Clearwire's Thoughts on Unlimited Data Plans and Tiered Pricing
As we move into the fourth generation of mobile data speeds, and we welcome with open arms the sights of WiMAX and LTE, there's some harsh realities that we need to face when it comes to the wireless carriers that provide us with these faster speeds. Clearwire, the largest provider of 4G in the United States, has some room to talk when it comes to the fourth generation technology, and we imagine that when they do, people should listen. We were lucky enough to get a comment about unlimited data plans and tiered pricing dropped into our inbox from Clearwire, and we felt like it was important enough to share with you. Check it out after the break.
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?