US Wimax operator Clearwire Communications has officially launched its Clear Wimax service in ten new markets, expanding Clear's mobile internet service area to a total of fourteen markets and over 10 million people. These markets, including Abilene, Amarillo, Corpus Christi, Killeen/Temple, Lubbock, Midland/Odessa, Waco and Wichita Falls, Texas; Bellingham, Washington; and Boise, Idaho, will officially offer consumers and businesses access to the internet wirelessly anywhere in the Clear coverage area. Clear customers can expect to see average download speeds of 3 to 6 Mbps with bursts over 10 Mbps. Clear’s mobile and residential plans can be purchased by the day or by the month, with several no-service-contract options available. Clearwire will host a number of consumer events in the newly launched markets throughout the fall. In addition, attendees will also have opportunities to win prizes, including Clear product discounts and other merchandise.
Clearwire also announced that it applied for a modest amount of broadband stimulus funds to bring new service to underserved areas within Detroit and Puerto Rico, two areas that were not otherwise part of Clearwire’s current business plan. Clearwire also announced its plans to affiliate with a limited number of other grants submitted, as a spectrum and technology partner, covering additional territories in five states. These stimulus-related projects would have no significant impact on Clearwire’s funding or build-out plans, but demonstrate the company's support of the government's stimulus initiatives.