Clearwire Launches 4G Services in Atlanta

Clearwire Communications, LLC, the operating subsidiary of Clearwire Corporation, has announced today the launch of its 4G WiMAX wireless broadband network Atlanta. Through this launch Atlanta becomes one of the fastest unwired cities in the South, while the CLEAR service is available for more than three million people and covers an area of around 1,200 square miles. The service enables both consumers and businesses to wirelessly connect to the Internet, while experiencing true broadband speeds no matter where they are.

According to the company, the CLEAR service can provide users with a mobile broadband Internet experience similar to the one offered by fixed residential and commercial connections, such as DSL. While on the existing 3G networks users will only be able to register download speeds of between 1.0 and 1.7 Mbps, CLEAR would be able to offer them download speeds of 4 to 6 Mbps. At the same time, the speeds that the network makes possible can top 15 Mbps, which represents impressive enhancements when compared to the 7.2 Mbps that some 3G networks offer. The CLEAR network that has been deployed in Atlanta uses an area-wide WiMAX radio system from Motorola.

“By delivering broadband connectivity to people, and not just places, we now offer Atlantans the freedom to enjoy super-fast Internet access wherever they go in our coverage area,” said Marc Brachman, general manager of Atlanta market for Clearwire. “Whether it’s a busy parent who wants full Internet connectivity in the back of the family minivan, a small business owner looking to conduct online video chats with customers from the field, a person looking to access entertainment sites like Hulu [...], CLEAR delivers. We're providing a valuable, new kind of Internet service designed to make our customers’ lives more enjoyable and more productive, wherever they happen to be in our coverage area.”

The simple and innovative pricing plans that CLEAR comes with are also meant to offer flexibility to customers. CLEAR’s mobile and residential plans, the company says, can be acquired either by the day or by the month, while not requiring long-term service contracts. Home Internet service plans start at $20 per month, while mobile Internet plans at $40 per month. In addition, a convenient day pass is also available for $10. Those who acquire both Home and Mobile Internet services will benefit from further savings, and the same applies to those who sign up for a two-year service agreement. More details can be found on the company's website.