U.S. WiMAX network operator Clearwire has launched 4G roaming services with UQ Communications of Japan, offering its customers the ability to take WiMAX speeds beyond their borders. Available today, Clearwire and UQ customers relying on Intel WiMAX embedded netbooks and notebooks (or just using a WiMAX USB modem) will be able to sign-up for a Day Pass and use unlimited data while travelling throughout the covered markets in Japan and the United States.
Interested U.S. citizens travelling to Japan will have to pour out 600 JPY (about $6-7) to get a UQ WiMAX day pass. UQ provides UQ WiMAX services to more than 90% of the population in 15 of Japan’s largest cities, including Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya.
And that’s just the beginning. Clearwire also said that it is actively working with its Global Alliance Partners to expand the service to other countries around the world. We’ll definitely talk about any such deal the second it’s announced. Stay tuned…