Clearwire's 'Clear' WiMax service hits Oregon

By Phil Nickinson
last updated

Already up and running in Baltimore, Clearwire's "Clear" WiMax service just went live in Portland, Ore., making it the "Fastest City in the West." Hold for applause.

And now we're getting a clear (nyuk nyuk) look at the pricing plans. Here's the breakdown, from clear.com:

  • $10 for a 24-hour pass
  • $30 a month for 200MB of data.
  • $40 a month for 2GB.
  • $50 a month for unlimited data.

For a service that's likely to supplant home and mobile broadband service, $50 a month for unlimited data isn't too bad. It will be interesting to see how the pricing structure holds up when the service takes hold with mobile phones. That there aren't really any phones out there that use WiMax is a whole 'nother ball of wax. Though there is that Russian HTC Max that we‘re still drooling over.

That said, right now we've got two major cities with the 4G capability spawned from Sprint's XOHM service, and eight more reportedly will go online this year.

Full news release after the jump.

Clear(TM) Transforms Portland into the Fastest Unwired City in the West

Clearwire

[[ orgid value NASDAQ-NMS:CLWR ]] and Intel Showcase Mobile WiMAX Capabilities throughout the City

"Let's Be Clear" Campaign Launched in Portland

PORTLAND, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 6, 2009--Clearwire

[[ orgid value NASDAQ-NMS:CLWR ]] (NASDAQ:CLWR) today officially transformed Portland into the fastest unwired city in the West, and home to one of the first 4G WiMAX wireless broadband services in the world, called Clear(TM). With Clear, consumers and businesses can access the Internet wirelessly, at true broadband speeds ? at home, in the office, around the Portland metro area, and on the go.

"Today is a historic day for the evolution of mobile computing and communications services in Portland, and the U.S.," said Benjamin G. Wolff, chief executive officer of Clearwire

[[ orgid value NASDAQ-NMS:CLWR ]] . "Clearwire

[[ orgid value NASDAQ-NMS:CLWR ]] is reinventing wireless by delivering an unmatched combination of Internet speed and mobility. We're providing a valuable service designed to improve our customers' productivity and make their lives more enjoyable, wherever they happen to be in our coverage area."

"WiMAX is a new wireless technology that raises the bar on a truly mobile and affordable Internet experience for consumers," said Sean Maloney, executive vice president and chief sales and marketing officer at Intel Corporation

[[ orgid value NASDAQ-NMS:INTC ]] . "Intel

[[ orgid value NASDAQ-NMS:INTC ]] , along with Clearwire

[[ orgid value NASDAQ-NMS:CLWR ]] and its partners, are proud to bring U.S. customers a next-generation world-leading broadband solution that redefines how, when and where consumers interact with the Internet."

A Clear Difference

The true value of Clear is the ability to get more out of the day from anywhere in the Clear coverage area. One simple service, at one low price, can meet our customer's needs at home, in the office, or on the go. Whether it's a busy parent catching up while waiting to pick up a child from practice, a small business owner staying productive at the office and out with a client, or a college student looking for broadband on a budget, Clear offers customers more for less.

Clear's simple and innovative pricing gives customers ultimate flexibility. Clear's mobile, residential and business plans can be purchased by the day or by the month, and do not require long term service contracts. Home Internet service plans start at

[[ money ]] $20 per month, while mobile Internet plans start at

[[ money ]] $30 per month, or customers can purchase a convenient day pass for

[[ money ]] $10. Additional savings are available for customers that purchase both home and mobile Internet services or that sign up for a two-year service agreement. Full details about pricing options are available at www.clear.com.

Unlike other wireless services, Clear delivers a "True Broadband" experience, with up to 6 Mbps download speeds with the Clear residential modem, while mobile Internet customers can expect to receive up to 4 Mbps download speeds.

Simply Plug-In and Go

Clear is making it easy for customers by offering several simple choices for broadband connectivity. Mobile users simply plug-in Clear's compact, mobile WiMAX-enabled USB modem into their laptop to get online. The USB modem, from Motorola

[[ orgid value NYSE:MOT ]] , is available for only

[[ money ]] $49.99. Customers can purchase the modem from a store or online, and activate service at their convenience, anywhere in Clear's coverage area.

For residential service, Clear offers customers a wireless high-speed modem that is 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. 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 residential modem, from Motorola

[[ orgid value NYSE:MOT ]] , can be leased for just

[[ money ]] $4.99 monthly.

Leading PC OEMs including Acer, Asus, Dell

[[ orgid value NASDAQ-NMS:DELL ]] , Fujitsu

[[ orgid value Tokyo:6702 ]] , Lenovo

[[ orgid value HongKong:0992 ]] , Panasonic

[[ orgid value NYSE:PC ]] , Samsung and Toshiba

[[ orgid value Tokyo:6502 ]] have announced plans to deliver Intel(R) Centrino(R) 2 processor technology-powered notebook computers with embedded WiMAX technology that will be compatible with the Clear network in the first half of this year. Several OEMs also plan to offer Intel(R) Atom(TM)-based netbook models with embedded WiMAX that will also support the Clear network.

Grand Opening Events at Clear Retail Stores

Clearwire

[[ orgid value NASDAQ-NMS:CLWR ]] will hold grand opening events at its three Portland retail stores from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Jan. 10th. The stores are located at: 15th and Broadway, 92nd and Sunnyside (Clackamas Promenade), and Burnside and 23rd Place (Uptown Shopping Center). In addition, Clear will offer chances to win netbook computers, Blazers tickets and gift certificates from local area retailers.

Let's Be Clear(TM)

Clearwire

[[ orgid value NASDAQ-NMS:CLWR ]] also launched a series of marketing and advertising initiatives this week introducing the company's "Let's be Clear" campaign in Portland. Customers now have several ways to purchase service, including: new Clear store locations throughout Portland, other area dealers and retailers, or directly via the Web at www.clear.com, which also provides a convenient store locator.

Additional Markets

As part of a multi-year network build-out plan, Clearwire's

[[ orgid value NASDAQ-NMS:CLWR ]] 4G network will be available in major metropolitan areas across the U.S. It is currently available in Baltimore, Maryland, and Portland, Oregon. The Baltimore market currently operates under the XOHM(TM) brand, but it will be re-branded with the Clear brand in the coming months. Clearwire

[[ orgid value NASDAQ-NMS:CLWR ]] currently offers pre-WiMAX Internet services in 46 markets throughout the United States. The company will announce roll-out plans for future markets and upgrade plans for existing pre-WiMAX markets early this year.

For more information about Clear, visit www.clear.com. Detailed company information about Clearwire

[[ orgid value NASDAQ-NMS:CLWR ]] is available at www.clearwire.com.

About Clearwire

[[ orgid value NASDAQ-NMS:CLWR ]]

Clearwire

[[ orgid value NASDAQ-NMS:CLWR ]] , (NASDAQ:CLWR), offers a robust suite of advanced high-speed Internet services to consumers and businesses. The company is building the first, nationwide 4G mobile Internet wireless network, bringing together an unprecedented combination of speed and mobility. Clearwire's

[[ orgid value NASDAQ-NMS:CLWR ]] 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

[[ orgid value NASDAQ-NMS:CMCSA ]] , Sprint, Google

[[ orgid value NASDAQ-NMS:GOOG ]] , Time Warner Cable

[[ orgid value NYSE:TWC ]] , and Bright House Networks. Clearwire

[[ orgid value NASDAQ-NMS:CLWR ]] currently provides mobile WiMAX-based service, to be branded Clear(TM), in Baltimore and Portland, and provides pre-WiMAX communications services in 50 markets across the U.S. and Europe. Headquartered in Kirkland, Wash., additional information about Clearwire

[[ orgid value NASDAQ-NMS:CLWR ]] is available at www.clearwire.com.

Phil Nickinson
Phil Nickinson

Phil is the father of two beautiful girls and is the Dad behind Modern Dad. Before that he spent seven years at the helm of Android Central. Before that he spent a decade in a newsroom of a two-time Pulitzer Prize-finalist newspaper. Before that — well, we don't talk much about those days. Subscribe to the Modern Dad newsletter!

16 Comments
  • You'll notice that these prices for Clear are higher than Xohm's prices (www.xohm.com) - Xohm is $30 for the first six months of unlimited mobile broadband, and $45 thereafter with no contract to sign. The above press release indicates that Xohm in Baltimore will be rebranded Clear in the coming months, but which pricing scheme will the newly rebranded, combined company adopt? I'm fortunate enough to live near Baltimore, and the other day I chatted with a Xohm sales dude while we were waiting in line at Starbucks in one of the several mega-malls that dot the suburbs. I asked him about the Clearwire-Xohm merger/spinoff situation and mentioned the difference in prices, and he reluctantly told me that the company was going to use each city as a case study to see which pricing scheme is more successful, and then implement the successful pricing scheme nationwide when Xohm is finally rebranded Clear. He seemed to know what he was talking about and was excited to be a part of Xohm, but who knows. Clear is still cheaper than comparable EV-DO/HSPA mobile broadband plans, but I'd like to see Xohm's prices become Clear's prices.
  • This is good and all, but I don't see how it'll replace home and mobile internet for $50 a month. I mean, in my apartment there are 6 computers, and two smartphones, plus an n800, a Wii, and a 360, all connected to the internet. So basically, I'd need 11 different devices connected. Now, I know that there are routers that you can plug a PC Card/ Expresscard modem into to get internet through that. So basically for my home internet, I'd need one of those. And then, for each smartphone, it'd need its own connection as well. So at a minimum I'd be paying for 3 internet connections... which is the same thing I'm doing now with cable and 2 EVDO connections. And that's not to mention if I had a internal WiMax card in one of the laptops, if I wanted to use that instead of tether I'd have to pay for another connection. Unless there's some way to tie all the devices you want together on one plan, price-wise this is no better than the current structure.
  • Both Clear and Xohm have a home modem that they advertise as being able to connect directly to a computer or to a WiFi router, just like a cable modem: http://www.clear.com/clear_gear.php http://www.xohm.com/en_US/shop/devices/modem-zyxel-max206m2.html These are in addition to the USB dongle on-the-go options.
  • Yeah, but still you'd need a separate plan for your home and for your mobile needs. Therefore, it wouldn't be $50 to supplant your home and mobile connection as the article suggests, but $100.
  • Actually.... Xohm has a deal that gives you both a dedicated home modem as well as a mobile USB modem, and unlimited service on both modems is $50 per month... I know this article is about the Clear side of the whole Clear/Xohm company, but the pricing in Baltimore is pretty reasonable in my opinion. As I said before, I hope the Xohm pricing stays intact once they are rebranded Clear.
  • No no no... If they can hit a unlimted (or something 200 gig cap) for 30 a month... then I think more people would be willing. I think most tech nuts would like to use this service while on the road. Similar to the dial up plans of yesterday. Main reason I can not justify a data plan for my cell phone. Bad enough paying 40 bucks a month for the voice.. then a extra 30 for non tethering... added with my 60 for Comcast. I know I am qq'ing, and they have the home based option.. but really.. I know most prefer a constant hard wire vs a "maybe" get good signal from 4G. Under 30 people.. and you will have gobs more. /rant
  • Let's be Clear -> need to be clear or else no body will sign up. Very simple, make a table of Verizon and Comcast service plans vs. what Clear plans offers and people can compare and contrast. Stop the silly marketing BS because I ain't switching over unless there is advantage in cost and features. So Let's be clear again!
  • I signed up (97214 - 3 miles from downtown) and it didn;t work out of the box. Was on the phone with a technition who had me move the modem all over the house. He also explained they had a power outage during the winter storm that brought their network offline in portland. I wanted to run a couple of little web sites, and was told thier network could not reliably support this. So needless to say after this experience I decided to cancel within the fee trial period and return my modem. While speaking to customer support who asked if I might know someone else I could sell the modem to and earn a $25 referral to recover some of my costs... After I counted to 5 and took a breath, then had to ask him to please let me speak for a moment, I explained to please give me an RMA to send the modem back and I expected a full refund for the clear service that did not work from me 2 miles from downtown Portland. I'll follow-up and let everyone know how the refund goes. I'm a little concerned after the tone and attitude of the 'customer service' representative. So is Clear wimax a lot of hype where the marketing is way out in front of the reality. In my experience - proabably.
  • I'm so tired of all the hype and the split off, fragmented services. I just want a cheap phone and Internet connection. Is that so bad?
    $30 a month?? In THIS economy?
    If it was $10 a month (or less!!), I might go for it.
    IF it worked!!
  • I have the $20 per month service. $5 per month modem rental hidden fee.
    It's a little slower than DSL.
    I'm in 97206 off 60th and Foster. Their linked up with sprint cellular antennae. It'll keep getting stronger and probably get more expensive once they get their shit together.
  • There expecting to install a total of 350 towers in Portland by when? I don know. They have 2 hundred and some now. They are on their own band so no interference w cell phones. We had a person come out and do a demo and since were between 2 towers we barely got 3 bars of strength (same as cell phones)as the tech walked all over the house trying to find a good signal. One thing. Health issues? WiMAX, meaning Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access. Heres my concern: Microwaves! 350 towers all pumping out microwaves in a concentrated area on top of all the cell phone waves and other waves. Now you can hold a piece of bread up and its toasted in no time. Everybody put on your tin foil hats now.
  • CLEAR IS AWFUL! Don't do it. I've been SOURLY disappointed with them and I live in a HIGHLY populated part of the city, they told me I "have towers all around me" and I still only get 1/3 of the speed I pay for.
  • I just checked my download speed at http://www.speedtest.net/
    And my download speed is 166.5 kB/s, which is far less than the 6Mb/s I am paying for. I live on the 9th floor downtown (Pearl Dist), but I can see the Vancouver fireworks from my window. [Mt St Helens on a clear day]
    Apparently Clear doesn't have any towers in that direction. Maybe I am on the wrong side of the building, huh?
    I don't know how well this is gonna work-out for me, I have only had the service for about ten days. (But I supposedly have a two-year contract)...
    But if I get too annoyed, I will point-out that I am getting less than 5% of what I am paying for...
    We'll see if they get more towers and power once the get more customers.
  • Clear has only been here in Las Vegas for a few months now and so far all is well. I've been posting pictures of my closest Clear WiMAX towers, networking devices, and screen shot examples. Clear WiMAX Internet tips and help page
  • Be advised that Clear WiMax service while supposedly better, has DRASTICALLY less range than their previous service. Anyone more than 1 Mile from their tower should EXPECT to have dismal service (erratic download speeds and terrible VOIP(dropped calls, fuzzy audio)). Some may be able to improve their reception using corner reflectors (alum foil in corner of box with modem placed within), however many will simply fall out of range. If you are connected and want to see the interference between you and the tower you can connect directly to the modem by browsing 192.168.15.1 and use "motorola" as the password. There you can view the "status" page and see the amount of resistance there is measured in dBm. I found erratic performance around -66dBm and better performance at -55dBm (after adding a corner reflector).
  • 4/28/2010 - I've had Clear WiMax for a week, and it's on par with Comcast's speed. I LOVE IT! Using the Motorola Series M modem, living on the 3rd (top) floor of my apartment building across the street from Clackamas Town Center Mall, I am getting average 3-4 MBps down, and up to 3 MBps up during non-peak hours (tested on speakeasy.net during a rainstorm), and 1-3 MBps down and up to 3 MBps up during peak times during the same day/rain storm. This is more than enough to run PS3 and Xbox 360, stream Youtube videos, and surf Facebook without lag! I was skeptical at first, but now am confident I made the right decision going with the $40/month plan of "unlimited home" which gives me up to 4 MBps download speed. I also did not buy this modem, I am leasing it. Based on the representative's advice, Adam said that when Clear comes out with a new modem, which they tend to do every year or so, I will be able to swap out my "old" modem for the "brand spanking new one" without charge. Personally I don't really see a disadvantage to purchasing the modem outright, but at least this way if the modem give me problems, I can get a new one easily - but it's your choice on this issue, either way you're saving about $40 if you buy it outright, or "losing" $40 if you lease this specific modem the entire 2 years. I did notice the Clear documentation say this modem's default password is "Clear123" which it's not, I had to call the 800 number and the woman told me it's "motorola" Clear's guide says to get the best reception, place the modem in the window, where the Clear logo is the receiver, so make sure not to block that part of the modem. I am getting full 5 bars, Windows Network and Sharing center (I'm on Vista) says my connection is 100 MBps, but "network utilization" is averaging 3.2 MBps. Even though I lease the modem, the monthly bill is less than Comcast's - I was not able to verify my address with Verizon's FIOS, but oh well, I doubt it's a $45/month service! So one more thing, this modem does come with an ethernet cord, but I don't know if it's cat5 or what. Maybe switching it with a cat6 cord may help increase my throughput a bit? I don't know. Oh,and when I've downloaded HD videos, it does tend to slow to about 2 MBps download speed, this was tested during a stormy day into the early morning the next day. Both on iTunes and on Xbox 360 marketplace, HD video tended to take a bit too long to download for my liking, but for $45/mo wireless broadband, it's a minor issue for me. I'm glad at the least, there is an alternative to Comcast's strangle hold on the Portland metro area, not that I've had very bad service, but rather that we now have a few honest options for broadband service!