Each of these devices is able to be coupled with a $35 a month “unlimited 4G” plan, but know this: we’ve heard more than a few people complain that Clear has been throttling their data speeds after something so simple as a single streamed movie. It’s no kind customer you’re going to get, Clearwire, if you’re only tending to the people who use your data for checking email. That sort of customer is soon to be extinct, mark my words.

The specifications here are quite similar to last year’s Clear Spot 4G Apollo, though here we’ve got a cheaper price as well as one less screen to worry about. Both of these devices are tiny enough to be portable all day long, and you’ll certainly want to test one out if you get the chance before pulling the trigger. They look fabulous, and they’ve got OK potential, but if you’re used to Verizon’s LTE network, for example, you’re going to have a rude awakening when you expect the 4G here to be the same.

The move would make sense for Dish Network as the firm has long sought to bundle both wireless phone coverage and satellite broadband internet services for its customers. A purchase of either or both Sprint and Clearwire would help Dish to provide more service to more people. Bloomberg reports that Dish has been looking for a wireless partner to take advantage of the spectrum it landed in deals for DBSD North America Inc and Terrestar Networks earlier this year.

Dish has also reportedly filed for government permission to offer mobile high-speed web access to customers. The filing was last month reports Bloomberg. If the government approves the wireless request by Dish, it would be able to start building out its network. Sprint has long struggled and a sale to Dish may be just what investors need.

[via Bloomberg]

Nonetheless, it’s not the first time that China Mobile has made promising noises about an LTE iPhone. Back in January, the carrier again suggested that Apple had agreed to make a version of its smartphone using TD-LTE. That may well have been premature, however; the commercial roll-out of the network isn’t expected to take place until 2012.

Despite the absence of support for either China Mobile’s 3G TD-SCDMA or the upcoming TD-LTE, Wang says adoption of the iPhone among the carrier’s subscribers has still been positive. 8.5m already have an iPhone of some sort, he claims, despite being limited to 2G data speeds.

Even if an LTE iPhone 5 arrives sooner rather than later, it would still be of little use to North American Apple fans, at least initially. Neither AT&T nor Verizon are using the TD-LTE standard, rendering the smartphone’s high-speed connectivity incompatible.

However, Clearwire – which currently operates a WiMAX network in the US – has announced a new deal with China Mobile to promote the use of 2.5GHz TD-LTE from 2012 onwards, as well as pushing for international roaming on FDD-LTE and 2G/3G networks. If Apple decided to follow their advice and make an iPhone LTE which could roam between TD-LTE and FDD-LTE, that might result in a single high-speed handset of use to subscribers both in China and in the US.

[via GigaOm]

According to Bloomberg, three people familiar with the situation say that the carrier is still in
early talks and that there could be several scenarios. Sprint could raise funding among cable partners such as Comcast, Cablevision, and Cox, to jointly buyout Clearwire or simply invest further in the company. Clearwire has stated before that it needs an additional $600 million in order to build out its LTE network.

This deal with Sprint may be appealing for cable companies as it would allow them to compete more effectively against telephone rivals such as AT&T and Verizon, which both offer landline, wireless, internet and TV bundles. This deal is especially significant for Sprint as it is now struggling in third place and could be in big trouble should the AT&T and T-Mobile merger go through. Having a more popular LTE network over its WiMAX network will help it compete.

[via Bloomberg]

LTE 4G technology has been gaining huge momentum with plenty of marketing from Verizon, which has been rapidly building out its 4G LTE network with the goal of 175 markets by year-end. AT&T’s 4G LTE network also begun rolling out, although starting just this summer, with a lesser goal of 15 markets by year-end.

Clearwire has been testing LTE since last year, but today the announcement confirms the transition. During trials, the company has been able to achieve cleanroom speeds as high as 120Mbps. Its LTE network will be ready for LTE Advanced, which is the logical next step. It will operate at the 2.5GHz spectrum that it already uses for WiMAX, which will also give it more flexibility in deployment. In contrast, AT&T and Verizon use the 700MHz spectrum.

The rollout will target high-demand areas first, however, an exact timeline hasn’t been given. Plus, since Clearwire is a wholesale network provider, it will also depend on whether the yellow carrier is willing to pay, since T-Mobile may merge with AT&T before the end of the year.

[via Clearwire]

The Apollo will allow the connection of up to four different WiFi devices including notebooks, netbooks, tablets, and more at the same time. The device supports 4G speeds in 70 different markets coast to coast right now with more markets to come. The data plan required with the Apollo starts at $35 monthly.

The Apollo has a compact size of 3.4-inches square and weighs less than five ounces. That will make it very portable. It is manufactured by Gemtek and sells for $99 outright or can be leased for $6 monthly. It will go on sale late this month.

“With our new CLEAR Spot 4G – Apollo, surfing, streaming, gaming and entertaining are all possible this summer in over 70 markets coast to coast,” said Dow Draper, senior vice president of marketing and products for Clearwire. “This device is the ultimate Internet surfing machine and offers today’s mobile user and the millions of Wi-Fi products in use across the country, even greater access to CLEAR’s super-fast and affordable 4G Internet service.”

[via Clearwire]

From the image above, we can see that the Clear Spot 4G has just a slight redesign with rounded corners rather than the diamond cut form of last year’s Clear Spot 4G+ hotspot, which also looks very similar to the NowNetwork’s Overdrive Pro hotspot. It’s not surprising since the two companies are partners in developing the 4G WiMAX network and the 4G+ was able to hop on to either company’s network.

The new Clear Spot 4G mobile hotspot’s small LCD screen displays signal strength, network, battery levels, and WiFi network ID. It can also connect up to eight devices. However, no pricing or release date information is available yet.

[via Wireless Goodness]

That’s a shame, because back when we reviewed the Rover Puck we found it to be a decent little hotspot. Although there’s no 3G fall-back – which would have increased the price, since it would demand roaming off of Clearwire’s WiMAX network – you can share a connection with up to eight users simultaneously; most mobile hotspots limit that number to five.

In fact, Clearwire’s hotspot range is looking pretty barren right now, with only the CLEAR Spot 4G – from last year – currently available, and as a refurb at that. Sales of the Rover Puck (or its Rover Stick USB modem counterpart) have already halted. Clearwire announced its Q1 2011 financial results yesterday, with revenues up 142-percent from the previous year.

Morrow will be temporarily replaced by current board of directors chairman John Stanton, the former CEO of Western Wireless and VoiceStream Wireless. Mike Sievert, chief commercial officer, and Kevin Hart, CIO, have both announced their intention to leave Clearwire, “to pursue other opportunities.”

The company claims the exec exits will not impact its ongoing wholesale negotiations with Sprint, an agreement on which it expects is “imminent.” The two carriers had disagreed over profit sharing, and Sprint had suggested it could look instead to an LTE network.

Press Release:

CLEARWIRE NAMES CHAIRMAN JOHN STANTON AS INTERIM CEO

Kirkland, Wash., March 10, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Clearwire (NASDAQ: CLWR), a leading provider of 4G wireless broadband services in the U.S., today announced changes to the company’s executive leadership team.

John Stanton, chairman of Clearwire’s board of directors and former CEO of Western Wireless and VoiceStream Wireless, has been named CEO of Clearwire on an interim basis, effective immediately. Stanton will continue to serve in his role as board chairman.

Stanton replaces Bill Morrow who has resigned as CEO and as a director of the board, citing personal reasons. Morrow will continue to serve as an advisor to the company during the transition period. The company has appointed a search committee, chaired by board member Dennis Hersch, to lead the hiring process for a new CEO.

“I would like to commend Bill for his tremendous leadership in building the first U.S. 4G network, adding more than 5 million subscribers, and raising funds in a challenging economic environment,” said John Stanton. “Bill built a strong leadership team which enables us to promote Erik Prusch and Hope Cochran to new roles. Together, the entire management team at Clearwire remains focused on delivering value to its customers and shareholders.”

Other Executive Appointments

As part of today’s announcement, Erik Prusch, Clearwire’s CFO, has been promoted to the newly created position of chief operating officer (COO). In this position, Prusch will be responsible for the company’s day-to-day operations, including wholesale and retail sales, marketing, customer service, supply chain, human resources, IT and network operations. In addition, Hope Cochran, Clearwire’s senior vice president and treasurer, has been promoted to the position of CFO. Cochran will be responsible for all of the company’s financial and investor related functions, including overseeing Clearwire’s ongoing fundraising efforts.

The company also announced that Mike Sievert, chief commercial officer, and Kevin Hart, CIO, are both leaving the company to pursue other opportunities. Both Sievert and Hart will remain with the company for a transition period. “We thank Mike and Kevin for their service and contributions during an incredible period of growth for Clearwire, and we wish them continued success in the future,” said Stanton.

Today’s changes in executive leadership are not expected to impact the company’s progress on an agreement with Sprint to resolve wholesale pricing disputes. Clearwire believes that an agreement with Sprint is imminent.

Stanton has held numerous leadership positions during his career in the wireless industry. He currently serves as chairman of the board of Trilogy Partnerships including Trilogy International Partners which operates wireless systems in Haiti, Dominican Republic, Bolivia and New Zealand. Stanton served as chairman and CEO of Western Wireless Corporation from 1992 until its acquisition by ALLTEL Corporation in 2005. From 1994 to 2003, Stanton served as chairman and CEO of VoiceStream Wireless Corporation, which was sold to Deutsche Telecom and became T-Mobile USA.

Customers were not only dissatisfied with the throttled internet speeds but also Clearwire’s lack of transparency. The company remained very ambiguous in its explanations, telling some customers that there were monthly usage caps while telling others that the network simply gets congested during certain times of the day.

These complaints along with revelations that Clearwire may run out of cash by mid-2011 has garnered a comparison of Clearwire’s situation to a ponzi scheme. The plaintiffs allege that Clearwire is signing up way more subscribers than its network can handle in order to shore up enough cash to eventually build out the network. The case may escalate to a class action lawsuit, accusing Clearwire of violating advertising and fair trade practices.

[via Ars Technica]

That gives Sprint and Clearwire time to negotiate their ongoing dispute over wholesale profit sharing. Earlier in the week, Sprint CEO Dan Hesse suggested that, while “Our Plan A is together with Clearwire, but we do have a Plan B … If we don’t reach agreement, we will go and do our own thing.” Subsequently, however, Hesse said he believed the pricing dispute would likely be resolved.

That could mean the LTE talk was Sprint playing hardball, trying to persuade Clearwire that it was willing to go it alone should negotiations not fall in its favor. However, with LTE catching on not only with Verizon’s network in the US, but appearing on the roadmaps of European and Asian carriers, it’s possible that Sprint may decide to switch on the basis of compatibility.

[via DigitalTrends]

According to the report, the company does not plan to immediately shut down its 140 retail stores throughout the nation and has not confirmed a timeline yet. It is likely that more details will surface on February 17th when they announce their quarterly earnings.

Clearwire’s major investor, Sprint, has been against their retail operations strategy since the beginning as it competes against Sprint’s brand and takes cash away from finishing network expansion. It is speculated that with this new strategy to shutdown the retail operation Sprint may further fund the company.

Update: Clearwire has been in touch to point out that the story is something the Wall Street Journal reported based on unnamed sources.  Clearwire did not officially announce anything today and has no comment on the story. The company has scheduled its Q4 financial results announcement for Feb 17 and will have more information on future plans at that time.

[Via MocoNews]

“Mr. McCaw served as Chairman of the Board of the Company for over 2 years, and served as the Chairman of the Company’s predecessor entity for more than 5 years. Mr. McCaw’s decision to resign is not due to any disagreements with the Company on any matters relating to the Company’s operations, policies, or practices” Clearwire SEC filing

Clear has come under renewed 4G competition in recent months, with Verizon launching its own 4G LTE network and T-Mobile offering high-speed HSPA+. The carrier has recently axed its CLEAR iSpot Apple-centric mobile hotspot, which offered cut-price 4G service to iPad and other Apple device users, but which modders discovered was readily tweaked to support any WiFi-enabled hardware.

[via BusinessWeek]

You’ll obviously need a WiMAX-compatible device to make the most of the 4G connection, such as the HTC EVO 4G, but Sprint reckons subscribers can expect downloads ten times faster than with 3G wireless. The carrier is under pressure from arch-rival Verizon, which launched its own 4G network – based on LTE technology – earlier this month.

Press Release:

Tech Lovers Rejoice! The San Francisco Bay Area is Wired with Sprint 4G

The Power and Speed of Sprint 4G is Now Available in 71 Markets Nationwide

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (BUSINESS WIRE), December 28, 2010 – Today, Sprint (NYSE:S) officially unleashed the power of 4G in one of the world’s largest hotbeds of technological creativity and advancement – the San Francisco Bay Area. The new mobile broadband service from Sprint enables fast mobile downloads, wireless video chat and turbo-charged mobile Web browsing up to 10 times faster than 3G service1. The service will initially be available in San Francisco, San Jose, Palo Alto and Oakland. Nationwide, tech enthusiasts are enjoying the power and speed of the Sprint 4G network, in 71 markets2 across the country, including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles and New York City.

The Sprint 4G Network can be accessed with a wide range of 3G/4G capable devices. For example, tourists can snap a photo of a San Francisco landmark with their Samsung Epic™ 4G and use Google Goggles to pull up facts about it by using visual search technology. Customers can video chat on their HTC EVO™ 4G, and families traveling for the holidays can power up the Overdrive™ 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot to share 4G speeds with up to five WiFi-enabled devices – such as an iPad™, laptop, iPod Touch™ or game console – making downloads, streaming video and Web browsing fast and easy. For students, consumers and small businesses that rely on Internet access, Web browsing and social networking to stay connected, Sprint also offers Dell™ Inspiron™ Mini 10 (1012) netbook designed to deliver maximum connectivity in a compact size.

“The Bay Area is responsible for creating so much new technology and today we are bringing the power of 4G to our customers in that region who are hungry for fast mobile broadband,” said Matt Carter, president-Sprint 4G. “The introduction of Sprint 4G will be a great asset for this area, and we encourage customers to try it by using one of our well-regarded 4G mobile devices.”

The Bay Area’s own Raj Singh of San Jose was one of five winners of the Sprint 4G App Challenge. Singh developed an innovative application to help food lovers be more productive in the kitchen. His application, Recipe Search, is a reverse recipe finder app. The user simply speaks the ingredients they have in their refrigerator or pantry and will then see a display of meals with directions for creating something with those ingredients.

Sprint first launched 4G in Baltimore in September 2008 and since then has delivered a robust portfolio of 4G devices, including smartphones, USB aircards, notebook/netbook products, mobile hotspots and routers, that are currently being used by consumers and businesses across the country.

For more information, visit www.sprint.com/4G.

The iSpot – which is locked down to wirelessly connecting to Apple devices, though there are various hacks out there if you’re feeling unofficially ambitious – is usually $79. Meanwhile there are two-for-one offers on USB modems, or – as of tomorrow – you can pick up a USB CLEAR modem and get a free home modem too.

[Thanks AJ!]

There’s also a single ethernet port for hooking up a wired computer, and a simple five LED signal strength gauge. What we’d really like to see is a WAN port for using the router with a cable/DSL modem, opening up the possibility of either coupling the bandwidth from two connections, or keeping the WiMAX as a fall-back should the hardline go down.

The CLEAR Modem with WiFi is available now, priced at $120 outright or $7 per month leased. It’s available with month-to-month or two-year agreements, with service plans starting at $35/month (plus tax); CLEAR Voice can be added for $15/month (plus tax).

Sprint reckons subscribers to its 4G service will see download rates of around 3-6 Mbps, versus 600-1.7 Mbps for traditional 3G. More information at www.sprint.com/4G.

Press Release:

Sprint 4G Rolls Out in Los Angeles, Miami, Washington, D.C., Cleveland, Cincinnati and Columbus, Ohio

Sprint Expands the Power and Immediacy of 4G to 68 Markets Nationwide

San Francisco Market expected to launch 4G Service on Dec. 28

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (BUSINESS WIRE), November 29, 2010 – Sprint (NYSE:S) today officially unleashed the power of 4G – enabling fast mobile downloads, wireless video chat and turbo-charged mobile Web browsing up to 10 times faster than 3G service1 – in Los Angeles, Miami, Washington D.C., Cleveland, Cincinnati and Columbus, Ohio. Customers in these metropolitan areas can now take full advantage of the Sprint 4G network using a wide range of 4G-capable devices. With the addition of these six markets, Sprint 4G is now available in 68 markets2 across the country, including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Houston and New York City. Additionally, the wireless carrier announced that it expects to launch the San Francisco market – home to Silicon Valley and thousands of tech enthusiasts – on Dec. 28.

How will 4G benefit Sprint customers in these areas? With the Overdrive™ 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot by Sierra Wireless, a visitor to Washington, D.C., (including Northern Virginia and parts of Maryland) can connect to the Internet with a laptop or any Wi-Fi enabled device to check the news at speeds that are up to 10 times faster than 3G. A hungry tourist in Miami, Fort Lauderdale or Palm Beach can search for the best food truck in their vicinity using one of the food-truck applications in the Android™ Market on Samsung Epic™ 4G. If sports fans in Cleveland, Cincinnati or Columbus are looking for up-to-date scores, no problem – it’s easy and quick to find on HTC EVO™ 4G. And, surfers in Los Angeles can forgo the waves and surf the Internet on-the-go using the first 3G/4G-embedded netbook and notebook from Sprint – the Dell™ Inspiron™ Mini 10 (1012) netbook and Dell™ Inspiron™ 11z notebook.

“We have witnessed a great demand from our customers for 4G speeds, power and capabilities in these cities already and today they officially have it,” said Matt Carter, president-Sprint 4G. “We are proud to deliver on our commitment to serve our customers and deliver 4G to more major metropolitan areas in 2010.”

Sprint first launched 4G in Baltimore in September 2008 and since then has delivered a comprehensive consumer, business and public sector strategy and a robust portfolio of devices, consisting of phones, USB aircards, notebook/netbook products, mobile hotspots and routers, that are being used by satisfied consumers and businesses.

To get an insider’s view about how Sprint is making sure that 4G is ready for its customers, visit the YouTube Web video series “Wiring Up 4G.” Videos are available for Los Angeles and New York City.

Sprint is delivering the power of 4G as the majority shareholder of Clearwire, the independent company that is building the WiMAX network. For more information, visit www.sprint.com/4G.

About Sprint Nextel

Sprint Nextel offers a comprehensive range of wireless and wireline communications services bringing the freedom of mobility to consumers, businesses and government users. Sprint Nextel served more than 48.8 million customers at the end of the third quarter of 2010 and is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying innovative technologies, including the first wireless 4G service from a national carrier in the United States; offering industry-leading mobile data services, leading prepaid brands including Virgin Mobile USA, Boost Mobile, Common Cents Mobile and Assurance Wireless; instant national and international push-to-talk capabilities; and a global Tier 1 Internet backbone. Newsweek ranked Sprint No. 6 in its 2010 Green Rankings, listing it as one of the nation’s greenest companies, the highest of any telecommunications company. You can learn more and visit Sprint at www.sprint.com or www.facebook.com/sprint and www.twitter.com/sprint.

1 “Up to 10x faster” based on download speed comparison of 3G’s 600 kbps vs. 4G’s 6 Mbps. Industry published 3G avg. speeds (600 kbps-1.7 Mbps); 4G avg. speeds (3-6 Mbps). Actual speeds may vary by plan or based on other factors.

You can check coverage in NYC here, though be warned it’s not all-pervasive.  WiMAX is still a work in progress, so devices like the HTC EVO 4G also pack 3G connectivity as well for roll-back purposes.  Some of Clear and Sprint’s standalone modems or mobile hotspots do not, however, though there’s usually a price advantage in that case.

Press Release:

Sprint Unveils First 4G Mobile Network in the Big Apple

Sprint Expands the Power and Immediacy of 4G to 61 Markets, Now Available in New York City, Hartford, New Haven, New Brunswick, Trenton and Tampa

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (BUSINESS WIRE), November 01, 2010 – The wait is over, starting today, Sprint (NYSE:S) 4G – the next generation in wireless service – is available to customers in New York City, Hartford, New Haven, New Brunswick, Trenton and Tampa. With Sprint 4G, wireless customers can experience mobile downloads, video chat capabilities and turbo-charged Web browsing up to 10 times faster than 3G service1 – all on the first wireless 4G network from a national carrier.

Customers around the country can take advantage of the Sprint 4G Network with a range of 4G-capable devices already available from Sprint. New Yorkers and tourists visiting the Big Apple can quickly access information about the latest Broadway shows and find the latest, greatest places to eat with their Samsung Epic™ 4G and use Google Goggles to pull up facts about each using visual search technology powered by Sprint 4G. They can use video chat on their HTC EVO™ 4G to show friends a live view of Yankee Stadium, and coffee-house dwellers can power up the Overdrive™ 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot to share 4G speeds with up to five WiFi-enabled devices – such as an iPad™, laptop, camera or game console – making downloads, streaming video and Web browsing fast.

“Sprint has provided customers with 4G service since 2008 and we’re proud to extend our leadership to six more cities today, including New York City,” said Matt Carter, president of Sprint 4G. “Sprint is the first national wireless carrier to make 4G a reality for our customers and with the addition of these six new markets we are now in 61 cities, including Chicago, Baltimore and Houston, and are growing. By the end of the year Sprint 4G plans to light up several major new markets including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, Denver and Washington DC to name a few.”

Sprint is delivering the power of 4G as the majority shareholder of Clearwire, the independent company that is building the WiMAX network. For more information, visit www.sprint.com/4G.

Sprint also merged its spectrum with Clearwire which now provides the 4G pipe. Then of course, there’s the LTE trials run by Clearwire (during which they achieved a speed of 90 Mbps down, which is pretty neat. “We have so much spectrum that we decided to do tests so in case we have multi-modal phones with other air interfaces, we can add LTE on top of WiMAX and run both networks,” he said. “We have not announced a decision to put LTE anywhere in our network, and we are not intending to.”

Continuing on spectrum, Hesse said, “The greatest single asset Clearwire has, more than any other [wireless] company is the spectrum it owns, and it is its greatest competitive advantage.” On the news September of this year that Clearwire might be selling some spectrum to T-Mobile, Hesse has doubts, “My own view is that they won’t be doing that.” Clean and clear.

Then there’s the eventual shutdown of other networks: “2G will eventually come to an end. CDMA will come to an end. GSM will come to an end and iDEN will come to an end,” Hesse said. “Over time, as fewer customers are using our 2G networks, we can use that spectrum for the CDMA/EVDO network.” And the crushing fingers of the gods did collect all the souls of those who would enjoy a faster phone connection. Repent now.

[Via GigaOM]

Each will have their own branding and market offering, though we can’t imagine there’ll be much competition on price at first.  Of course, that will likely all change when Verizon turn on their LTE networks, also promised for the end of this year.

Press Release:

Clearwire, Sprint and Time Warner Cable to Launch 4G in New York City
4G Mobile Broadband Coming to New York City on November 1
Clearwire to Offer CLEAR(R)
Sprint to Offer Sprint 4G
Time Warner Cable to Offer Time Warner Cable Mobile Internet
KIRKLAND, Wash. & OVERLAND PARK, Kan. & NEW YORK, Oct 18, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) –

Clearwire Corporation (NASDAQ: CLWR), Sprint (NYSE: S) and Time Warner Cable (NYSE: TWC) today announced plans to launch their respective 4G mobile internet services in New York later this year. Each of the companies will offer 4G services under their own 4G brand.

Clearwire, Sprint and Time Warner Cable will each launch commercial 4G service in New York City on November 1, with official launch events and retail store openings to follow in each market. Consumers and businesses should expect to see additional network expansions throughout New York City, along with a wide-range of independent marketing and advertising initiatives.

The 4G customer experience from Clearwire, Sprint, and Time Warner Cable is similar to Wi-Fi but without the short-range limitations. The network uses wireless 4G technology that differs from Wi-Fi because it provides service areas measured in miles, not feet. Outside the 4G service area, dual-mode 4G/3G modems keep users continually connected by leveraging Sprint’s 3G data network.

Customers in the New York City area will now be able to increase their mobility and productivity in many ways: from instantly downloading large files to get work done on the run, to browsing the web just like at home from across the city, or watching online videos and movies nearly anywhere around town.

Subscribers will also be able to purchase a wide range of 4G devices, including: compact USB modems, numerous Intel(R) embedded WiMAX laptops and netbooks, portable Wi-Fi/4G hotspots, and other wireless devices, all aimed at making lives in 4G cities more mobile and efficient.

CLEAR

Clearwire’s 4G service, CLEAR(R), is take-it-with-you internet service for businesses and consumers. Customers will be able to purchase service online at www.clear.com, followed by retail store and dealer openings. Today, in advance of Clearwire’s commercial 4G launch in New York, dual-mode 3G/4G service is now available to consumers in select areas. This targeted pre-launch promotion provides early adopters with broad 3G coverage and limited 4G coverage while final work on Clearwire’s 4G network is completed. 4G-only mobile services are not yet being offered as part of this pre-launch promotion. For more information about pricing, services, devices, and local retail locations, visit www.clear.com.

Press Release:

Clearwire and Sprint to Launch 4G in Los Angeles
4G Mobile Broadband Coming to Los Angeles on December 1
Clearwire to offer CLEAR(R)
Sprint to offer Sprint 4G
KIRKLAND, Wash. & OVERLAND PARK, Kan., Oct 18, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) –

Clearwire Corporation (NASDAQ: CLWR) and Sprint (NYSE: S) today announced plans to launch their respective 4G mobile internet services in Los Angeles later this year. Both companies will offer 4G services under their own 4G brand.

Clearwire and Sprint will both launch commercial 4G service in Los Angeles on December 1 with official launch events and retail store openings to follow. Consumers and businesses should expect to see additional network expansions in Los Angeles, and a wide range of independent marketing and advertising initiatives.

The 4G customer experience from Clearwire and Sprint is similar to Wi-Fi but without the short-range limitations. The network uses wireless 4G technology that differs from Wi-Fi because it provides service areas measured in miles, not feet. Outside the 4G service area, dual-mode 4G/3G modems keep users continually connected by leveraging Sprint’s 3G data network.

Customers in Los Angeles will now be able to increase their mobility and productivity in many ways: from instantly downloading large files to get work done on the run, to browsing the web just like at home from across the city, or watching online videos and movies nearly anywhere around town.

Subscribers will also be able to purchase a wide range of 4G devices, including: compact USB modems, numerous Intel(R) embedded WiMAX laptops and netbooks, portable Wi-Fi/4G hotspots, and other wireless devices, all aimed at making lives in 4G cities more mobile and efficient.

CLEAR

Clearwire’s 4G service, CLEAR(R), is take-it-with-you internet service for businesses and consumers. Customers will be able to purchase service online at www.clear.com, followed by retail store and dealer openings. Today, in advance of Clearwire’s commercial 4G launch in Los Angeles, dual-mode 3G/4G service is now available to consumers in select areas. This targeted pre-launch promotion provides early adopters with broad 3G coverage and limited 4G coverage while final work on Clearwire’s 4G network is completed. 4G-only mobile services are not yet being offered as part of this pre-launch promotion. For more information about pricing, services, devices, and local retail locations, visit www.clear.com.

Press Release:

Clearwire, Comcast and Sprint to Launch 4G in San Francisco
4G Mobile Broadband Coming to San Francisco in Late December
Clearwire to Offer CLEAR(R)
Comcast to Offer XFINITY(TM) Internet 2go
Sprint to Offer Sprint 4G
KIRKLAND, Wash. & PHILADELPHIA & OVERLAND PARK, Kan., Oct 18, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) –

Clearwire Corporation (NASDAQ:CLWR), Comcast (NASDAQ:CMCSA) (NASDAQ:CMCSK) and Sprint (NYSE:S) today announced plans to launch their respective 4G mobile internet services in the high-tech mecca of San Francisco later this year. Each of the companies will offer 4G services under their own 4G brand.

Clearwire, Comcast and Sprint will each launch commercial 4G service in the San Francisco Bay Area in late December, with official launch events and retail store openings to follow across the region. Consumers and businesses should expect to see additional network expansions throughout the city, and a wide range of independent marketing and advertising initiatives.

The 4G customer experience from Clearwire, Comcast, and Sprint uses wireless 4G technology that differs from Wi-Fi because it provides service areas measured in miles, not feet. Outside the 4G service area, dual-mode 4G/3G modems keep users continually connected by leveraging Sprint’s 3G data network.

Customers in San Francisco will be able to increase their mobility and productivity in many ways: from instantly downloading large files to get work done on the run, to browsing the web just like at home from across the city, or watching online videos and movies nearly anywhere around town.

Subscribers will also be able to purchase a wide range of 4G devices, including: compact USB modems, numerous Intel(R) embedded WiMAX laptops and netbooks, portable Wi-Fi/4G hotspots, and other wireless devices, all aimed at making lives in these 4G cities more mobile and efficient.

CLEAR

Clearwire’s 4G service, CLEAR(R), is take-it-with-you internet service for businesses and consumers. Customers will be able to purchase service online at www.clear.com, followed by retail store and dealer openings. For more information about pricing, services, devices, and local retail locations, visit www.clear.com.

Interestingly, the announcement comes after T-Mobile were tipped to be considering investing in Clearwire, though no public confirmation of a potential deal has been made.  Sprint still has four appointees on the Clearwire board, and reserve the right to appoint up to three more at a later date.

Press Release:

Clearwire Announces Changes to Board of Directors
KIRKLAND, Wash., Sep 30, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) –

Clearwire Corporation (NASDAQ: CLWR), a leading provider of wireless broadband services and operator of the largest 4G network in the country, today announced that Daniel R. Hesse, Keith O. Cowan, and Steven L. Elfman have resigned from the Clearwire board of directors. Hesse, Cowan and Elfman are all officers of Sprint Nextel Corporation and were nominated to the Clearwire board by Sprint.

Clearwire was informed by Sprint that the decisions to resign were made out of an abundance of caution to address questions raised by Clearwire regarding new developments in antitrust law. Clearwire’s board structure allows for 13 members, seven of which Sprint has the right to appoint. The remaining four Sprint appointees to the Clearwire board are unchanged, and Sprint reserved the right to appoint new members to the Clearwire board at a later date.

About Clearwire

Clearwire Corporation (NASDAQ:CLWR), through its operating subsidiaries, is a leading provider of wireless broadband services. Clearwire’s 4G network is currently available in areas of the U.S. where approximately 66 million people live and the company plans to continue to expand its 4G coverage. Clearwire’s open all-IP network, combined with significant spectrum holdings, provides an unprecedented combination of speed and mobility to deliver next generation broadband access. The company markets its 4G service through its own brand called CLEAR(R) as well as through its wholesale relationships with Sprint, Comcast and Time Warner Cable. Strategic investors include Intel Capital, Comcast, Sprint, Google, Time Warner Cable, and Bright House Networks. Clearwire is headquartered in Kirkland, Wash. Additional information is available at http://www.clearwire.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release, and other written and oral statements made by Clearwire from time to time, contains forward-looking statements which are based on management’s current expectations and beliefs, as well as on a number of assumptions concerning future events made with information that is currently available. Forward-looking statements may include, without limitation, management’s expectations regarding future financial and operating performance and financial condition; proposed transactions; network development and market launch plans; strategic plans and objectives; industry conditions; the strength of the balance sheet; and liquidity and financing needs. The words “will,” “would,” “may,” “should,” “estimate,” “project,” “forecast,” “intend,” “expect,” “believe,” “target,” “designed,” “plan” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on such forward- looking statements, which are not a guarantee of performance and are subject to a number of uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside of Clearwire’s control, which could cause actual results to differ materially and adversely from such statements. Some factors that could cause actual results to differ are:

We are an early-stage company with a history of operating losses and we expect to continue to realize significant net losses for the foreseeable future.
Our current and future plans are subject to a number of conditions and uncertainties, including among others, our ability to manage ongoing market development activities (including the development of over 10,000 sites), our performance in launched markets and our access to additional funding.
We regularly evaluate our plans, and we may elect to pursue new or alternative strategies which we believe would be beneficial to our business, including among other things, modifying the pace at which we build our 4G mobile broadband networks, augmenting our network coverage in markets we launch, changing our sales and marketing strategy and or acquiring additional spectrum. Such modifications to our plans could significantly change our capital requirements.
We believe that we require substantial additional financing to maintain our current business plans, and if we are unable to raise such financing on acceptable terms we will need to modify our plans accordingly.
We may fail to realize all of the anticipated benefits of the transactions with Sprint and the strategic investors.
We have deployed a wireless broadband network based on mobile WiMAX technology, and would incur significant costs to deploy alternative technologies. Additionally, such alternative technologies may not perform as we expect on our network and deploying such technologies would result in additional risks to the company.
We currently depend on our commercial partners to develop and deliver the equipment for our legacy and mobile WiMAX networks.
Many of our competitors are better established and have significantly greater resources, and may subsidize their competitive offerings with other products and services.
Our substantial indebtedness and restrictive debt covenants could limit our financing options and liquidity position and may limit our ability to grow our business.
Sprint Nextel Corporation owns a majority of our shares, resulting in Sprint holding a majority voting interest in the Company, and Sprint may have, or may develop in the future, interests that may diverge from other stockholders.
Future sales of large blocks of our common stock may adversely impact our stock price.
For a more detailed description of the factors that could cause such a difference, please refer to Clearwire’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the information under the heading “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 24, 2010 and our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 5, 2010. Clearwire assumes no obligation to update or supplement such forward-looking statements.

Instead it has a single ethernet port – for hooking up a wired computer – and WiFi to share out the 4G as you would with a regular wireless router.  There’s no indication of how many concurrent users can be wirelessly connected at any one time; the Rover Puck, for instance, can support eight, though of course a home router can handle many more than that.

No word from CLEAR as to when the new 4G WiFi router will arrive, nor what sort of price it will command.  The company currently sells two domestic/office WiMAX modems, each at $84.99, and enabling a single ethernet-connected computer to get online.

[via Wireless Goodness]

Rover is Clearwire’s new youth-oriented pre-paid arm, offering WiMAX data products without demanding credit checks or long-term agreements. As well as the $149.99 Puck mobile hotspot they offer a simple USB modem called the Rover Stick (which is $99.99); beyond that, if you don’t want to use any data then you have nothing to pay. $5 gets you a day’s unlimited 4G data; $20 gets you a week’s unlimited data; and $50 gets you a month’s unlimited data.

We’ve obviously seen mobile hotspot devices before, but the Puck differentiates itself by connecting to up to eight WiFi clients – more normally it’s five. The hardware itself is certainly distinctive, if a little on the large side. A broad, flat disc – around 4.25-inches across – it’s finished in glossy black plastic and has a row of tiny LED status lights at the bottom of the central section. The only wired connectivity is a microUSB port on the side, used for recharging the fixed internal battery, and Clear provide a USB cable, USB AC adapter and USB in-car adapter to juice it up.

Power it on, connect your computer to the default SSID, and the first thing you’re faced with is a status page from which you can manage the Puck as well as your data package. The router supports WiFi b/g/n together with 64- or 128-bit WEP, WPA or WPA2 encryption, and you can also set two SSIDs for personal and guest access. That lets you shut off the guest network when you want to keep all the bandwidth to yourself.

Given they want your money on a regular basis, Clearwire has made it pretty easy to get the Rover Puck online. The three packages – for a day, a week or a month of service – can be purchased online using a credit card, or alternatively they’ll be offering $20 and $50 vouchers in select retail stores. That should mean teenagers and those without credit cards (or with bad credit scores) can still get online as long as they’ve got the cash.

Beyond that it’s business as usual for any mobile hotspot; you connect as you would to any WiFi router. We tested the Rover Puck in Dallas and found on average 4.2 Mbps download speeds and 0.6 Mbps upload speeds. That falls roughly in the middle of Clearwire’s claims of 3-6 Mbps downloads and up to 1 Mbps uploads.

As with the Clear iSpot, the Rover Puck’s biggest drawback is the absence of any sort of 3G connectivity. The Puck has a 4G modem but no EVDO Rev.A backup for when you’re outside of WiMAX coverage. That means it’s important to check Clear’s coverage maps to make sure you’re actually going to be getting service.

You’re also reliant on the Puck’s battery, and we know WiMAX can be pretty hungry from using connection-sharing apps on the HTC EVO 4G and Samsung Epic 4G. Clearwire quote up to four hours of active use from a full charge, though in our experience it feel short of that. With a strong WiMAX signal we managed 3 hours and 20 minutes, though it’s worth pointing out that the unit got extremely hot during that time; certainly to the point where it could be uncomfortable in a pocket. The WiFi will stay active even when charging, so as long as you’re near a power source you can remain online.

Clearwire’s 4G speeds are good enough that we could imagine sporadic internet users – or those unimpressed by lengthy agreements – opting for the Puck rather than a home broadband connection. It would also serve students well, or indeed anyone who spends part of their time in a 4G-served area and who wants to get online.

Still, without 3G as a backup, the Rover Puck’s flexibility is significantly curtailed. We’re guessing – as with the iSpot – that it’s this 4G-only capability that allows Clearwire to offer it at such a competitive price, but it still means the target audience is far smaller than it could be. It’s also worth noting that you pay for the privilege of service flexibility. Clear already offer month-to-month service plan options, with no long-term contract (but assuming continuity of service), with their Clear Spot hotspot priced at $99.99 outright and unlimited data at $40 per month ($10 less than the Rover rate).

If you’re served by 4G and you want a flexible way to get online without tying yourself into a contract, the Clearwire Rover Puck is a solid way of doing so. That’s not to say it’s perfect, mind; there’s a premium for pre-paid data, and no 3G to fall back on when you drop out of WiMAX range. Clear’s own iSpot, meanwhile, is cheaper again if you’re only looking to get Apple portable devices connected (or don’t mind doing some unofficial hacking). Nonetheless, there’s little that offers quite the versatility that Rover’s plans do, and for that it’s a welcome addition to the gear bag.

The network is targeting Rover at young users wanting connectivity without commitment, and as such they’ll be offering pay-as-you-go top-ups both online and – in $20 and $50 denominations – in select stores.  New owners of either modem will get two day’s inclusive use, so they can figure out whether they’ll want to take advantage of the 14-day no-hassle return policy.

Neither the Puck or the Stick have 3G to fall back on, so if you’re not in a CLEAR-serviced area then these aren’t the devices for you.  The Rover Puck supports WiFi b/g/n with WEP/WPA/WP2 encryption, can operate two SSIDs simultaneously, has a 100ft range and 4hr battery life; it recharges via USB.  If you’re tempted, and don’t mind paying for a year’s worth of service upfront, you can get the Rover and 12 months WiMAX for $500 (saving $100) by using the coupon code “Crazy”.

Press Release:

Clearwire Introduces Rover: Instant Gratification to the Internet Addicted

Nation’s First Pay-As-You-Go 4G Mobile Broadband Service
Unlimited Usage for Just $5/day, $20/week, $50/month
Redefines “Friends with Benefits” with Rover Puck(TM)
Rover Stick(TM) Available for Those With Commitment Issues
KIRKLAND, Wash., Aug 30, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) –

Clearwire Corporation (NASDAQ:CLWR) today unveiled Rover(TM): the nation’s first pay-as-you-go 4G mobile broadband service for tech-savvy Gen Y customers. The Rover brand is designed for digitally addicted youth who refuse to settle for long-term contracts, overpriced internet service, or speeds slower than what they’ve become accustomed to at home.

Rover is available in all of Clearwire’s 49 4G markets across the U.S. at rover.com. Rover is also available at CLEAR stores, Best Buy stores and select independent wireless dealers in Houston and St. Louis.

“Simple, commitment-free wireless services are wildly popular with the Gen Y crowd, and Rover provides them with the first pay-as-you-go unlimited mobile internet offering at 4G speeds,” said Mike Sievert, chief commercial officer for Clearwire. “We’ve built Rover from the ground up with products, pricing and features designed specifically to serve a younger market who knows how you get connected is just as important as where. Expanding our offers to meet this underserved segment is an important new business opportunity for Clearwire as we continue to extend our leadership in mobile broadband.”

“The opportunity for pay-as-you-go mobile broadband should not be underestimated,” said Carrie MacGillvray, program manager and wireless analyst at IDC. “Prepaid – or pay-as-you-go – data provides an option for consumers to experiment with the power of mobile broadband without being saddled with a two-year commitment. A prepaid mobile broadband service can offer consumers the ability to access and share Internet service, at home or on the go, in an affordable way.”

PUCKS AND STICKS

Friends with Benefits

Rover’s flagship device is the Rover Puck: an ergonomically designed portable Wi-Fi hotspot that lets you share broadband access, or “Puck”, with up to eight devices at home, out on the town or nearly anywhere the feeling strikes you. The Rover Puck can easily slip into a purse or backpack and serve as an on-the-go broadband access point for devices such as laptops, netbooks, the iPad(TM), the iPod touch(R), smartphones, PSP(R) systems, game consoles, and Wi-Fi enabled digital cameras, among others. Users have the option to connect up to eight Wi-Fi enabled devices simultaneously.

The Rover Puck features mobile download speeds of three to six mbps, with bursts over 10 mbps (up to 4x faster than conventional 3G), using Clearwire’s 4G network. The Rover Puck is available today for $149.99 (plus tax).

Going Solo

The Rover Stick(TM) is a personal 4G USB modem that connects any notebook, laptop or desktop to the Rover 4G Service. The Rover Stick is compatible with MacBook(R) and MacBook(R) Pro laptops using Mac OS X, as well as netbooks and notebooks running Windows(R) XP, Windows Vista(R) and Windows(R) 7. Offering the same super-fast internet speed as the Rover Puck, the Rover Stick is available today for $99.99 (plus tax).

No Commitment Issues

New users receive two free days of service to ensure Rover’s metro-focused 4G coverage fits their mobile lifestyle. Rover has a 14-day no-hassle return policy for any device purchases made on rover.com or in CLEAR stores.

Rover is priced at $5/day, $20/week, or $50/month for unlimited 4G internet usage. Depending on the retail channel, customers will be able to purchase a Rover Re-Up PIN code or physical Rover Re-Up card in $20 or $50 denominations. Rover Re-Up is available online at rover.com, at all retail outlets carrying the Rover Puck or Rover Stick, as well as at Rover Re-Up specific retail locations. Rover does not require a credit card to activate service and is designed to bring broadband internet to a new audience.

GENERATION Y

The Rover brand is designed for a demographic that has grown up in a wireless world. They manage their life through the internet, and their devices signify status. Rover provides products and service to meet their need for all things internet.

“Rover’s target audience has never known life without internet. They love their devices and they want as much speed and capacity as possible, without the limits and commitments of most mobile options,” said Seth Cummings, GM, Rover. “Rover offers iconic devices along with straight-forward pricing, and plans where unlimited truly means unlimited. It is not in Rover’s DNA to be constraining, confusing or complex.”

MARKETING CAMPAIGN

Launch campaign

Rover’s initial communications will showcase the dramatic ways in which 4G mobile broadband can change human behavior in previously unimagined ways. More information is available at www.evology.com.

Life @ 4G

Rover.com invites users to experience “Life @ 4G.” Rover-sponsored athletes and music artists will be profiled, showing how Rover influences their careers and lives as they live Life @ 4G. Sporting a Rover wingsuit, base jumper JT Holmes, who travels up to 150 mph during freefall proximity flying, lives life with the Rover Puck and no strings attached.

Rover Activity Badges

Rover believes in loyalty, and will introduce a badging system that rewards users for participating in Rover activities. For example, the “Trendsetter” badge recognizes early adopters of Rover in each market, and the “Friends with Benefits” badge acknowledges users who refer friends to the Rover service. Badges have become wildly popular on location-based apps and are expected to resonate with the youth consumer and motivate usage.

THE BIG PICTURE

4G Network of Networks

Rover is the newest brand connected to the Clearwire 4G network, joining brands which include CLEAR(R), Sprint 4G, Comcast High-Speed 2Go, Time Warner Cable Roadrunner 4G, Best Buy Connect and Cbeyond. Today, the Clearwire 4G “network of networks” is available in select cities throughout the United States, where approximately 56 million people live.

Detailed coverage maps of service availability can be found at www.rover.com/coverage.

For press, broadcast and bloggers: Video footage can be linked from www.youtube.com/rover4g. Product and brand images and company logos can be downloaded from the Clearwire Newsroom at www.clearwire.com/newsroom. To subscribe to Rover RSS news feed, click here.

For more information about Rover, visit www.rover.com. Clearwire company information is available at http://www.clearwire.com.

The tests are designed primarily to see how LTE and WiMax live together, within the same market and utilizing the same spectrum. Clear stated that they are going to use hardware from Chinese manufacturer Huawei, utilizing FDD LTE and TDD LTE equipment. And the tests will take place within the 2.4 and 2.6GHz bands, where Clear currently holds assets.

Now, for the download speeds. Clearwire said that they fully expect to reach download speeds of between 20Mbps and 70Mbps. To put that into comparison, Verizon’s expected to reach somewhere between 5Mbps and 7Mbps on their own LTE 4G network, which is scheduled to launch later this year. Apparently, Clear believes that with their spectrum assets and their technology, the combination of LTE and WiMax will result in these increased speeds. AS for participating wireless carriers, Clear didn’t name any names, but they did say that a number of entities are involved in the testing. The tests are scheduled to begin this Fall and go all the way through the Winter of 2011, all in Phoenix, Arizona.

[via Phone Scoop]

The iSpot can share its 4G connectivity with up to eight WiFi products from Apple. The download speeds are from 3Mbps to 6Mbps with the service and bursts can be up to 10Mbps.

The iSpot device sells for $99.99 and the best news is that the 4G connectivity for the device is $25 monthly for unlimited data. That $25 monthly rate is month-to-month as well with no contract needed. You can connect any WiFi device to the iSpot even though it is designed with Apple gear in mind.

That now makes forty-eight metropolitan areas with WiMAX coverage – the full list is in the press release below – and Sprint reckon subscribers will see up to ten-times the performance of a regular 3G connection.

Now it’s just a case of getting the supplies of handsets that use the 4G network to cater for demand; Sprint CEO Dan Hesse has already admitted that shortages of flagship devices such as the HTC EVO 4G have undermined the carrier’s advantage over rivals.  In the meantime, HTC has announced plans to use Super LCD displays alongside AMOLED panels so as to alleviate the bottleneck.

Press Release:

Sprint Launches 4G Coverage in Delaware, Florida and Michigan and Extends 4G Coverage in California

Modesto, Calif., Stockton, Calif., Jacksonville, Fla., Wilmington, Del., and Grand Rapids, Mich., Launched Today
OVERLAND PARK, Kan., Aug 02, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) –

Today, Sprint (NYSE:S) unveiled 4G service to populous areas of California, Delaware, Florida and Michigan. With today’s launches of Modesto, Calif., Stockton, Calif., Jacksonville, Fla., Wilmington, Del., and Grand Rapids, Mich., Sprint boasts 48 metropolitan areas enabled with the new mobile broadband service, which allows for Internet traffic at super fast speeds. Unlike competitors, Sprint is the first national wireless carrier to actually launch wireless 4G technology in cities across the country. Wilmington, Jacksonville and Grand Rapids are the first cities in Delaware, Florida and Michigan to offer 4G service.

With 4G, Sprint customers experience fast mobile downloads, streaming video without the lag, and turbo-charged Web browsing. This new wireless technology boasts download speeds up to 10 times faster than 3G.1 Users can video chat with friends and family via the popular HTC EVO(TM) 4G, America’s first 3G/4G wireless smartphone. And in the near future, Sprint customers will be able to purchase Samsung Epic(TM) 4G, the company’s second 4G enabled smartphone.

With the Overdrive(TM) 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot by Sierra Wireless, users can create a 4G hotspot on the road or at home. With the Sprint Free Guarantee, customers can try 4G for 30 days and if they are not satisfied, they can cancel service and have the opportunity to be fully reimbursed.2 Sprint also offers simplicity and savings vs. competitors with Everything Data plans, which include unlimited Web, texting and calling while on the Sprint network for one low price.

“Sprint customers are the first in the country to use 4G with either a smartphone like HTC EVO or one of Sprint’s other 4G devices like the 3G/4G Overdrive Hotspot to wirelessly connect a laptop to the Internet,” said Matt Carter, president of 4G, Sprint. “Later this year, Sprint will launch Boston, Miami, New York and Los Angeles, enabling millions more to harness this powerful new service.”

As summer travel continues, people will find that 4G is available in many markets across the country: California – Merced, Modesto, Stockton and Visalia; Delaware – Wilmington; Florida – Jacksonville; Georgia – Atlanta and Milledgeville; Hawaii – Honolulu and Maui; Idaho – Boise; Illinois – Chicago; Maryland – Baltimore; Michigan – Grand Rapids; Missouri – Kansas City and St. Louis; New York – Rochester and Syracuse; Nevada – Las Vegas; North Carolina – Charlotte, Greensboro (along with High Point and Winston-Salem), Raleigh (along with Cary, Chapel Hill and Durham); Oregon – Eugene, Portland and Salem; Pennsylvania – Harrisburg, Lancaster, Philadelphia, Reading and York; Texas – Abilene, Amarillo, Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, Killeen/Temple, Lubbock, Midland/Odessa, San Antonio, Waco and Wichita Falls; Utah – Salt Lake City; Virginia – Richmond; Washington – Bellingham, Seattle, Tri-Cities and Yakima. For more information, visit www.sprint.com/4G.

Sprint is delivering the power of 4G as the majority shareholder of Clearwire, the independent company that is building the WiMAX network.

Just over a month ago, we told you that Clearwire had their sights set on installing WiMAX modems into a bunch of Intel Core-based notebooks, which would then subsequently be sold through Best Buy some time by the holiday shopping season. Even as the report hit the ‘net, there were still plenty of questions. Primarily, was this a one time thing, or would a new deal come from the situation? It looks like we have our answer, as Best Buy and Clear have just made it possible for the two to work closely together to bring 4G service to people.

Best Buy’s Connect service just debuted a few weeks ago, and now it’s time for the service to put their foot forward and start doing some good. Unfortunately, you’ll be at the mercy of Best Buy’s Connect service, which is only available in “dozens of cities,” but the major electronics retailer affirms that the service will be rolling out to other cities through the coming months.

The deal will allow for a new 4G-based tier through the Connect service, but the companies said it won’t be ready for prime time until 2011. So, that holiday roll out of those 4G-capable notebooks still seems like the best way, at least in the short-term future, to get your WiMAX on.

[via CNET]

The Spot 4G only has a WiMAX modem, while the Spot 4G+ can also use Sprint’s 3G network when you’re outside of CLEAR coverage.  The Spot 4G is priced at $99.99 with plans from $40 per month, while the Spot 4G+ is priced at $224.99 with plans from $50 per month; both can also be leased.

Press Release:

Clearwire Announces Nationwide Availability of 4G/Wi-Fi Personal Mobile Hot Spots

CLEAR Spots Now Available in CLEAR Retail Stores, from CLEAR Authorized Dealers and at CLEAR.com

KIRKLAND, Wash. – July 7, 2010 – Clearwire Corporation (NASDAQ: CLWR), a leading provider of wireless broadband services, today announced the in-store and online availability of the CLEAR Spot 4G and CLEAR Spot 4G+ mobile hot spots. The company also announced that it has begun filling pre-orders for both devices.

The CLEAR Spot 4G and CLEAR Spot 4G+ bring super fast speeds and 4G connectivity to Wi-Fi enabled laptops, netbooks, smartphones, portable gaming and other connected devices – without the worries or hassles of tiered or capped data usage plans.

CLEAR Spot 4G
The CLEAR Spot 4G is a personal mobile hotspot allowing users to easily and securely share unlimited super fast Internet access anywhere CLEAR has coverage simultaneously with up to eight Wi-Fi-enabled devices. The CLEAR Spot 4G costs $99.99 or can be leased for $4.99 a month. Monthly CLEAR service plans start at $40 per month.

CLEAR Spot 4G+
The CLEAR Spot 4G+ allows power users and road warriors to stay connected across the U.S. by automatically switching from 4G and connecting to Sprint’s 3G nationwide network outside the 4G coverage area. The CLEAR Spot 4G+ enables users to securely share the connection with up to five Wi-Fi-enabled devices at the same time. The CLEAR Spot 4G+ costs $224.99 or can be leased for $5.99 a month. Monthly CLEAR service plans start at $55 per month.

Both devices can be ordered online at www.clear.com/spot or purchased nationwide at CLEAR retail stores and authorized dealers beginning today.

Clearwire’s choice of Core-based machines is unsurprising, given that Intel has invested heavily in WiMAX technology.  CLEAR plans start at $40 per month and offer uncapped, true-unlimited data though of course only in areas where Clearwire has network coverage.  The company recently outed a range of USB modems and MiFi-style wireless 4G hotspots for those not willing to limit their WiMAX to a single machine.

Press Release:

CLEAR(R) 4G Mobile Broadband Service Now Available with Specially Discounted Embedded 4G Devices Nationwide via Best Buy

Broader Assortment of Embedded 4G WiMAX Laptops and Netbooks Available Starting this Summer for Back to School
All Laptops Based on Intel(R) Core(TM) Processors to Have 4G WiMAX Built-in Across All Best Buy Stores Nationwide by Holiday
Expanded Devices Line-Up and Discounted Equipment Pricing Offer Consumers Greater Access to Unlimited Data with CLEAR(R) 4G Service

KIRKLAND, Wash., Jun 21, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) –Clearwire Corporation (NASDAQ: CLWR), a leading provider of wireless broadband services, today announced the nationwide expansion of embedded 4G mobile broadband laptops in all Best Buy locations and at www.bestbuy.com. Starting today, consumers will have access to expanded choices and discounted equipment offers on Intel-based, embedded WiMAX laptops with access to CLEAR(R) 4G super fast mobile Internet service.

Just in time for summer, consumers across the country can future-proof their laptops based on Intel(R) Core(TM) processor-based from Best Buy with built-in 4G capability, enabling the devices to easily connect to CLEAR’s super fast mobile Internet service. Whether streaming videos at the beach or downloading vacation footage from the backseat of a minivan, users can experience true mobile broadband connectivity in CLEAR coverage areas. Customers can choose between several devices, including the Dell Inspiron 14, Dell Inspiron 15, Dell Mini 10, and Toshiba Satellite M645. Availability will vary by location.

CLEAR offers unlimited usage, unlike service plans from traditional wireless carriers which cap the amount of data a customer can use. CLEAR’s mobile Internet plans start at $40 per month. Bundled service options for home access can offer additional savings. Qualifying embedded 4G mobile broadband devices from Best Buy are eligible for a $100 discount when customers sign up for CLEAR service with a two-year service agreement.

CLEAR service is currently available in dozens of cities, in areas of the United States where 51 million people live. A detailed map of service availability can be found at http://www.clear.com/coverage.

“Embedding 4G technology into laptops and netbooks makes it easy for consumers to experience CLEAR’s super fast mobile Internet service on the latest devices,” said Mike Sievert, chief commercial officer for Clearwire. “The discounted summer and holiday pricing on CLEAR-ready laptops from Intel and available through Best Buy is another way Clearwire is working to meet the rapidly growing demand for true mobile broadband services in the U.S.”

“The program from Best Buy to expand the availability of fully embedded, seamlessly integrated WiMAX on laptops based on Intel(R) Core(TM) processors will make it even easier for consumers across the country to enjoy the enhanced performance of Clear’s 4G mobile broadband network,” said Erik Reid, director, Mobile Product Group at Intel. “During the back to school and holiday shopping seasons, Intel, along with Best Buy and Clearwire will continue to make an unprecedented number of embedded WiMAX laptops and netbooks available from all major PC OEMs.”

That modem, the CLEAR 4G+ Mobile USB (Series S), can automatically switch between 3G and 4G connections as available.  Clearwire have had Mac-compatible USB modems before, but until now they’ve been WiMAX-only without being able to fall back onto 3G networks.

The CLEAR 4G+ Mobile USB is available to buy for $114.99 plus tax, while the CLEAR 4G and CLEAR 4G+ are leased at $44.99 per month and $60.99 per month (again, plus tax) including Clearwire’s basic CLEAR Internet plan.  The two hotspots are available from July 7th 2010.

Press Release:

Clearwire Offers More Ways to Connect to CLEAR 4G Service with Three New Devices; Adds 4G/3G Modem for Macs and PCs

• New CLEAR 4G and 4G+ Personal Wi-Fi Hotspots plus 4G/3G Mobile USB Extend Unlimited 4G Data Plans to More Mobile Devices
• New USB Modem Brings National 4G/3G Service to Apple Laptops and PCs
• CLEAR’s Uncapped Mobile Broadband Experience Available For Netbooks, Notebooks, Gaming, Entertainment, Social Media and Numerous Other Devices and Services

KIRKLAND, Wash. – June 16, 2010 – Clearwire Corporation (NASDAQ: CLWR), a leading provider of wireless broadband services, today announced the upcoming availability of three new products that will extend the potential for super fast speeds and unlimited 4G usage plans to the millions of mobile devices available today.

The latest suite of devices, the CLEAR SpotTM 4G, CLEAR Spot 4G+, and the CLEAR 4G+ Mobile USB bring new 4G connectivity possibilities to a wide range of Wi-Fi enabled laptops, netbooks, smartphones, and other connected devices – without the worries or hassles of tiered or capped usage plans.

The CLEAR Spot 4G offers the speed and flexibility of a personal Wi-Fi hotspot simultaneously connecting multiple Wi-Fi devices at 4G speeds, while the CLEAR Spot 4G+ adds the option of allowing users to easily and securely use nationwide 3G coverage when outside the 4G coverage area. In addition, the CLEAR 4G+ Mobile USB modem is the first dual-mode mobile USB from CLEAR to deliver 4G and nationwide 3G Internet coverage to the MacBook and MacBook Pro along with other non-Mac devices.

“In today’s on-the-go world, everyone deserves fast speeds and the usage they want at a fair price – without constantly checking their usage or worrying about their end of month bill,” said Dow Draper, vice president of product development for Clearwire. “These new devices offer today’s mobile user, and the millions of Wi-Fi products in use across the country, even greater access to CLEAR’s fast and affordable 4G service.”

With CLEAR® super fast mobile Internet service users can experience average mobile download speeds of 3 to 6 mbps with bursts over 10 mbps*, using Clearwire’s 4G network. Unlike service plans from traditional wireless carriers which cap data usage, CLEAR offers unlimited 4G usage plans that do not require long-term service contracts. In most markets unlimited 4G coverage from CLEAR starts at $30 for the home while unlimited mobile plans start as low as $40. Bundled services such as Home and On-The-Go and Home and Voice plans start at $55 per month. CLEAR service is currently available in dozens of cities, in areas of the United States where approximately 51 million people live. A detailed map of service availability can be found at www.clear.com/coverage.

The New CLEAR Mobile Hotspots and USB

CLEAR Spot 4G
The CLEAR Spot 4G is a personal mobile hotspot allowing users to easily and securely share unlimited super fast Internet access anywhere CLEAR has coverage simultaneously with up to eight Wi-Fi-enabled devices including laptops, smartphones, and portable gaming devices. The CLEAR Spot 4G is manufactured by InfoMark and will be available for purchase at $99.99 or for a $4.99 monthly lease. It can be preordered today at www.clear.com/spot and will available nationwide at CLEAR stores and authorized dealers in July.

CLEAR Spot 4G+
The CLEAR Spot 4G+ allows power users and road warriors alike to stay connected across the U.S. by automatically switching from 4G and connecting to Sprint’s 3G nationwide network outside the 4G coverage area. The CLEAR Spot 4G+ enables users to securely share the connection with up to five Wi-Fi-enabled devices all at the same time. The CLEAR Spot 4G+ is manufactured by Sierra Wireless and will be available to purchase for $224.99 or to lease for $5.99 per month. It can be preordered today at www.clear.com/spot and will be available nationwide at CLEAR stores and authorized dealers in July.

CLEAR 4G+ Mobile USB (Series S)
Clearwire already offers two 4G-only USB modems for Mac users, but today introduced the company’s first dual-mode 4G/3G modem available for Mac users, the CLEAR 4G+ Mobile USB. When not in the 4G coverage area, the modem will automatically switch to the Sprint 3G network to provide more ubiquitous data connectivity around the country. The 4G+ Mobile USB is compatible with MacBook and MacBook Pro laptops using Mac OS X Versions 10.5.x and 10.6.x. The new USB also supports netbooks and notebooks running Windows XP SP2, Vista and Windows 7, all in 32 and 64 bit versions. The new 4G+ Mobile USB is manufactured by Sierra Wireless.

The 4G+ USB can be purchased for $114.99 or leased monthly for $5.99. It is available today at www.clear.com/4Gplus-usb and in stores in Atlanta, Dallas, Hawaii, Harrisburg, Lancaster, Reading and York, PA. The CLEAR 4G+ Mobile USB will be available in all 4G markets beginning July 1st.
For more information about CLEAR, visit www.clear.com. Company information about Clearwire is available at www.clearwire.com.
For press and broadcast: Product images, video footage and company logos can be downloaded from the Clearwire online media gallery. To subscribe to Clearwire’s RSS news feed, click here.

About Clearwire
Clearwire Corporation (NASDAQ: CLWR), through its operating subsidiaries, is a leading provider of mobile broadband services. Our 4G network is currently available in areas of the United States where approximately 51 million people live and the company plans to continue to expand its 4G coverage. Clearwire’s open all-IP network, combined with significant spectrum holdings, provides an unprecedented combination of speed and mobility to deliver next generation broadband access. The company markets its service through its own brand called CLEAR® as well as through its wholesale relationships with Sprint, Comcast and Time Warner Cable. Strategic investors include Intel Capital, Comcast, Sprint, Google, Time Warner Cable, and Bright House Networks. Clearwire is headquartered in Kirkland, Wash. Additional information is available at www.clearwire.com.

*Speed claims based on download speeds only. Actual performance may vary and is not guaranteed. CLEAR performance claim is based on average download user speeds achieved during tests performed on the CLEAR commercial network by CLEAR. Other carrier performance based on their advertised claims.

While large wireless carriers are moving away from unlimited data plans or signaling a desire to do so, Clearwire continues to offer unlimited data plans on a faster, open 4G network. You might ask why Clearwire can do this, while larger incumbents can’t. The answer is simple. We have an all-IP network and unrivaled spectrum position, providing unmatched capacity to deliver mobile data. To put it in terms of old landline technology, our “pipe” is much bigger – several times that of incumbent carriers.

This is why technological debates about radio standards (WiMAX vs. LTE vs. HSPA+) are misplaced, and why larger incumbents are moving to tiered pricing despite plans to upgrade their networks to new technologies. We know that customers want faster speeds and more usage at a good price. Our cost efficient, high capacity, and highly-scalable all IP-network backbone, combined with our unmatched spectrum position gives us a unique and sustainable advantage to serve our retail and wholesale businesses.

Our open network, means that Wi-Fi equipped devices including those manufactured by Apple for example, can access our network using our personal 4G/Wi-Fi hotspot. Here’s a link to a video that we recorded last year demonstrating an iPhone running on our 4G network vs. a 3G network. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqdK84XU1aw. As a reminder, CLEAR service is currently available in dozens of cities, in areas of the U.S. where 44 million people live, and you can always find more information at www.clear.com.

It sounds to us like Clear doesn’t think we should all be bickering about who’s fastest, or who has enough bandwidth to support all those users. And it definitely seems like the company believes that unlimited data, for a price, is surely possible. At least, when it comes to their infrastructure. And while Clearwire may indeed have the best network to accomplish what we all want, is it enough to get people to actually use it? Or, are the familiar embraces of Verizon Wireless, AT&T, and Sprint too familiar to ignore?

Clearwire CEO Bill Morrow has clarified the change in the agreement with Intel and says that Clearwire does not intend to move from WiMax to LTE until at least 2012. The company will continue to support WiMax until then. Morrow states that the change in the terms with Intel is simply to give the company more flexibility.

Morrow told CNET, “No we haven’t exercised that right [ditching WiMax], and I don’t see the need for us to anytime soon. We won’t be deploying LTE anytime soon and definitely not before 2012. But it does give us greater flexibility.”

The Best of R3 Media

Verizon Wireless Droid Eris Set to Go Android 2.1: We can’t help but say that leaked images, no matter where they come from, aren’t the best sources to go off. Especially not when it’s talking about a particular upgrade for Android-based handsets. They just never seem to work out. With that being said, go ahead and take this one with as much salt grains as you want. According to a leaked Verizon Wireless image, the Droid Eris is getting the update to Android 2.1 not next week, but tomorrow. That actually means, for some of you out there, there could be an OTA update waiting on your handset for when you wake up in the morning. Let us know if you see anything, won’t you? [via Android Community]

Wrapsol Protective System Reviewed: We’re fans of accessories. In some cases, it’s what makes all our gadgets all the more interesting. In the case of protective systems, which are meant to save your gadgets from all sorts of dastardly actions, we really enjoy what some companies create. Wrapsol is one of those companies. Their protective system for the iPad works well, looks great, and it doesn’t add any unnecessary frills to the iPad’s already luxurious design. [via Everything iPad]

Samsung Acclaim Heading to US Cellular: Seriously, the regional carrier, US Celluar, is getting some pretty intense, and interesting, stock. First there’s the HTC Desire, which is set to hit store shelves in no time, is now being aided in the Android revolution by the Samsung Acclaim. It’s a full QWERTY keyboard device, with a 3.2-inch touchscreen display. It’s running Android 2.1 (no laughing…), and supposedly it’s going to be launched by the end of July. [via SlashPhone]

The Dredge Net

Clearwire Won’t be Using LTE Until 2012: Right now, Clearwire is one of the strongest entities in the WiMax market. If not the strongest in the entire world. And, as it stands, it seems that WiMax isn’t necessarily the strongest 4G technology out there. And, for many companies, they already know that services like Long Term Evolution, or LTE, are going to replace them. So, what’re these companies, so heavily invested in the alternative means to 4G, supposed to do? Well, obviously jump ship and hit up the competitor, of course. However, while there were some rumors that Clearwire would be doing that by the end of this year, Bill Morrow (CEO of Clearwire) decided to clear up the whole misunderstanding. They’re strengthening their WiMax experience, and they don’t have any plans to switch to LTE in the near future. Not until 2012, in fact. [via PhoneScoop]

Arizona Immigration Law Affects Indie Video Game Developer: More than likely, at least by now, you’ve heard about the immigration law that Arizona just passed. While we don’t think we need to get into the details here, let’s just say that it’s put many, many people up-in-arms. And, when you’ve got people like indie video game developers who need to move their place of business because of the law, things are definitely not all right. Mojo-Bone Software Studios, which is currently working on a project codenamed Project Blue Ghost, has apparently needed to move their workspace to California, because many voice actors they were going to use for the project don’t want to work in Arizona, for fear of racial profiling. Looks to us like some things need to change. [via Kotaku]

Apple iPhone Deal Exclusive for AT&T for 5 Years: And all of that began in 2007, according to some court documents that were just discovered. Apparently, while everyone knew that the agreement between Apple and AT&T consisted of some many number of years, the exact details weren’t known by everyone. Even by the people who were interested. But, according to some documents that have come forth, it seems that the deal itself is supposed to last 5 years. Starting in 2007. So, looks like 2012 is the date of dates. Then again, Apple could find their way out of the deal we imagine, so anything’s possible, right? [via Engadget]

Asked about the state of 4G networks, Prusch said that the ecosystem was converging and that he didn’t expect to see the same sort of technology wars as there have been in the past.  A somewhat cryptic comment that Clearwire would “keep evolving as we move forward” together with confirmation that the company had renegotiated their WiMAX agreement with Intel so that they could drop out with just 30 days notice as opposed to the previous November 28th 2011 lock-in added fuel to the speculation.

Rather than dump WiMAX altogether, Clearwire could move to support both networks; however, that would require multi-mode devices that could handle WiMAX and LTE (as well as legacy technologies for fall-back).  With headline devices such as the HTC EVO 4G due imminently it looks unlikely that Clearwire are planning a switch any time soon; however, it also seems they’re definitely keeping their options open.

The Best of R3 Media

New Android Tablet Shows Off Flash and Adobe AIR: And, according to the report, it does it so well that some would consider it “flawless.” Yep, Flash running on a mobile device “flawlessly.” We’re pretty shocked too, but we’ll have to take it for what it’s worth, because we can hope beyond hope that this is true. After all, we want the best kind of video player on our handsets, mobile devices, and tablets, and if Adobe thinks they can accomplish that, then by all means. The article states that there isn’t much information to go on, other than this is a prototype, and so far, that’s about as far as it’s gone in development. There’s a video at AC, so you should check it out and see all that flawless goodness for yourself. [via Android Community]

Griffin Jumper iPad Sleeve Gets Reviewed: The market for iPad accessories is pretty huge, and of course we’re not surprised to see all sorts of variations out there. The Griffin Jumper iPad Sleeve is definitely a different take on something kind of old, and we’d be lying if we didn’t say that’s a bit refreshing. But, the case itself is a bit too tight for the iPad, which proves a bit annoying when you’re trying to put the tablet in, or remove it for usage. The sleeve itself looks great, though, and that has to count for something. [via Everything iPad]

Sprint HTC Hero Getting Android 2.1 on May 7th: Here’s another leaked image from a major reseller. This time around it’s Best Buy, and it’s talking about the major upgrade to the HTC Hero for the Sprint network. It’s a ROM upgrade, so that could only mean (if it’s “major” enough), that the device is finally getting Android 2.1. But, then again, this is just another leak in a laundry list of leaks, so try not to hold your breath for too long. [via SlashPhone]

The Drege Net

Clearwire Promises Clear-Branded Samsung and HTC Devices: Pretty interesting stuff here. Clear today, during one of their financial calls, outed the future existence of self-branded Samsung and HTC-manufactured devices, all sporting the 4G technology Clear is so known for. The devices are expected to be released by the end of 2010, so there’s definitely a few months in between now and then for the company to fine tune whatever it is they’re working on. It describes the Sammy as an Android-based 3G/4G/WiFi device, which is optimized for heavy video and video communications use. However, the HTC device doesn’t say whether or not it’s an Android-powered handset. So, maybe Windows Phone 7, then? That’s all the information that Clear provided, but we’ll definitely be keeping our eyes and ears open for more on this very tantalizing story. [via Clearwire]

A New Sub-Orbital Spaceship for the Rich: When you become rich, one of the first things you want to do is take a trip to space, right? Of course you do! After all, you’re rich and you have nothing better to do (like earn that money). So, thanks to Dassault Aviation, that dream is one more step to becoming a reality. They want to give civilians the opportunity to travel up to space, and feel what three minutes of weightlessness feels like at 62 miles above the surface of the planet. Yep, that’s right at the edge of space. Pretty fantastic, right? No word on pricing quite yet, but, hey, you should just start saving. [via DVICE]

AT&T Refutes Claims of Staggering Dropped Calls: Earlier this afternoon, a report from ChangeWave stated that AT&T was reaching a record high of 4.5 percent of dropped calls on its network. However, this little report only covered about a couple thousand people, over a short amount of time. According to AT&T, who is basing their refuted claims on another report filed by a third-party analyst group called GWS, they are in a dead-heat race with the leader of fewest dropped called (believed to be Verizon Wireless), and that this claim of 4.5 percent is hogwash. The GWS study is definitely more tangible and believable, if only for the reason that it covered “millions” of people, and not just thousands. So, what do you think? [via Electronista]

Meanwhile next in line for 4G roll-out are New York, Los Angeles, Boston, Washington, D.C., San Francisco, Miami, Denver, Minneapolis, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Salt Lake City, St. Louis, Pittsburg and Kansas City, though while the carriers say they’ll be seeing WiMAX in 2010, there’s no public roadmap.  WiMAX service starts at around $30 per month (fixed), though Clearwire are running a discount promotion at the moment; more details in the press release below.

Press Release:

Clearwire Expands 4G Footprint in Central Pennsylvania

4G Network Expands to Cover an Additional 271 Square Miles of the Keystone State

Curtis Heffelfinger Named Clear General Manager
for Harrisburg, Lancaster, Reading and York

Consumers and Businesses Now Have Access to Mobile Internet Service Many Times Faster Than 3G

4G Mobile Internet Promotion Available for the First Two Months with $25 Service Credit at Clear.com

HARRISBURG, PA – May 3, 2010 – Clearwire Communications, LLC, an operating subsidiary of Clearwire Corporation (NASDAQ: CLWR), announced today the expansion of its sales operations for CLEAR’s super fast mobile Internet service throughout Central Pennsylvania including Harrisburg, Reading, Lancaster and York. The company also named Curtis Heffelfinger as general manager for this area.

With CLEAR®, consumers and businesses can access the Internet wirelessly at true broadband speeds – at home, in the office, and on the go – anywhere in the CLEAR coverage area. CLEAR covers 271 square miles and more than 739,000 people in areas such as Greater Harrisburg from Mechanicsburg to Hershey, Greater York from West York to Hallam, Greater Lancaster from Millersville to East Petersburg, and Greater Reading from Sinking Spring to Mount Penn. CLEAR’s network already blankets 1,000 square miles and offers service to 3.6 million people in Philadelphia.

“We are excited about this day for two reasons: we believe that CLEAR is truly going to revolutionize the way folks in Central Pennsylvania access the Internet, and it’s personally gratifying to me given that Harrisburg is my hometown,” said Curtis Heffelfinger, general manager for CLEAR. “Customers can eat lunch on City Island while conducting a WebEx meeting and baseball fans can stream radio while tailgating in the parking lot before a Revolution game in York. We’re providing an Internet experience that is unmatched and we can’t wait for people in Central Pennsylvania to enjoy it.”

A CLEAR Difference
The CLEAR customer experience is similar to that provided by Wi-Fi, but without the short-range limitations of a traditional Internet hotspot. CLEAR uses a wireless 4G technology that differs from Wi-Fi called WiMAX, which provides service areas measured in miles, not feet. Furthermore, CLEAR gives users average mobile download speeds of 3 to 6 mbps with bursts over 10 mbps.*

As the Internet integrates deeper into daily life, the opportunities to stay connected and be productive are enhanced by CLEAR in numerous ways. For example:

• A mobile professional no longer needs to seek out Wi-Fi hotspots or be constrained by the speeds and limitations of 3G modem cards;

• A college student or retiree can now have affordable Internet service to meet their needs at home, on campus and on-the-go;

• A commuter can now work or access entertainment sites like Hulu or Pandora on the way to and from home;

• A busy parent can now have full Internet connectivity for kids studying or playing games in the back of the family minivan.

For these and many other customers, CLEAR’s simple and innovative pricing provides ultimate flexibility. CLEAR’s mobile and residential plans can be purchased by the day or by the month, with several no-service-contract options available. Home Internet service plans start at $30 per month. CLEAR 4G mobile Internet plans start at $40 per month. For a limited time, customers in Harrisburg, Reading, Lancaster and York can take advantage of CLEAR’s online-only mobile Internet promotion with plans starting at $15 per month for the first two months after a $25 service credit with a two-year service agreement. This online promotion is available at http://www.clear.com.
Additional savings are available for customers purchasing a combination of services such as home-and-mobile or mobile-and-mobile options. Combination plans start at $55 per month.
True road warriors will benefit from the speed and reach of the CLEAR 4G+ dual-mode 4G/3G service. CLEAR 4G+ offers customers access to the entire Clearwire 4G network and 3G mobile Internet service outside the CLEAR service area. CLEAR 4G+ is available for $55 per month.
Visitors or occasional users with a WiMAX-enabled device can also purchase a convenient day pass for $10.

Full details about CLEAR products, service plans and options for business customers can be found online at http://www.clear.com, at a CLEAR retail store, or by visiting an authorized CLEAR dealer. CLEAR retail stores in Central Pennsylvania are located in Capital City Mall in Camp Hill and Park City Mall in Lancaster.

CLEAR service is also available from a number of other outlets including Best Buy, Frys, MicroCenter and RadioShack.

Simply Plug-In and Go
CLEAR offers several simple choices for broadband connectivity.

• Clear USB Modem and Clear 4G+ Mobile: Mobile users simply plug-in CLEAR’s compact, mobile WiMAX-enabled USB modem into their laptop to get online. From Ubee, the USB modem is available for only $64.99 or leased for just $3.99 per month. Customers can purchase the modem from a store or online. Customers who travel across the U.S. may purchase the Clear 4G+ mobile USB, a dual-mode (4G/3G) modem from CLEAR. The dual-mode capabilities give the truly mobile user access to nationwide 3G network service whenever the CLEAR 4G service is not available. The 4G+ mobile USB is available to lease for only $5.99 per month.

• Residential Data & Voice 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 Home Modem Series G, a residential modem from Gemtek, 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. There are 3 packages to choose from – Basic Home Clear Internet with Voice, Get Two, or Get Three – all with flat monthly rates.

• 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 $139.99 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. The Clear Spot is compatible with both the Clear 4G and Clear 4G+ mobile USB dual-mode service options.

• Intel Embedded WiMAX Laptops: The Dell Inspiron Mini 10 netbook featuring the Intel® AtomTM processor N450 with embedded 4G technology is now available for customers through select CLEAR retail locations, telesales and http://www.clear.com. This addition further extends the company’s leadership in 4G mobile computing. Clearwire customers can also select from one of 30 different 4G-ready Intel® Centrino® Advanced-N + WiMAX 6250 embedded netbooks and notebooks from leading manufacturers including Dell, Lenovo, Fujitsu, Samsung, and Toshiba. The Mini 10 is available for $249.99 after instant rebate.

CLEAR’s 4G Markets in 2010
CLEAR’s 4G network will expand to numerous markets around the country, and services will be offered by different service providers depending on the market. Some of the planned 4G markets in 2010 include New York, Los Angeles, Boston, Washington, D.C., San Francisco, Miami, Denver, Minneapolis, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Salt Lake City, St. Louis, Pittsburg and Kansas City.

For more information about CLEAR, visit http://www.clear.com. You can also follow CLEAR information on Twitter at @Clear_Events. Detailed company information about Clearwire is available at http://www.clearwire.com.

Press Release:

Sprint Extends 4G Leadership: Launches Service in Harrisburg, Lancaster, Reading and York

Fast Mobile Broadband Service Available to Residents of South Central Pennsylvania with Money-Back Guarantee
OVERLAND PARK, Kan., May 03, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) –Today, Sprint (NYSE: S) launched 4G service in the Pennsylvania cities of Harrisburg, Lancaster, Reading and York. With 4G, customers in this pocket of south central Pennsylvania can enjoy the benefits of mobile broadband connectivity in a local park, sitting at an outdoor cafe on Main Street or riding on a city bus. Sprint 4G users will experience fast mobile downloads, streaming video without the annoyance of buffering, and turbo-charged Web browsing. This launch further accentuates Sprint’s commitment to deliver 4G service to consumers across the country. Sprint now offers 4G in 32 markets nationwide. And, with the Sprint Free Guarantee, customers can try 4G for 30 days and if they are not satisfied, they can cancel service and have the opportunity to be fully reimbursed.1

With 4G service, residents of Harrisburg, Lancaster, Reading or York can equip any Wi-Fi-enabled device, such as a newly purchased iPad, with a red-hot connection using the Overdrive(TM) 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot by Sierra Wireless. With the Overdrive, users can connect up to five Wi-Fi devices – such as an iPad, iPod Touch or Zune HD – to speeds up to 10 times faster than 3G.2 Also, later in 2010, Sprint will launch the nation’s first 3G/4G Android phone, HTC EVO 4G, which will provide a superior and robust multimedia experience. HTC EVO 4G is also a hotspot, making it possible to download music, pictures, videos in seconds – not minutes – and watch streaming video on-the-go.

“We powered up 4G in south central Pennsylvania today, allowing commuters, time-stressed parents, gamers, teens or anyone the ability to make fast, mobile Internet connectivity portable and private,” said Karen Paletta, regional vice president, Sprint. “You no longer have to sit at a coffeehouse on an unsecure Wi-Fi connection to enjoy fast speeds on your laptop. With an Overdrive you can enjoy a true mobile broadband experience with any Wi-Fi-enabled device.”

Customers interested in Sprint 4G can take advantage of the new Sprint Free Guarantee, the most robust satisfaction guarantee in the wireless industry, allowing customers to try a new line of service with Sprint for 30 days. If a customer is not completely satisfied with Sprint during that period, they can cancel service, return their device and get reimbursed for the device purchase and activation fee, get the early termination fee waived, get a full refund for monthly service plan recurring charges incurred and get all associated taxes and fees waived. In addition, Sprint will waive the restocking fee for new customer exchanges as part of this policy. The refund excludes taxes and fees not associated with the plan, premium content, third-party billing and international charges.

Later this year, Sprint expects to launch service in multiple markets, including Boston, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Denver, Los Angeles, Kansas City, Miami, Minneapolis, New York, Pittsburgh, San Francisco, Salt Lake City, St. Louis and Washington, D.C. Today, Sprint 4G covers nearly 40 million people and expects to have up to 120 million people covered by the end of 2010. View 4G coverage for all Sprint 4G markets at www.sprint.com/4G.

However, while Sprint may have been heavily involved in the WiMAX roll-out in the US, that doesn’t mean T-Mobile are looking at it as a potential ally.  Despite rumors to the contrary over the past several months, Dotson dismissed the possibility of the two carriers joining forces.  ”What you never want to do is take one company that is going through challenges” he told investors, “and take another company going through challenges.”

While the plans seem pretty ambitious, Dotson was keen to keep expectations in context.  ”[We're] not looking at how you change the configuration of the US market” he insisted, with the plans – if they pan out – expected to only give T-Mobile subscribers access to 4G speeds.

[via cellular-news]

The new name (all capitals now) and logo come with a newly redesigned website, too, though we’re assuming users will be more interested in the faster connectivity.  One customer – who has had his early modem switched for a newer CLEAR model – reports a jump from 1.6Mbps download to 5Mbps.

Otherwise, all is as it was.  That means high-speed wireless connectivity via the WiMAX network in Atlanta, Las Vegas, Portland, Texas, Idaho and Washington, or at least certain cities among them, using either USB modem cards, standalone modem/routers, or devices with CLEAR modems embedded.

First impressions are good, with the Mondi feeling well constructed and sturdy.  As the 4.3-inch screen size might suggest it’s a compact device, though the protruding stand and camera sections on the back add up to a reasonable thickness.  It’s definitely not a MID you could slot into your front trouser pocket, though of course you do get that full QWERTY keyboard to make up for it.  The combination of shallow travel, a squared-off layout and a relatively small spacebar mean that the Mondi isn’t our first choice for text entry; it’s certainly quicker than pecking at an on-screen ‘board but you’re looking at speedy URL entry and occasional IM replies rather than anything more serious.

Samsung’s choice of Windows Mobile 6.1 is also a source of argument, and we’re not convinced that Microsoft’s aging platform is the best option for the MID.  Add in doubts about the Mondi’s official Windows Mobile 6 upgrade eligibility – which we’re waiting on official comment regarding – and you could be looking at a handheld with plenty of potential but hampered by its OS.  Still, Samsung’s TouchWiz UI overlay makes another reasonably successful appearance here, with easy to access widgets for controlling connectivity, frequently-used features and – no small thing when we’re talking about WM6.1 – visual gloss.

As for WiMAX we’re going to have to go sniffing out coverage, since CLEAR’s reach is still in its infancy.  Happily there’s WiFi for the usual hotspot connectivity, while Bluetooth means you can tether up your cellphone and get online that way.  We’ll have full feedback on the Samsung Mondi in our official review, but until then enjoy the hands-on demo video and gallery.

Samsung Mondi Hands-on demo