WiMax in Chicago

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Comment by Bruce Eric Montgomery on November 1, 2009 at 1:36am

Looking for Digital Media Mavens who want to test Clear WiMax serice in Chicago. Please contact me at 773-410-0608 or via email at TATVSHOW@YAHOO.COM

Comment by Bruce Eric Montgomery on October 21, 2009 at 3:42pm

WiMax coverage for Chicago expected by year’s end

Clearwire, Sprint Nextel moving forward with long-awaited ‘4G’ plan

By Wailin Wong
September 18, 2009

Clearwire Corp. and Sprint Nextel Corp. are bringing WiMax broadband service to Chicago by year-end, fulfilling a long-awaited plan to blanket the area with turbo-charged Internet speeds accessible by mobile gadgets.

“We think this is drug-addicting kind of access,” Clearwire Chief Executive Bill Morrow said in a Thursday interview.

WiMax is a fourth-generation, or 4G, wireless technology that delivers a faster, stronger and more reliable signal than that of 3G networks or Wi-Fi. Proponents of 4G technology say the service is designed for mobility, meaning that roving laptop and smart-phone users will experience the same speeds they get through fixed broadband service.

Morrow said Clearwire’s 4G service will be available in Chicago by Christmas under the brand name Clear. Consumers will be able to sign up for service and buy equipment at retailers such as Best Buy and Fry’s Electronics, as well as Clearwire-owned stores.

Sprint uses Clearwire’s WiMax network but sells separate services under its own name. Sprint will launch 4G locally by year-end.

Clearwire and Sprint initially agreed in 2007 to jointly build a nationwide WiMax network, and Chicago was slated to get the service as early as 2008. The two companies scrapped the deal at the end of 2007, then revived their plans in 2008 by merging their wireless broadband units into a new company that retained the Clearwire name. Other investors in the company include Comcast Corp. and Google Inc

Comment by Bruce Eric Montgomery on May 13, 2009 at 2:10pm

Clearwire and Cisco Form Alliance to Deliver 4G Mobile Internet Services for Consumers and Businesses

– Clearwire Selects Cisco as Internet Protocol Next-Generation Network Core Infrastructure Provider –

– Mobile Broadband Network Designed Specifically for High-Bandwidth Data Services –

– Cisco Aims to Build Mobile WiMAX-enabled Devices for the Home, including Linksys by Cisco Routers –
CHICAGO - Clearwire Corporation (NASDAQ:CLWR) and Cisco (NASDAQ:CSCO) announced today an alliance designed to enhance and expand CLEAR™ 4G mobile WiMAX services throughout the United States. Under terms of the agreement, Clearwire has selected Cisco as its national Internet Protocol Next-Generation Network (IP NGN) core infrastructure provider, and Cisco has announced plans to build new mobile WiMAX devices for the CLEAR 4G mobile WiMAX service for the consumer, small office or home office (SOHO), and small- and medium-sized business (SMB) markets.

As part of a multi-year network build-out plan with Cisco, the CLEAR 4G mobile WiMAX service will be available in major metropolitan areas across the United States. Clearwire’s open all-IP network, combined with significant spectrum holdings, provides substantive network capacity to deliver next-generation broadband access. In addition, Cisco is aiming to introduce its first mobile WiMAX device later this year. Clearwire currently provides mobile WiMAX services in Baltimore, Md., and in Portland, Ore., and plans to bring its CLEAR 4G service to Chicago and more than 80 markets across the United States by the end of 2010.

“By teaming with Cisco, one of the world’s most forward-looking IP network infrastructure providers, we’re building a robust and cost-efficient next-generation network that’s designed specifically for delivering rich broadband services,” said Scott Richardson, Chief Strategy Officer of Clearwire. “In addition, Cisco plans to develop WiMAX technology for end-user devices, which will give consumers and businesses more compelling ways to stay connected through our CLEAR 4G service.”

“Around the globe, mobile WiMAX providers continue to make great strides bringing 4G mobile Internet services to market, and we are pleased that Clearwire has selected Cisco to help untether its Internet customers across the United States while delivering high performance,” said Brett Galloway, senior vice president, wireless and security technology group of Cisco.

“Clearwire’s ecosystem of partners, coupled with our all-IP next-generation network, will deliver a true mobile broadband experience,” said Ned Hooper, senior vice president, corporate development and consumer, of Cisco. “In addition, incorporating WiMAX into our products will help enable people to move freely throughout the United States, while maintaining continuous connectivity to personalized applications and services.”

The CLEAR 4G Network

The Cisco® Visual Networking Index (VNI) Mobile Forecast for 2008-2013 noted that a single high-end data phone today generates more data traffic than 30 basic-feature cell phones, while a single laptop air card generates more data traffic than 450 basic-feature cell phones. Cisco projects that mobile data traffic will increase a thousand-fold over the seven years from 2005 through 2012, with video being a significant component. This rapid growth provides the primary reason why Clearwire, enabled by Cisco, is building a data-centric 4G network across the United States.

Cisco will be the primary IP network solution provider for Clearwire’s 4G network, enabling consumers and businesses in the United States to access Internet applications and enjoy a Connected Life at home, at work and on the move. Clearwire has selected and is in the process of the testing and certification of a Cisco IP NGN architecture that includes Cisco 7600 Series Internet routers, Cisco ONS 15454 and Cisco ONS 15310 platforms, Cisco ASA Firewalls, and the Cisco Service and Application Module for IP (SAMI) Home Agent.

With more than 80,000 nodes installed, the Cisco 7600 Series Routers are high-performance, intelligent and service-rich routers designed for deployment at the network edge, where performance, IP-enabled services, redundancy and fault resiliency are critical requirements. Cisco’s powerful combination of intelligence and performance brings Clearwire closer to their customers by enabling a tailored experience with personalized services to their end users.

Cisco also recently announced that it is supplying mobile WiMAX infrastructure to Russian wireless ISP Scartel, Georgian mobile operator MagtiCom, and AsiaBell’s mobile WiMAX service in central Kazakhstan.

CLEAR 4G Devices for a Connected Life

Future Cisco converged WiMAX- and Wi-Fi-enabled devices are targeted to include products from Cisco’s world-class Linksys® by Cisco line of consumer routers. Cisco will also look to expand its WiMAX portfolio with the growth of the CLEAR 4G network across the United States. Cisco and Clearwire will jointly develop and implement go-to-market plans that will benefit from Cisco’s extensive distribution channels and presence with consumers and businesses of any size, which will assist to enhance and expand CLEAR mobile WiMAX services throughout the United States.

WiMAX Innovation Network in Silicon Valley

In addition, Clearwire and Cisco recently announced their involvement in forming the WiMAX Innovation Network for developers, which will initially cover more than 20 square miles in Silicon Valley. This developers network will bring 4G wireless service to campuses of some of the world’s leading technology innovators, including early participants Google Inc. and Intel Corporation. Cisco will provide core Internet Protocol Next-Generation Network (IP NGN) core infrastructure equipment in support of the WiMAX Innovation Network. Service is expected to be available to developers by late summer of this year, giving them a head start on the Bay Area’s commercial service launch, which is planned for 2010. Service will be provided free to a limited number of qualified developers for one year. Clearwire will provide WiMAX USB Modems for $49.99. To qualify, developers must register for Clearwire’s developer program and describe the products or business ideas they wish to pursue. Interested developers can pre-register at http://innovation.clear.com.

Clearwire and Cisco are founding members of the Open Patent Alliance (OPA). The OPA is a consortium of companies formed in June 2008 to advance a competitive, open intellectual property rights model, thus stimulating a larger WiMAX industry that supports innovation through broader choice and lower equipment and service costs globally. WiMAX, an IEEE 802.16e standard, is an IP-based broadband wireless technology that provides low-cost, multi-megabit speed and greater throughput for the mobile Internet era of video-rich content, collaborative services and bandwidth-intensive applications.

About Clearwire

Clearwire Communications, LLC, an operating subsidiary of Clearwire Corporation (NASDAQ:CLWR), offers a robust suite of advanced high-speed Internet services to consumers and businesses. As part of a multi-year network build-out plan, Clearwire's 4G service, called CLEAR™, will be available in major metropolitan areas across the U.S., and bring together an unprecedented combination of speed and mobility. Clearwire's open all-IP network, combined with significant spectrum holdings, provides unmatched network capacity to deliver next-generation broadband access. Strategic investors include Intel Capital, Comcast, Sprint, Google, Time Warner Cable, and Bright House Networks. Clearwire currently provides 4G service, utilizing WiMAX technology, in two markets and provides pre-WiMAX communications services in 50 markets across the U.S. and Europe. Headquartered in Kirkland, Wash., additional information about Clearwire is available at www.clearwire.com.

About Cisco

Cisco, (NASDAQ:CSCO), is the worldwide leader in networking that transforms how people connect, communicate and collaborate. Information about Cisco can be found at http://www.cisco.com. For ongoing news, please go to http://newsroom.cisco.com.

Media Contacts:

Clearwire Contacts:
Media Relations / Industry Analysts:
Susan Johnston, 425-216-7913
susan.johnston@clearwire.com
or
JLM Partners for Clearwire
Mike DiGioia, 206-381-3600
mike@jlmpartners.com
or
Investor Relations:
Mary Ekman, 425-216-7995
mary.ekman@clearwire.com
or
Cisco Contacts:
Media Relations:
Kevin Petschow, 773-444-5106
kpetscho@cisco.com
or
Industry Analysts:
Carter Cromwell, 402-526-6914
ccromwel@cisco.com
or
Investor Relations:
Matt Tractenberg, 408-525-3170
matthew2@cisco.com
or
Bruce Montgomery
tatvshow@yahoo.com
773-410-0608

Comment by Bruce Eric Montgomery on March 25, 2009 at 2:01pm

Sprint Extends 4G Leadership by Announcing Next U.S. Markets to Experience Sprint 4G

Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Ft. Worth, Honolulu, Las Vegas, Philadelphia, Portland and Seattle among Cities to Experience Turbo-Charged Mobile Broadband in 2009

Markets Expected to See Sprint 4G in 2010 Include Boston, Houston, New York City, the San Francisco Bay Area and Washington, D.C.

Sprint (NYSE: S) today announced the next markets in the national Sprint 4G roll out. Sprint, the first national carrier to test, launch and market 4G technology, is extending its 4G leadership by launching the next- generation service across the country.

Sprint 4G offers turbo-charged mobile broadband – peak downlink speeds of up to 12 Mbps in Baltimore today and average downlink speeds of 2-4 Mbps – three to five times faster than today’s 3G service from any carrier.

Sprint plans to deploy Sprint 4G service in many markets in 2009, including:
Atlanta Honolulu
Charlotte Las Vegas
Chicago Philadelphia
Dallas Portland
Fort Worth Seattle

Sprint also expects to launch service in multiple markets in 2010 including Boston, Houston, New York, San Francisco and Washington, D.C.

In addition to the ongoing market roll outs of 4G service across the country, Sprint has several new 4G devices planned for 2009 and 2010, including a single-mode 4G data card, embedded laptops, a small-office-home-office broadband modem and a tri-mode phone. Sprint was the first wireless carrier to offer access to both 3G and 4G networks on one device – the 3G/4G USB Modem U300.

Sprint made history by launching 4G in Baltimore in September 2008, then by launching the first dual-mode 3G/4G device in December. The current availability of Sprint 4G in Baltimore and the roll-out of 4G in major markets in 2009 and 2010 delivers on Sprint’s promise to offer a faster Internet experience in cities across the nation than any other wireless service from a national carrier.

“Sprint continues to lead the wireless industry by harnessing the power of WiMAX” said Todd Rowley, vice president of Sprint 4G. “The availability of Sprint 4G in more places this year and our aggressive expansion of Sprint 4G service demonstrates our commitment to provide 4G capabilities and devices nationwide for our business, consumer and government customers. These capabilities enable significantly enhanced performance and productivity for our customers.”

Sprint 4G brings the Internet to life and represents a shift in the way business, consumers and local governments will use mobile broadband, by extending the Internet beyond home or office use. Sprint 4G data cards, laptop solutions and phones will enable businesses and individuals to work when and where they want. Among the enhancements Sprint 4G enables are rich content, larger file transfers, streaming video and low-latency remote access. Sprint 4G-enabled smart phones have the promise of delivering processing power, applications and now the network connectivity to replace the laptop paradigm.

The 3G/4G USB Modem U300 is currently available nationwide via Sprint telesales at 1-800-Sprint-1 and at Sprint retail stores, Best Buy stores and local retailers in Baltimore. The device is priced at $79.99 with a $50 mail-in rebate (excludes taxes). With the U300, customers have access to the best of both 3G and 4G and can be ready to experience 4G when it arrives in their city, while taking advantage of America’s most dependable 3G network now*. For more information, visit www.sprint.com/4G.

Media Contact:

Stephanie Vinge-Walsh, 310-213-0039
stephanie.a.vinge@sprint.com

Comment by Bruce Eric Montgomery on September 29, 2008 at 3:29pm

XOHM WiMAX Broadband Service Debuts in Baltimore

New 4G wireless era dawns as unique business model revolutionizes mobile Internet access

Service-plan innovation includes $50 “Pick 2 for Life” offer without usage limitations

CHICAGO----A next-generation 4G wireless network based on mobile WiMAX technology debuted today in Baltimore, heralding the start of a new era for wireless consumers as Sprint (NYSE: S) officially launched XOHM mobile broadband commercial service in the first major U.S. city.

“This is truly an historic day with the birth of a completely new Internet-based business model that alters the dynamics of the traditional telecom industry,” explained Barry West, president of Sprint’s XOHM business unit. “Wireless consumers will experience WiMAX device and XOHM service innovation on multiple levels as the computer, Internet, telecom and consumer electronics industries converge to redefine wireless mobility.”

XOHM WiMAX will extend the home or office Internet experience and mobile multimedia applications to other places and additional devices. With XOHM, consumers, businesses and local governments will ultimately be able to experience new forms of interactive communications, high-speed mobile Internet browsing, social-networking tools, location-centric services and multimedia including music, video and on-demand products at faster average downlink speeds of 2-4 Mbps.

The data-centric XOHM broadband service differs from present wireless offerings in that:

No long-term commitments or contracts are required, freeing customers from restrictive long-term subsidized plans;
Monthly home, on-the-go and day-pass Internet plans provide service choices;
A single monthly charge covers service for multiple WiMAX access devices;
WiMAX devices are purchased like other computing/consumer electronic devices,
XOHM broadband service is self-activated and includes future updates capability;
Customers can enjoy an Internet portal offering enhanced mobile services;
The Open Internet business model transcends other carriers’ wireless walled gardens that restrict services, choice and innovation.

Starting today, customers can purchase XOHM-branded Samsung Express air cards for $59.99 and ZyXEL modems for $79.99 via XOHM web, telesales or select Baltimore-area independent retailers. Additional WiMAX devices such as a ZTE USB modem, Intel Centrino 2 WiMAX notebook PCs and the Nokia N810 WiMAX Edition are expected in market later this year.

Introductory offers allow customers to choose from both daily and month-to-month service options. At launch, mobile WiMAX service plans include a $10 Day pass, $25 monthly Home Internet service and $30 monthly On-the-go service. Special launch pricing includes a $50 “Pick 2 for Life” monthly service option covering two different WiMAX devices. Visit www.xohm.com to view the current XOHM WiMAX coverage area, details of the introductory broadband service offerings and device sales information.

XOHM subscribers will be given free access to a unique and customizable Web site, called MyXOHM, focusing primarily on local services and entertainment content, as well as providing security services, hosted storage and interactive communications. After choosing preferences, subscribers will have their content pushed to a customized and location-aware portal via small digestible widgets.

XOHM continues to work with WiMAX ecosystem partners and others to incorporate WiMAX technology in a range of computing, portable multimedia, interactive and other business and consumer electronic devices, including the availability of XOHM WiMAX in vehicles for navigation information, news and entertainment.

Sprint will be the first and only national wireless carrier to offer customers a dual–mode 3G - 4G device that extends the power of Sprint’s NOW network. Expected to launch in the fourth quarter, this Sprint device will operate on the nation’s largest 3G mobile broadband network and the 4G network in Baltimore and other markets as WiMAX service becomes available.

The Baltimore XOHM service launch is one of the most rapid ever for new network development, approximately two years after Sprint’s selection of WiMAX IEEE 802.16e as a technology standard and the formation of a charter WiMAX ecosystem with Intel, Samsung and Motorola. Those firms shared a common vision of next-generation mobility services predicated on an embedded chipset model and the wireless enablement of millions of consumer electronic devices that lack wireless connectivity or Internet capability. Nokia, Nokia Siemens Networks, Google, ZTE, ZyXEL and others have since joined the XOHM WiMAX ecosystem.

Sprint’s XOHM business unit focuses on developing the WiMAX ecosystem and standards to bring the latest broadband wireless technology to U.S. customers while pursuing roaming and interoperability agreements globally. The XOHM WiMAX network utilizes the 2.5 GHz spectrum holdings that were combined in the Sprint and Nextel merger to deploy next-generation technology.

XOHM uses WiMAX infrastructure developed by Samsung Electronics Corporation Ltd. and has worked with them in deployment and buildout of the Baltimore-area WiMAX network. Additional markets are in various stages of infrastructure development for commercial readiness. These efforts are ultimately intended to allow customers to experience a nationwide 4G mobile broadband network that is designed to offer faster speeds, lower cost, greater convenience and enhanced multimedia quality.

As announced earlier this year, Sprint expects to complete the anticipated combination of its XOHM WiMAX business assets with Clearwire to form a new company in the fourth quarter. This new company, to be called Clearwire, will continue to expedite the deployment of a nationwide mobile WiMAX network. Following the transaction, Sprint will be the only national wireless carrier to sell 4G services through an MVNO structure with the new Clearwire.

Bruce Montgomery 773-410-0608 tatvshow@yahoo.com

Comment by Bruce Eric Montgomery on September 25, 2008 at 2:43pm

Comment by Bruce Eric Montgomery on September 25, 2008 at 2:37pm

WiMAX World 2008 in Chicago -- Motorola, Inc. (NYSE: MOT) today announced that it has begun a proof of concept trial for the X24, an innovative machine-to-machine (M2M) wireless module featuring mobile WiMAX connectivity (802.16e). The X24 module is designed with advanced automotive telemetry needs in mind, enabling in-car, low-cost broadband connectivity over a WiMAX network. The X24 is based on Motorola's WTM1000 WiMAX chipset. The X24 will be on display at WiMAX World 2008, booth 601, and will be part of a live demo using real WiMAX infrastructure.