14 DAY TRIAL // Clearwire announced on Monday the launch of the CLEAR 4G service in ten markets around the country, including Boise, Idaho and Bellingham, Wash., as well as eight in Texas: Abilene, Amarillo, Corpus Christi, Lubbock, Midland/Odessa, Killeen/Temple, Waco and Wichita Falls. According to the company, the launch is set to take place on September 1, 2009 and will provide users with a fast Internet connectivity, whether at home or on the go.
Clearwire's 4G services are based on WiMAX, a next-generation 4G standard, and should provide users with an experience similar to the one offered by Wi-Fi, the company says. The main difference between WiMAX and Wi-Fi, however, is that the former provides connectivity on a much wider range than the latter, namely on distances that can be measured in miles, not feet. Those willing to try the CLEAR service can activate it via the company's site.
As many of you might already know, Clearwire already deployed its services in a number of four markets in the country, namely in Atlanta, Baltimore, Las Vegas and Portland, Oregon. Both consumers and businesses can already acquire the services in these markets both online and from different retail locations in those areas. Following the roll-out of its network in the announced 10 markets on September 1, the company plans to offer its services to even more markets in the future, providing coverage for 80 areas and 120 million people by the end of 2010.
Before the end of the ongoing year, Clearwire's 4G network should also reach Chicago, Charlotte, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Honolulu, Philadelphia and Seattle, while in 2010 it should become available for markets such as New York, Boston, Washington, D.C., Houston, the San Francisco Bay Area, and more. The company plans to provide more details on the roll-out of its network in more markets in 2009 at its earnings call for the second quarter of the year, which is set for Tuesday, August 11. Additional info on coverage, service options and devices can be found on the company's site.