ClearWire WiMAX Drivers For MAC, Coming In August., Linux A Little Later!

ClearWire WiMAX Drivers For MAC

Clearwire plans to release a client software for Apple Macintosh laptops to Clearwire WiMax service. They will also introduce Clear 4G+ mobile USB, dual-mode USB modem for WiMax and Sprint Nextel's 3G network.

The WiMax carrier currently offers tabletop, wireless and USB modems to connect to it's network. Clear has only provided Windows drivers for it's USB Modems, so Mac users have not been able to use the Clear service on the run. They only capable of connecting Wi-Fi through the US$139.99 Clear Spot. On Aug. 17, Clearwire will begin offering a Mac driver as a free download for customers, according to Mike Sievert, chief commercial officer.

Clearwire does not have drivers for Linux platform for its modems at the moment but in the future the company plans to offer open-source code for outside developers to write their own drivers, according to CTO John Saw.

If we all can get connection speeds like in this Clearwire WiMAX speed test, I will be a very happy surfer. Clearwire Cell Towers are for you to locate.

Press Release;
Clearwire Introduces CLEAR(TM) 4G Mobile Internet Service to Las VegasClearwire 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 2010LAS 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(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.

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, this includes the LifeBook P8020. WiMAX-ready laptops from Lenovo 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 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.

Tags: Clear 4G+ mobile USB, clearwire, Clearwire WiMax Speed test, Clearwire Mac driver, WiMAX, WiMAX radio system, dual-mode 4G/3G modem

Comcast Clearwire Making WiMAX Waves In Oregon.

Comcast WiMAX in Oregon
Andy Abramson directed me to an article by Rethink-Wireless that shows Comcast had great plans when it partnered with Clearwire.
The combined service that includes WiMAX has been launched in Portland Oregon which continue to provide service to customers with combined fixed broadband, WiMAX (Comcast Speed 2Go) and Sprint EVDO plus WiMAX in areas where Clearwire is active.
The company will offer a metro plan and card that works within the WiMAX footprint area, and a nationwide plan and card that offers 3G everywhere, using the Sprint Clearwire.
While ago we reported the about the WiMAX Speed Test in the same area that reached 13Mbps from various positions that included a car moving at 60-70 MPH.
According to Rethink Wireless the pricing plans do seem attractive across all three companies, either combined or stand alone, depending on what you are looking for and where you want it!
"COMCAST is offering a 12-month introductory rate. For $50 a month, a subscriber gets 12Mbps home cable broadband and WiMAX, which is only a $7 premium over the cost of cable broadband alone (and includes a free Wi-Fi router). A national 3G add-on is an extra $20 a month and roaming to other Clearwire WiMAX markets is free. After the one-year trial the tariff goes up to $73 a month ($93 with 3G). There will be a $99 charge for a dongle (and other devices to follow in future), though people who commit to a two-year deal get the gadget for free.

Clearwire itself charges $20 a month for its in-home 'Clear' service, from $40 a month for mobile internet, and $50 a month for unlimited consumer roaming. It also has a creative range of pricing options, including sharing a connection between multiple devices, or taking up month-by-month contracts or short term passes (a day pass is $10, and customers can add an in-home voice option for $25). Sprint 4G is $80 a month with a two-year contract that includes 5Gb per month of 3G data and unlimited 4G bandwidth. All these plans enable consumers to get cutting edge mobile broadband capabilities - as use of dongles starts to take off, European-style, in the US - for a small premium."

Another good reason for me to shed AT&T DSL and go Comcast way if the service come to San Francisco Bay Area. Mind you, I have been a loyal customer of AT&T, for a long time. I Started my DSL service when PACBELL was still alive and kept it through SBC and now AT&T. Service continue to be the same, no improvements for what it looks like eons but the cost keep on rising.

I looking for better service for cheaper or the same price and Comcast has beeen very inviting.

Rethink Wireless

Andy Abramson

Tags: Clearwire WiMax Speed test, wimax, clearwire, comcast, Sprint, AT&T, DSL, PACBELL, SBC

Cell Tower Technology, How Cell Towers Work

http://snapvoip.blogspot.com/
The same person who did the Clearwire WiMax Speed test has visited one of the cell towers and has a nice explanation of how cell towers work. He poits out how the technology is evolving even in cell tower technology.
Even though you think you knew this for eons, it is still facinating to see suff up close and personal. If you did not know before, now you can recognize one if you happen to pass by!
Gizmodo,Wilson Rothman

Tags: Clearwire WiMax Speed test, how cell towers work, cell tower