When Sprint's 4G wireless network launched in South Florida yesterday, so did another service called Clearwire. It's actually the same 4G network Sprint uses -- but you can buy 4G WiMAX access directly from Clearwire to use with Clear devices.
Clearwire built out the 4G WiMax network that extends throughout South Florida. When you use 4G on Sprint, you're tapping into Clearwire's network. Comcast also uses with Clearwire when it sells high-speed wireless service.
But Clearwire has its own retail side, called Clear. The company sells home computer modems and wireless modems. If your laptop already has WiMax built into it, you can just buy service from Clearwire to make it work instead of attaching USB dongles.
One interesting device among Clear's gadgets: the iSpot personal mobile hotspot, which for $25 a month gives unlimited 4G service for Apple's iPad (or iPod Touch and iPhone).
Clear's devices are all centered around giving 4G wireless speed to home computers, laptops and other Wi-Fi enabled devices. Unlike Sprint, there are no smartphones -- yet.
"It’s on the horizon," Clear spokesman Jim Grimes said. "We just don’t have a date."
You can see a map of the Clearwire coverage here: clear.com/coverage
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