanta. The network reportedly utilises an area-wide WiMAX radio system from Motorola.
The company claimed that CLEAR can deliver download speeds of 4 to 6 Mbps with bursts exceeding 15Mbps. With CLEAR Spot, a portable, battery-powered router, Wi-Fi devices can connect to CLEAR’s mobile WiMAX network.
The company stated that Panasonic has announced plans to deliver a Toughbook computer with embedded WiMAX based on Intel’s Centrino 2 processor technology, compatible with the CLEAR network. Also a dual-mode, 3G/4G, modem is expected to be launched soon in the market, which will provide CLEAR customers access to Sprint’s nationwide 3G network.
The company also claims that consumers will soon be able to order the Samsung Mondi, mobile WiMAX enabled handheld device.
As part of a multi-year network build-out plan, the company plans to bring CLEAR to 80 markets and up to 120m 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. The markets planned to launch in 2010 include New York, Boston, Washington D.C., Houston and the San Francisco Bay Area.
The company said that its mobile and residential plans can be purchased by the day or by the month, and do not require long-term service contracts.
