Clearwire
The wireless internet service provider Clearwire announced their new 4G network on Monday. Called Rover, the service will run on a pay-as-you-go payment model.
The network is available now in all of Clearwire’s markets. Sprint Nextel owns 51% of Clearwire, and they currently use the company to power Sprint’s 4G-WiMax network.
Clearwire has proven to be an unprofitable venture in the past. They have been unable to make any money on their 4G network, and have lost nearly $1 billion this year alone. With Rover, it seems that Clearwire is trying to obtain more customers for its mobile broadband service.
There are two devices that will allow consumers to connect to Rover. One is a USB modem called the “Stick” that will retail for $100, and the other is the “Puck” which allows consumers to hook up the 4G broadband to as many as eight devices for $150. Prices for using the network itself will vary, with usage for a day, a week, and a month costing $5, $20, and $50 respectively.
Although Clearwire is the only service provider to offer a 4G network, other companies will soon be entering the market, with Verizon and AT&T both planning to offer their own network over the next year.
Still, Clearwire says that they will have an edge on the competition by attracting younger internet users with its pay-as-you-go model.
