What is WiMAX?

WiMAX is a wireless digital communications system, also known as IEEE 802.16, that is intended for wireless "metropolitan area networks". WiMAX can provide broadband wireless access (BWA) up to 30 miles (50 km) for fixed stations, and 3 - 10 miles (5 - 15 km) for mobile stations. In contrast, the WiFi/802.11 wireless local area network standard is limited in most cases to only 100 - 300 feet (30 - 100m). WiMAX falls into the category of the the next generation (4G) of wireless technology. The best way to understand what WiMAX is to draw comparison with what most people are familiar. The primary methods in which most consumers and businesses obtain access to the internet is through a telephone carrier (AT&T, Verizon, MCI, Qwest, etc.) using DSL or digital trunking, a cable provider (Comcast, Time-Warner, etc.) or a cellular provider (Sprint, T-Mobile, US Cellular, AT&T, Verizon, etc.). Generally, the service that has economically been delivering highest bandwidth to the average user is cable service providers. To bring a little balance to the equation, the amount of bandwidth that an end user needs really depends on how you are using the internet, which means that not everyone requires the highest bandwidth obtainable. Its a matter of distinguishing what is "a nice to have" vs. " a need to have".

What is the Benefit?

The real benefit of WiMAX is that it delivers internet access speeds equivalent to cable providers without the need for any cables or wires; thus offering the mobility of cellular service providers.

The world's 4.6 million mobile subscribers are now moving to smartphones and high speed data. Broadband wireless is the next big thing and 4G technology is designed to meet the demand. CLEAR™ now provides coverage for close to 30 million people in the United States with Mobile WiMAX. The goal of WiMAX is to extend WiFi-like service to an entire metropolitan area and beyond. WiMAX combines WiFi speeds with cellular range. All computers have the capability of accessing Mobile WiMAX using a WiMAX USB modem. However, internal WiMAX capabilities are now available on newer computers using Intel technology. Samsung will soon launch a line of handheld WiMAX devices.

What Will it Cost?

In almost every case, consumers and business can obtain CLEAR™ WiMAX service less expensively than their current internet service providers, even after services are unbundled. Get CLEAR™ now and lock in your price for the life of the service. No temporary introductory price.

CLEAR™ Partners