Clear WIMAX 4G data service

[haven]

WiMax is a fourth generation (4G) wireless technology that aims to bring higher speed access to the Internet. Compared to 3G technology like ATT's HSDPA and Verizon Wireless's EVDO, WiMax has higher download speeds (5 million bits per second for WiMax versus maybe 1.5 megabits for the others).

The higher speed of WiMax makes video downloading and Skype videoconferencing practical on a mobile computer. For example, Pioneer recently announced a WiMax in-dash receiver that allows you to stream any file from your home computer to your car.

A company called ClearWire recently started offering WiMax service in the Las Vegas area. I signed up to give it a try. Within a day, I received a WiMax USB modem and software, and I was online in an hour or so.

To test the service, I used a desktop computer at home. I enjoyed 5 to 6 megabits download speed, and 500 Kilobits upload. That performance equals my cable network service from Cox Communications.

On the go, I transferred the USB modem to a netbook computer. I was able to make a connection to the WiMax network in many places around Las Vegas, including streaming Youtube video while driving in my car. The signal strength was variable as I walked around the Strip casinos. It worked OK while outside in most cases, but once inside, it rarely worked more than a few feet from the door.

Based on my experience, I have three issues with ClearWire. First, the WiMax standalone router for home networking has no provision for an external antenna. It would be great to be able to position the antenna for maximum throughput. The USB modem definitely worked better in some locations in my house than others, and I can't carry my office to the other side of the house!

Second, the ClearWire software for USB modem does not support laptops or MID gadgets running Mac OS or unix.

Third, and most important, the data services by ATT and Verizon are close to ubiquitous in populated areas. Guaranteed access is more
important to me than sheer speed of connection when I'm on the go. WiMax (and other 4G technology like LTE) are very promising, but for the moment I'll (reluctantly) stick to the phone carriers' data service.

ClearWire is offering daily or monthly rentals of WiMax service in Las Vegas. I'd certainly recommend that you give it a try the next time you visit.

Chip Haven

 

[haven]

Clear wireless service has evolved since my report last year. Now the service is available in 55 cities around USA. See http://www.clear.com/coverage to find out if the service is available in your area.

The basic Clear wireless is 4G only. If you find yourself out of range of the Clear cell towers, then your network connection will fail. Clear has partnered with a couple of wireless 3G companies (primarily Sprint) to offer modems that work with both 3G and 4G. The 3G/4G service is more expensive, but will work in a much wider range of locations across USA.

Clear introduces new plans on a regular basis as they try to find a market for their services. Here are a couple of plans that caught my eye as I surfed around Clear's web pages.

-- About a month ago, Clear introduced the iSpot 4G wireless hotspot that works only with Apple iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. Unlimited data service costs $25 a month without a contract. The iSpot hardware costs $100 and can support up to 8 iPhones and iPads simultaneously.

-- Today Clear introduced the Rover 4G service. The Rover Puck costs $150, and serves as a WiFi hotspot for up to 8 PCs or Macs. Rover service doesn't require a contract. The service costs $5 a day, $20 a week, or $50 for a month. http://rover.com/

-- Clear Internet+ service works with 4G speed when available, and automatically switches to 3G when outside the 4G service area. The plan costs $56 a month plus $5 for lease of the modem. A two year contract is required.