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 may want to start seriously considering 4G LTE as a back-up plan.
[Via: CellularNews]