Clearwire finally looks poised to go nationwide with their 4G WiMAX network. The company announced today that it has secured an additional $1.5 billion in funding from its partners to help build out the Clearwire network. Clearwire has been pushing to get their 4G WiMAX network up and running throughout the US, but it’s been a slow process. It takes a lot (seriously, a LOT) of money to build out wireless network infrastructure, money that Clearwire doesn’t necessarily have on tap. Sprint (NYSE: S), somehow, does have the money.

Most of the $1.5 billion comes from Sprint Nextel, which is putting up $1.176 billion in additional funds. Despite quarterly losses that just keep adding up, Sprint is fully invested in the Clearwire network. Sprint has majority interest in Clearwire. The carrier donated its own WiMAX assets to Clearwire as part of a deal that would allow Sprint to use Clearwire’s WiMAX network for its own 4G wireless broadband service. And, with their wireless voice business hurting, Sprint really needs WiMAX to be a success.

In comparison, big-name backers like Comcast, Time Warner Cable and Intel will be giving Clearwire $196 million, $103 million and $50 million, respectively. In that light, it’s clear that Sprint is committed to pushing WiMAX to every corner of the US. Let’s just hope it works out.

[Via: paidcontent]

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• Sprint Shows Off CDMA/WiMAX Dual-Mode Modem

T-Mobile (NYSE: DT) USA isn’t exactly known for their pervasive 3G wireless network in The States, and the wireless carrier’s parent company is owning up to that fact. Deutsche Telekom (NYSE: DT) AG Chief Financial Officer Timotheus Hoettges told reporters today that T-Mobile USA has been hurt by its lack of 3G services. Instead, the No. 4 US wireless carrier is looking to focus on its existing 3G network and plan for 4G technology in the near future.

“There is no question that we lost customers because many of our customers couldn’t get 3G,” Hoettges said. “We now have to make sure that we can capitalize on the network in the top-10 cities where we have invested.” With the relatively uncrowded US wireless market boasting “300 million households,” compared to Europe “where we have 350 million households [and] 50-70 operators,” Deutsche Telekom sees potential for T-Mobile USA to challenge bigger players like Sprint (NYSE: S) and AT&T (NYSE: T).

As for 4G, T-Mobile USA is exploring the possibility of partnering with Clearwire to use their 4G WiMAX service. Clearwire still needs $2 billion to complete their WiMAX rollout, and T-Mobile USA could help make that happen in return for use of the WiMAX network. Other options include a partnership with MetroPCS (NYSE: PCS) for their upcoming 4G LTE network, or waiting for President Obama to auction off new spectrum licenses.

We’re looking forward to seeing T-Mobile lighting up more HSPA+ markets in the US as we wait for 4G networks to get real.

[Via: Bloomberg]

Related News from IntoMobile:

• Clearwire secures $1.5 billion in funding, mostly from Sprint
• Clearwire to offer Google apps to WiMAX customers
• Clearwire sued for crappy WiMAX service and unfair termination policy
• Clearwire posts $71M Q1 2009 loss despite growth
• Deutsche Telekom rides to “good” 3Q 2008 on back of T-Mobile success

Airspan Networks has scored a contract with Australian WiMAX network operator, BigAir Group. The two companies have worked together for a few years now on the WiMAX network, but this latest contract will see Airspan expand BigAir’s WiMAX network in the Perth, Brisbane, Gold Coast and Adelaide areas.

Jason Ashton, CEO of BigAir made these comments:

BigAir has been very successful in serving our customer base…We own and operate Australia’s largest fixed wireless next-generation broadband network which now covers the six largest cities in Australia. Utilizing Airspan’s solution allows us to offer our customers higher speed, greater reliability and lower-cost broadband services.

No financial or timeline details have been released, but I’ll keep an ear to the ground for more news as it becomes available. For more details, hit up BigAir.

[Via: Cellular-News]

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• Australian WiMAX operator calls the technology a “miserable failure”
• Motorola wins WiMAX infrastructure contract for Taiwan’s M-Taiwan project
• NextWave to broadcast mobile TV over WiMAX with Alcatel-Lucent hardware
• Sprint unveils WiMAX market launches for 2009
• Vodafone is now onboard the WiMAX Forum

PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia (otherwise known as ‘Telkom’) is on track to launch their WiMAX network in Indonesia during the first quarter of 2010… That is, providing the company acquires the necessary licenses. Ermady Dahlan, Consumer Director for Telkom noted that the company was working hard on ‘administrative requirements’ in order to obtain said licenses. I fully expect the licenses to be granted.

All told thus far, Indonesia has awarded 8 WiMAX licenses. Included in the WiMAX frey are Telkom, PT Indosat Mega Media, PT First Media, PT Jasnita Telekomindo, PT Internux, PT Berca Hardayaperkasa, PT Rahajasa Media Internet, and a partnership between PT Comtronics Systems and PT Adiwarta Perdania. These 8 were taking from a total of 73 companies that expressed interest in the WiMAX expansion.

I sincerely hope my spelling is correct on the names above…

[Via: Cellular-News]

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• AT&T looking to expand to African market
• Nokia orders WiMAX chips from Intel, new Internet Tablet in 1H 2008 confirmed
• Nokia N800 Internet Tablet
• WiMAX Forum: Over 800 million people will have access to WiMAX networks by 2010
• Mobile WiMAX projected to be $15 billion industry by 2014

Clearwire has pretty much been synonymous with U.S. WiMAX since they got to work on the XOHM network, but CEO Bill Morrow has decided to clear up that misconception by saying they could change to LTE at the flip of a switch.

“We’re the only carrier that can do this. We’ll do what’s right for the business. Whether it’s LTE, WiMAX, future technology X, it doesn’t matter to me. WiMAX is here today, and LTE is not.”

Be that as it may, most cell phone manufacturers and carriers are leaning towards LTE, and in the long run, it will be in Clearwire’s best interests to make such a switch if they ever want to expand from wireless broadband and into phones.

[via FierceWireless]

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• Will Clearwire’s nationwide WiMAX push be enough to fight LTE?
• Clearwire expands 4G WiMAX to 10 new markets, goes big in Texas
• Clearwire taps Cisco as WiMAX network infrastructure partner
• Clearwire secures $1.5 billion in funding, mostly from Sprint
• Clearwire to offer Google apps to WiMAX customers

In Sprint (NYSE: S) and Clearwire’s bid to turn their 4G WiMAX network into the mobile broadband network of choice in the US, Clearwire has expanded their WiMAX network to an additional ten markets in the US. As expected, Texas is the biggest winner with eight of the 10 new markets carved within the state’s borders, adding to the recently launched Las Vegas market. As of today Boise, Idaho; Bellingham, Wash; Abilene, Texas; Amarillo, Texas; Corpus Christi, Texas; Killeen/Temple, Texas; Lubbock, Texas; Midland/Odessa, Texas; Waco Texas; and Wichita Falls, Texas.

Clearwire apparently realized that Texas does everything “big,” WiMAX networks included. The addition of these new 4G markets expands Clearwire’s WiMAX coverage to a total of 14 markets in the US. Hardly anything that could be called a “nationwide 4G WiMAX network.”

“CLEAR combines two of the most exciting technological advances of our generation – mobile communications and the Internet – in order to free our customers to take their rich home or office broadband experience with them anywhere around town or on the go,” said Mike Sievert, Chief Commercial Officer for Clearwire. “Our 4G WiMAX network provides a valuable new category of Internet service designed to make people’s lives more enjoyable and more productive by giving them access to the connections, information and resources that matter most, wherever they happen to be.”

Clearwire users can expect to see 3-6Mbps wireless data speeds, with burst speeds up to 10Mbps, on the WiMAX network. Home service starts at $25 per month, and mobile service starts at $35 a month.

Unfortunately, Sprint and Clearwire may have waited a bit too long to launch WiMAX. Verizon (NYSE: VZ) Wireless is expected to have a fairly extensive 4G LTE network launched by mid-2010, boasting initial data speeds approximately twice as fast as Clearwire’s 4G WiMAX network.

Clearwire’s WiMAX service might have to resort to fighting LTE on the pricing battlefield.

[Clearwire via DailyTech]

Related News from IntoMobile:

• Clearwire and Sprint close WiMAX deal, launches Clear WiMAX service in Portland
• Clearwire to offer Google apps to WiMAX customers
• Clearwire sued for crappy WiMAX service and unfair termination policy
• Clearwire secures $1.5 billion in funding, mostly from Sprint
• Will Clearwire’s nationwide WiMAX push be enough to fight LTE?

Dr. Rais Yatim, Information, Communication and Culture Minister for Malaysia, said that if the nation’s three WiMAX operators don’t step up their game and improve coverage by the end of this year, their spectrum licenses will be revoked. YTL e-Solutions, Asiaspace Dotcom and REDtone International all agreed to to offer coverage to 25% of the country by the end of this year, and to 50% by the end of the next year. With only four and a half months left, the government is issuing a warning that if they don’t comply, the 2.3 GHz wireless spectrum that they purchased will be revoked. “We have given them warnings to prove why their licences should not be revoked by the end of the year if they do not fulfil their responsibility as required by their licences” said Dr. Yatim. Talk about playing hardball, I would not want to be the guy who is on the other side of that waving finger.

[Via: The Star]

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• AT&T: 4G LTE network in 2012
• Indonesia and Chile to auction 3G licenses in the next few months
• EU considers oppening up 2G spectrum for 3G networks
• More on Dish Network’s mobile TV service
• T-Mobile USA finally launching 1700Mhz 3G network in New York on May 1

In a bit of good news for the likes of Clearwire and its controlling parent-company Sprint (NYSE: S), Juniper Research has released a new study that projects annual mobile WiMAX revenues of $15 billion by 2014. The revenue would ride in on the back of some 50 million expected mobile WiMAX subscribers by 2014. Mobile WiMAX is expected to replace DSL and satellite internet services. Especially so in rural areas where DSL lines aren’t yet installed.

It still remains to be seen how WiMAX will fare in the face of LTE networks from wireless carriers around the world. Clearwire has yet to light up its WiMAX networks in more than a handful of early markets, and Verizon (NYSE: VZ) is ramping up to launch LTE as early as the first quarter of 2010.

[Via: JuniperResearch]

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• Clearwire WiMAX infrastructure expansion hung up on funds-shortage
• FCC OKs White Space Spectrum usage and Sprint-Clearwire merger
• Will Clearwire’s nationwide WiMAX push be enough to fight LTE?
• Clearwire expands 4G WiMAX to 10 new markets, goes big in Texas
• Clearwire posts $71M Q1 2009 loss despite growth

Hot on the heels of their Las Vegas launch,  Clearwire has announced that their 4G WiMAX service will be available in ten more markets on September 1st., although their picks aren’t what you’d call high-population hubs: “Boise, Idaho; Bellingham, Wash.; and eight markets throughout Texas, including: Abilene, Amarillo, Corpus Christi, Lubbock, Midland/Odessa, Killeen/Temple, Waco and Wichita Falls”. Larger cities, like Chicago, Charlotte, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Honolulu, Philadelphia and Seattle, will get service later this year, while New York, Boston, Washington, D.C., Houston and the San Francisco Bay Area will be getting Clearwire in 2010. Hopefully by then we’ll have more than the Mondi that takes advantage of the network.

[Clearwire via PhoneScoop]

Related News from IntoMobile:

• Will Clearwire’s nationwide WiMAX push be enough to fight LTE?
• Sprint unveils WiMAX market launches for 2009
• Clearwire expands 4G WiMAX to 10 new markets, goes big in Texas
• Sprint releases more WiMAX ecosystem details
• WiMAX-Enabled Samsung Mondi Available August 1st.

What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. But, hopefully not for Clearwire. Sprint’s 4G WiMAX partner has just announced the launch of their 4G CLEAR WiMAX network in Las Vegas, as it prepares to launch 4G service in Chicago, Charlotte, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Honolulu, Philadelphia, and Seattle later this year. Major metros like New York, Boston, Washington, D.C., Houston and the San Francisco Bay Area should come online in 2010. The launch of Clearwire’s CLEAR 4G WiMAX network in Las Vegas coincides with the announcement that the WiMAX-ready Samsung Mondi is just about ready to kick off sales at Best Buy.

Clearwire’s 4G CLEAR network is now live in Las Vegas and serves some 1.7 million residents across 638 square miles. The CLEAR WiMAX network is expected to deliver real-world data speeds in the 3Mbps to 6Mbps range, with burst data speeds reaching 10Mbps – speeds well in excess of the 2Mbps data rates now possible with 3G networks in the US.

Clearwire is also launching their dual-mode Clear 4G+ mobile USB modem. With support for both 3G and 4G networks, CLEAR customers can roam Sprint’s 3G data network when outside CLEAR’s WiMAX network coverage area. The Clear 4G+ mobile USB modem will bridge the gaps in Clearwire’s WiMAX network until the Sprint-owned company builds out more WiMAX markets around the country.

Clearwire is offering CLEAR home-internet service for $20 a month, with mobile WiMAX service costing $30 a month. Customers can also buy $10 day-passes, or opt for a home-and-mobile internet plan for $45. The dual-mode 3G/4G data plans will run $80 a month.

Find full pricing and availability information here.

Full press release after the break.

Clearwire Introduces CLEAR(TM) 4G Mobile Internet Service to Las Vegas
Clearwire Showcases Mobile WiMAX Capabilities and Devices during Consumer Launch Event Today at Town Square Mall Dual-Mode 4G/3G Modem to Provide Nationwide Service Beginning August 1 Company continues progress on plans to bring CLEAR to 80 markets by end of 2010
LAS VEGAS, Jul 21, 2009 (BUSINESS WIRE) — The Las Vegas region officially hit the jackpot today as Clearwire Communications, LLC, an operating subsidiary of Clearwire Corporation, (NASDAQ:CLWR), rolled out CLEAR’s super-fast mobile internet service to serve approximately 1.7 million residents across 638 square miles. Now, consumers and businesses can access the internet wirelessly, at true broadband speeds â”EUR at home, in the office, and on the go anywhere in the CLEAR coverage area.
“While it’s true that what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, now, thanks to CLEAR, that doesn’t mean it has to stay in one place,” said Jeremy Abler, General Manager of Las Vegas market for Clearwire. “CLEAR will bring to Las Vegas residents the super-fast mobile internet experience they’re used to having at home or the office, anywhere around town or on the go. We’re providing a valuable, new category of internet service designed to make people’s lives more enjoyable and more productive, wherever they happen to be in our coverage area.”

In addition to the launch of Clear 4G service, the company also announced that, starting on August 1, it will offer the Clear 4G+ mobile USB, a dual-mode 4G/3G modem for customers who travel outside of CLEAR 4G coverage areas that uses Sprint’s nationwide 3G network – the most dependable 3G network in the nation – creating a truly national footprint for the most mobile of customers.

Owners of Apple (NSDQ: AAPL)(R) Macintosh(R) laptops will be able to connect to the CLEAR network using a USB modem beginning August 17 with the introduction of the Clear Connection Manager software for Mac. The software is compatible with existing Clear USB 4G WiMAX-only modems and will be available for download from clear.com. Dual-mode Clear 4G+ mobile USB service is expected to be available for Macs in Q4 ‘09.

A CLEAR Difference

Unlike other wireless services, CLEAR delivers a mobile broadband internet experience on par with speeds typically experienced only on wired connections, like DSL. For example, some of today’s 3G wireless networks typically deliver download speeds of between 1.0 and 1.7 Mbps. CLEAR customers, however, can expect to see download speeds of 3 to 6 mbps with bursts over 10 mbps.

The CLEAR customer experience is similar to that provided by Wi-Fi, but without the short range limitations of a traditional hot spot. CLEAR uses a 4G technology that differs from Wi-Fi called WiMAX, which provides service areas measured in miles, not feet. In Las Vegas, the CLEAR network utilizes an area-wide WiMAX radio system from Motorola (NYSE: MOT).

As the internet integrates deeper into daily life, the opportunities to stay connected and be productive are enhanced by CLEAR in numerous ways, including by:

A local limousine or transportation service looking to provide in-vehicle internet service for their clients;
A busy parent who wants full internet connectivity for kids studying or playing games in the back of the family minivan;
A college student or retiree looking for one affordable internet service provider to meet their needs at home, on campus and on-the-go;
A mobile professional who is unsatisfied with the speeds and limitations of 3G modem cards or the need to seek out Wi-Fi hotspots;
A commuter interested in accessing entertainment sites like Hulu or Pandora on the way home.
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, and with several no service contract options available. Home internet service plans start at $20 per month, while mobile internet plans start at $30 per month, or customers can purchase a convenient day pass for $10. Additional savings are available for customers by purchasing a combination of services that could include home-and-mobile or mobile-and-mobile internet plans starting at $45 for both, or by signing up for a two-year service agreement. The dual-mode 4G/3G plan is available for just $80 per month with a two-year service agreement. Customers can find full details about pricing options, business plans and purchase the service online at www.clear.com, or by visiting numerous retail locations throughout metro Las Vegas, including: Sunset Galleria Mall, Boulevard Mall, Meadows Mall, Charleston Rampart, and Eastern Russell (McCarran), as well as any of 6 Best Buys or 24 RadioShack stores; or other authorized CLEAR dealers.

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. The USB modem, from Motorola, is available for only $59.99 or leased for just $4.99 per month. Customers can purchase the modem from a store or online. Customers who travel across the U.S. will be able to purchase the Clear 4G+ mobile USB, a dual-mode (4G/3G) modem, from CLEAR beginning August 1. 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 will retail for $79.99, after instant rebate.
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 Modem, a residential modem from Motorola, 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 for $15, and receive unlimited local and long distance service for just $25 per month.
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: Numerous CLEAR-compatible embedded WiMAX laptops based on Intel(R) Centrino(R) 2 processor technology are now available directly from their manufacturers and through other channels. From Dell, these include the Studio 17, Studio XPS 16, Latitude E4300, Latitude E6400, Latitude E6400 ATG, Latitude E6500, Precision M2400, and Precision M4400. From Fujitsu (OTCPK: FJTSY), this includes the LifeBook P8020. WiMAX-ready laptops from Lenovo (OTCPK: LNVGY) include the ThinkPad line: SL400, SL500, X200, X200s, X200 Tablet, X301, T400, T500, W500, W700. From Samsung, this includes the X460 notebook as well as the NC10, the first WiMAX-enabled netbook based on the Intel(R) Atom(TM) processor, available in the U.S. From Toshiba, consumers can order the Portégé(R) R600-ST520W and Satellite(R) U405-S2920.
Samsung Mondi: Also launching in August is the Samsung Mondi, a mobile WiMAX-enabled handheld device that combines the abilities of a PC with the size and portability of a phone.
Coming Soon: Panasonic (NYSE: PC) has announced plans to deliver this year a Toughbook(R) computer with embedded WiMAX based on Intel(R) Centrino(R) 2 processor technology, and compatible with the CLEAR network.
Las Vegas Launch Event and Community Outreach

Clearwire will also host a consumer launch event today, July 21, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Town Square Mall located south of the Mandalay Bay on the Las Vegas Strip, across from McCarran International Airport. The event is an opportunity for the public to experience CLEAR’s advantages firsthand through a series of mobile WiMAX demonstrations. In addition, attendees will be treated to some unique visual displays of the service, including on a CLEAR-branded hot air balloon, and a glass-enclosed living room on wheels. Attendees will also have opportunities to win prizes, including CLEAR product discounts and other merchandise. In addition, CLEAR will announce plans to provide dozens of embedded WiMAX laptops based on Intel(R) Centrino(R) 2 processor technology, as well as netbooks based on Intel(R) Atom(TM) processors, with CLEAR service to the Clark County School District’s Virtual High School before the start of the next school year.

“Supporting the communities we serve is a key focus of CLEAR, and today’s event and donation to Clark County’s Virtual High School are just the beginning of our commitment to the Las Vegas region,” continued, Jeremy Abler. “With the netbooks and CLEAR service, the faculty, staff and students alike will find new and interesting opportunities to learn and explore in the coming school year.”

Additional Markets

As part of a multi-year network build-out plan, Clearwire’s 4G network will be available in major metropolitan areas across the United States. In addition to Las Vegas, mobile WiMAX service is already available in Baltimore, Maryland; Portland, Oregon; and Atlanta, Georgia.

The company plans to bring CLEAR to 80 markets covering up to 120 million people by the end of 2010. Some of the additional markets planned to launch in 2009 include Chicago, Charlotte, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Honolulu, Philadelphia, and Seattle. Some of the additional markets planned to launch in 2010 include New York, Boston, Washington, D.C., Houston and the San Francisco Bay Area.

For more information about CLEAR, visit www.clear.com or become a CLEAR Insider on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CLEARinsider. Detailed company information about Clearwire is available at www.clearwire.com.

For the press, product images and company logos can be downloaded from the Clearwire’s website at: http://newsroom.clearwire.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=214419&p=imagegallery.

About Clearwire

Clearwire Communications, LLC, an operating subsidiary of Clearwire Corporation (NASDAQ:CLWR), offers a robust suite of advanced high-speed internet services to consumers and businesses. As part of a multi-year network build-out plan, Clearwire’s 4G service, called CLEAR(TM), will be available in major metropolitan areas across the U.S., and bring together an unprecedented combination of speed and mobility. Clearwire’s open all-IP network, combined with significant spectrum holdings, provides unmatched network capacity to deliver next-generation broadband access. Strategic investors include Intel Capital, Comcast, Sprint, Google, Time Warner Cable, and Bright House Networks. Clearwire currently provides 4G service, utilizing WiMAX technology, in four markets and provides pre-WiMAX communications services in 50 markets across the U.S. and Europe. Headquartered in Kirkland, Wash., additional information about Clearwire is available at www.clearwire.com.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the securities laws. The statements in this release regarding plans for the development and deployment of the first nationwide next-generation wireless broadband network based on mobile WiMAX technology; the timing, availability, capabilities and coverage of our network, including market launch plans; products and services to be offered on our network; planned marketing and branding efforts and other statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. 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. Forward-looking statements are projections reflecting management’s judgment and assumptions based on currently available information and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those suggested by the forward-looking statements.

Future performance cannot be assured. Actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements due to a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, the risks referenced in the section of Clearwire’s Annual Report on Form 10-K entitled “Risk Factors,” filed March 26, 2009.

Clearwire believes the forward-looking statements in this release are reasonable; however, you should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which are based on current expectations and speak only as of the date of this release. Clearwire is not obligated to publicly release any revisions to forward-looking statements to reflect events after the date of this release.

Related News from IntoMobile:

• Clearwire and Sprint close WiMAX deal, launches Clear WiMAX service in Portland
• Sprint Shows Off CDMA/WiMAX Dual-Mode Modem
• Clearwire expands 4G WiMAX to 10 new markets, goes big in Texas
• Clearwire sued for crappy WiMAX service and unfair termination policy
• Will Clearwire’s nationwide WiMAX push be enough to fight LTE?

Samsung has announced the commercial availability of the Mondi, a WiMAX-capable MID, for August 1st. on Sprint (NYSE: S)’s Clearwire network in Atlanta, Las Vegas and Portland. As the first U.S. device to make use of WiMAX, the Mondi is sure to grab a lot of attention, despite being limited geographically – even then, we’re hearing that WiMAX will roll out to 10 major American cities by the end of the year. Odds are we’ll see more mobile devices in this vein taking advantage of WiMAX, while LTE will lure in more traditional handsets. Will had a look at the Mondi back at CTIA, and it was a pretty smooth device – a widget-enabled user interface has been painted on top of Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional and it comes with plenty of handy preloads, like Fring, Gypsii, Route 66 GPS navigation, and Opera 9.5. The specs aren’t anything to sneeze at, either:

• 4.3″ touchscreen, 800 X 480 resolution
• Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth, WiMAX connectivity
• 4 GB on-board storage
• 3 megapixel camera
• HDMI video out

If this is your bag, the Mondi will cost you $349 on a 2-year Clearwire contract, $449 with no strings, and will be available at Best Buy.

[via BusinessWire]

Related News from IntoMobile:

• Samsung Mondi video walk-through
• Samsung launches WiMAX-enabled Samsung Mondi
• Hands-on the Samsung Mondi @ CTIA Wireless 2009
• Samsung WiMAX Phone Spotted
• LG to pre-install GyPSii software on its devices

Take this one with several grains of salt and a side order of wishful thinking, but rumour has it Sprint (NYSE: S) is working on releasing their own version of the recently-announced HTC Hero, only it’ll supposedly be running on WiMAX and CDMA. I seriously doubt this will actually happen, considering Sprint CEO Dan Hesse has gone on record and said that Android isn’t currently good enough for their network, but it’s entirely possible that what HTC was able to do with their Sense UI changed Sprint’s mind. They could certainly use a killer handset like the Hero to justify all the work on the XOHM WiMAX network, that’s for sure.

[via PhoneNews]

Related News from IntoMobile:

• Sprint CEO Dan Hesse hints at Clearwire partnership, dual-mode WiMAX / CDMA handset this year
• Android Device Coming to Sprint this Year
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• Sprint to launch first 4G WiMAX Android smartphone in 2010?
• Zyxel WiMAX routers on the way to Sprint Nextel

Clearwire’s push to become the first nationwide mobile WiMAX carrier in the US has apparently put a dent in the company’s finances. Despite adding 25,000 new customers in Q1 2009, bringing Clearwire’s subscriber-base to a cool half-million (500,000) customers, Clearwire has posted a $71 million loss for the first quarter of 2009. Still, the fiscal loss is an improvement compared to Clearwire’s loss of $76.4 million in the year-ago quarter.

As Clearwire ramps up deployment of their WiMAX network in the US, the company expects to see churn rate increase. But, if Clearwire can maintain the kind of growth that helped deliver $62.1 million in sales, a 21% increase from the previous year’s Q1, the WiMAX operator may see their finances turning around. It’s just a matter of getting their nationwide WiMAX network online and ready to take on HSPA+ and LTE networks from AT&T (NYSE: T) and Verizon (NYSE: VZ) Wireless.

[Via: CellularNews]

Related News from IntoMobile:

• Clearwire taps Cisco as WiMAX network infrastructure partner
• Clearwire secures $1.5 billion in funding, mostly from Sprint
• Clearwire sued for crappy WiMAX service and unfair termination policy
• Sprint Shows Off CDMA/WiMAX Dual-Mode Modem
• Clearwire WiMAX infrastructure expansion hung up on funds-shortage

Clearwire is working to get their 4G WiMAX network up to nationwide status before year’s end. We’re all still waiting to see if a coast-to-coast WiMAX network has what it takes to compete with HSPA+ and LTE data networks planned by the likes of AT&T (NYSE: T) and Verizon (NYSE: VZ) Wireless for the near future. To that end, Clearwire has announced that it will team up with Cisco to make mobile WiMAX a reality for millions of Americans.

Cisco has been tapped by Clearwire to bring consumer WiMAX devices to market and to provide backbone infrastructure for the nationwide WiMAX network.

“By teaming with Cisco, one of the world’s most forward-looking IP network infrastructure providers, we’re building a robust and cost-efficient next-generation network that’s designed specifically for delivering rich broadband services,” said Scott Richardson, Chief Strategy Officer of Clearwire. “In addition, Cisco plans to develop WiMAX technology for end-user devices, which will give consumers and businesses more compelling ways to stay connected through our CLEAR 4G service.”

Sprint (NYSE: S)’s bet on WiMAX may pay off if Clearwire can go truly nationwide in in the next several months. After that, AT&T’s HSPA+ network is going to give Sprint and Clearwire a run for their money.

[Via: WSJ]

Related News from IntoMobile:

• Sprint Shows Off CDMA/WiMAX Dual-Mode Modem
• Clearwire expands 4G WiMAX to 10 new markets, goes big in Texas
• Clearwire posts $71M Q1 2009 loss despite growth
• Clearwire secures $1.5 billion in funding, mostly from Sprint
• Clearwire and Sprint close WiMAX deal, launches Clear WiMAX service in Portland

And the problems keep mounting for mobile WiMAX network operator Clearwire. Made famous as Sprint’s WiMAX network partner, Clearwire has run into numerous bumps along the road to a truly nationwide mobile WiMAX wireless network. The latest pothole in Clearwire’s way is a newly filed lawsuit claiming that Clearwire is misrepresenting their WiMAX network’s performance and then unfairly charging customer early termination fees.

Clearwire is being sued by customers in Washington, Hawaii, Minnesota and North Carolina. The plaintiffs are seeking class-action status in a bid to hit Clearwire as hard as possible. At issue is the fact that Clearwire markets its service as being a reliable alternative to DSL or cable internet services, which the lawsuit’s plaintiffs are claiming is false and misleading. Customers have complained of service outages that range from reduced, dial-up quality internet speeds to complete service interruptions that leave customers without an internet connection.

The lawsuit also claims that Clearwire’s Early Termination Fee is unlawful and is void. The lawsuit seeks to recover ETF fees for former Clearwire customers, as well as an injunction that would prevent Clearwire from falsely advertising their service and charging an ETF to customers wishing to disconnect their service.

Clearwire is in the process of rolling out a nationwide WiMAX network with partner Sprint. If this lawsuit causes even more delays in the WiMAX roll-out, Sprint (NYSE: S) may want to start seriously considering 4G LTE as a back-up plan.

[Via: CellularNews]

Related News from IntoMobile:

• Clearwire to offer Google apps to WiMAX customers
• Sprint Shows Off CDMA/WiMAX Dual-Mode Modem
• Clearwire secures $1.5 billion in funding, mostly from Sprint
• Clearwire expands 4G WiMAX to 10 new markets, goes big in Texas
• Clearwire taps Cisco as WiMAX network infrastructure partner

Nokia (NYSE: NOK) used to praise Sprint (NYSE: S) for its bold effort to roll-out a WiMAX network in the United States. As market moves, so does the attitude of the Finnish giant. Even though we supposed to see few Nokia WiMAX-enabled devices last year, nothing from that actually happened. Quite the contrary – Nokia killed the N810 WiMAX edition.

And now, as most of the industry is gathering around LTE, they say WiMAX is a “failed idea” and is considered a “Wireless Betamax.”

“I don’t think the future is very promising [for WiMax]. This is a classic example of industry standards clashing, and somebody comes out as the winner and somebody has to lose. Betamax was there for a long time, but VHS dominated the market. I see exactly the same thing happening here,” Nokia’s Anssi Vanjoki told to The Financial Times.

He went on, adding: “It’s my prediction that by 2015, we will have an LTE network that will cover most of the important places in the world and that will give us the coverage and capacity we need.”

To be fair, I can understand Nokia’s decision to pull off from the WiMAX market. At some point, it seemed as an ideal move to grab the slice of the U.S. market share by partnering with Sprint. However, as Sprint struggled to launch its network on time, the idea failed. In that sense, it seems as a better strategy to prepare for the upcoming LTE revolution…

[Via: FT]

Related News from IntoMobile:

• Information Week interviews Anssi Vanjoki, discusses Ovi and reorganization
• Sprint Shows Off CDMA/WiMAX Dual-Mode Modem
• Nokia orders WiMAX chips from Intel, new Internet Tablet in 1H 2008 confirmed
• Sprint still working on Chicago WiMAX network
• Nokia launching flagship Nokia N96 handset in Q3 2008 alongside Nokia E71 and Nokia E66 business-class cellphones

WiMAX’s near-term future in the US is looking good. Sprint (NYSE: S) is expected to roll out WiMAX service to 10 major US cities this year, and that means we’re going to see some WiMAX-capable handsets launching soon. And, this being CTIA Wireless 2009 and all, Samsung has decided to go ahead and launch their first WiMAX phone – the Samsung Mondi smartphone. The Samsung Mondi will be heading up Samsung’s push into the US WiMAX market through Clearwire’s Clear WiMAX service.

As expected, the Samsung Mondi sports both WiMAX and WiFi radios so that it won’t ever be too far from a high-speed wireless connection. And, with a slide-out QWERTY keyboard and monstrous 4.3-inch touchscreen, you can bet that this Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional smartphone will make the best use of all that mobile broadband goodness. The Mondi also features a 3.0-megapixel camera, GPS (Route 66), Bluetooth 2.0, HDMI video-out and 4GB of on-board storage. Samsung says that the Mondi will be completely customizable with drag-and-drop widgets, so TouchWIZ UI is a good bet.

“The Samsung Mondi is an important step toward our goal of bringing 4G network speeds and connectivity to people across the U.S.,” said Bill Ogle, Chief Marketing Officer for Samsung Mobile. “The Mondi™ is a great match for people who want immediate access to the Web without having to sacrifice download speed and portability.”

Samsung is apparently planning to release the Samsung Mondi in just a single shade of black. Pricing and exact availability information isn’t yet known.

Related News from IntoMobile:

• Samsung Mondi video walk-through
• Hands-on the Samsung Mondi @ CTIA Wireless 2009
• WiMAX-Enabled Samsung Mondi Available August 1st.
• Samsung WiMAX Phone Spotted
• Sprint to launch first 4G WiMAX Android smartphone in 2010?

TechDigest has raised an interesting point on the subject of whether WiMax or LTE will win out as the next “G” (generation) of wireless network technology.

Right now we have up to HSPA (with HSPA+ coming soon) to keep us happy, and this is likely to top out around 28Mbps, assuming peak conditions. But what next? How will we feed out insatiable desire to update facebook even faster?!

Well there WiMax, and then there’s LTE – each with some big players behind them. TechDigest really summarises well:

• WiMax is based on Wi-Fi, and doesn’t require a SIM card for usage. Its benefits are that it’s an open standard – anyone can create the gear required to use the technology without paying license fees. That means the tech can be up to half as expensive as the equivalent LTE tech.
• LTE, on the other hand, is based on the existing 3G network technology. In fact, LTE stands for “The Long Term Evolution of 3GPP”. Its advantages are that it’s well-understood by carriers, and when a device is out of range of an LTE signal, it can drop back to a 3G or 2G service. LTE’s currently a little faster, too, but that difference should be addressed by the ratification of a new WiMax standard later this year.

In terms of deployements, WiMax was out of the gate first, and the US has seen some testbed rollouts (albeit in real, working, environments) – but from what I remember, the results were disappointingly slow, at least in that iteration. LTE however is following closely behind, with tests also occuring.

It is TechDigest’s postulation (and a good one too) that Laptops/Netbooks will end up with WiMax, but that LTE will take over (and probably be called 4G) as far as Mobile goes – which could mean a few years down the line your device isn’t WiFi/3G, but WiMax/4G!

So I’d also like to ask the question – which do you think will win out? Do you care, so long as you can update your facebook status? Whatcha think? Tomorrow we’ll consider another set of network technologies…

[Original story via: TechDigest]

Related News from IntoMobile:

• WiMAX and LTE – Happily ever after?
• WiMAX is officially a 3G technology – wait a sec…
• Verizon Wireless pushing hard for LTE
• LTE gets a boost with GSMA support – 4G is now LTE
• Clearwire taps Cisco as WiMAX network infrastructure partner

Samsung first put their finger in the WiMAX pie not long ago, and it looks like they’re finally diving in. This picture and the model number SWD-M100 Mondi slipped through their RSS feed, and could potentially be the first device to run on the American Clear WiMAX network.That’s quite the screen on there, but we haven’t heard anything else regarding release dates or specs. The Mondi is a likely candidate for a CTIA Wireless release however, so we’ll have to swing by the Samsung booth and see what’s up. Sprint (NYSE: S) has spent a lot of time and money on Clearwire, and it now all hinges on device adoption – what kind of first impression the Mondi makes on the public will say a lot about the future of WiMAX in America.

[via PhoneScoop]

Related News from IntoMobile:

• Samsung launches WiMAX-enabled Samsung Mondi
• Hands-on the Samsung Mondi @ CTIA Wireless 2009
• Samsung Mondi video walk-through
• WiMAX-Enabled Samsung Mondi Available August 1st.
• Clearwire secures $1.5 billion in funding, mostly from Sprint

Despite numerous hiccups, Sprint (NYSE: S) is finally getting serious with its burgeoning 4G WiMAX data network – the nationwide coverage kind of serious. Sprint has announced an additional 10 markets that are planned to light off their WiMAX network in 2009. Sprint’s expansion to these new major US cities should help spur 4G WiMAX adoption and will bring Sprint’s WiMAX network to the national level.

The Sprint WiMAX network has been up and running in Baltimore since September, but will soon be going live with WiMAX in Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Fort Worth, Honolulu, Las Vegas, Philadelphia, Portland, and Seattle in 2009. Sprint will follow up with 4G launches in Boston, Houston, New York, San Francisco, and Washington D.C. in 2010.

Sprint will also be rolling out new WiMAX hardware throughout 2009 and 2010 – a tri-mode handset, a data card, broadband modem and some laptops with integrated WiMAX support.

WiMAX promises to deliver mobile broadband data speeds upwards of 12Mbps, with average data speeds hitting in the 2-4Mbps range. Compared to current high-speed wireless data offerings in the US, Sprint’s WiMAX technology will offer unparalleled mobile broadband service. But, with 4G LTE technologies just itching to come online in 2010, it remains to be seen if LTE will truly be complementary to WiMAX.

[Via: MobileBurn]

Related News from IntoMobile:

• Laptop manufacturers embracing WiMAX – Sprint’s WiMAX-based XOHM network gets some notebook love
• Samsung signs on to build WiMAX network for Sprint in New York Metropolitan area
• WiMAX and LTE – Happily ever after?
• Will Clearwire’s nationwide WiMAX push be enough to fight LTE?
• Sprint to launch first 4G WiMAX Android smartphone in 2010?