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A five-hour outage affected CLEAR WiMAX users in Seattle, Chicago, Salem and Portland, Ore., Las Vegas, Boise, Idaho, and eight markets in western Texas on Tuesday, as well as subscribers to CLEAR resellers like Sprint, Time Warner, and Comcast. In Seattle and Chicago, the outages affected only a single cell site, but the other outages were widespread due to software issues Clearwire encountered when performing maintenance on Motorola equipment.

Clearwire issued the following brief statement about the outage: "During network maintenance we encountered a software glitch that impacted service for Clear and MSO customers alike in certain markets. The issue has since been resolved and service has been restored. This was a network issue and customer equipment was not affected."

Were you affected by the outage? Discuss on the 4G Forums

As we discussed last month, Sprint has been in the process of acquiring iPCS, an Illinois-based Sprint affiliate. iPCS was causing trouble for Sprint by trying to block Sprint/Clearwire from deploying WiMAX in the markets they serve, citing exclusivity clauses, but that won't be a problem any longer: Sprint announced today that they have completed their acquisition of iPCS. While it is too early to speculate on if or when Sprint and Clearwire will be able to launch WiMAX networks in markets previously controlled by iPCS, it is certainly a step in the right direction and would-be 4G lovers in those areas should be optimistic about an eventual WiMAX launch in their area!

Below is the official press release from Sprint:

OVERLAND PARK, Kan.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 4, 2009-- Sprint Nextel Corporation (NYSE:S) announced today that it has successfully completed its acquisition of iPCS, Inc. (NASDAQ:IPCS). Under the terms of the transaction, announced in October, Sprint Nextel acquired iPCS for approximately $831 million, including the assumption of $405 million of net debt. Sprint Nextel acquired all of iPCS’s outstanding common shares for $24.00 per share in an all-cash transaction.

As a result of the completion of the merger, iPCS is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sprint Nextel. iPCS shares will cease trading on NASDAQ as of the closing of the market today and will be delisted. The completion of this acquisition also allows Sprint Nextel and iPCS to resolve all the litigation pending between them.

More than 700,000 former iPCS wireless customers will now be counted as direct Sprint Nextel subscribers. As part of the acquisition, Sprint also expanded its direct service territory to cover an additional 12.6 million people. Since iPCS’s services were sold under the Sprint brand name and in Sprint-branded stores, iPCS customers should not experience any change in their service as a result of this transaction.

ABOUT SPRINT NEXTEL

Sprint Nextel offers a comprehensive range of wireless and wireline communications services bringing the freedom of mobility to consumers, businesses and government users. Sprint Nextel is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying innovative technologies, including two wireless networks serving more than 48 million customers at the end of the third quarter of 2009 and the first and only 4G service from a national carrier in the United States; industry-leading mobile data services; instant national and international push-to-talk capabilities; and a global Tier 1 Internet backbone. The company’s customer-focused strategy has led to improved first call resolution and customer care satisfaction scores. For more information, visit www.sprint.com.

SAFE HARBOR

This press release includes forward-looking statements regarding the proposed acquisition and related transactions that are not historical or current facts and deal with potential future circumstances and developments, in particular, information regarding the acquisition of iPCS. Forward-looking statements are qualified by the inherent risk and uncertainties surrounding future expectations generally and may materially differ from actual future experience. Risks and uncertainties that could affect forward-looking statements include: the failure to realize synergies as a result of operational efficiencies, unexpected costs or liabilities, and the risks that are described from time to time in Sprint Nextel’s and iPCS’s respective reports filed with the SEC, including the annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 and quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2009, June 30, 2009 and September 30, 2009 of each of Sprint Nextel and iPCS. This press release speaks only as of its date, and Sprint disclaims any duty to update the information herein.

Source: Sprint

Discuss the iPCS acquisition on the 4G Forums. 

As is typically the case with new technologies, there aren't currently many WiMAX-capable devices available on the market. CLEAR subscribers have a choice between a couple of modems and a netbook or two, but Clearwire hopes to change that next year by offering smartphones that are WiMAX-enabled. Clearwire CEO Bill Morrow has announced that his company plans to offer WiMAX smartphones by Christmas of next year, and if the phones Clearwire ends up selling are anything like the vision Morrow shared at 4G World back in September, we are all in for a treat: Morrow stated that the CLEAR smartphone will be similar to a computer, with 64 GB of memory storage, 1Ghz processor and high definition video capable, will include mobile VoIP and voice and object reorganization.

And don't forget, wherever CLEAR goes, their partner Sprint follows - if Clearwire succeeds in getting a WiMAX phone to the market next year, we can assume that Sprint will also have some 4G (or 3G/4G) phones available!

Discuss the future of WiMAX-enabled phones on the 4G Forums

CLEAR coverage in the Chicago area - click here to view the full CLEAR coverage maps

CLEAR's WiMAX network went "live" in the Chicago area back in early November, but today CLEAR held their official launch at CLEAR retail stores throughout the city. Chicago is the largest 4G market so far, with 1,700 square miles of WiMAX coverage, and despite the chilly weather the launch was a big success - and 4Ginfo was there!

Below is an excerpt from CLEAR's official press release announcing the Chicago launch:

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 1, 2009-- Clearwire Communications, LLC, an operating subsidiary of Clearwire Corporation (NASDAQ: CLWR) announced today the expansion of its sales operations for CLEAR’s super fast mobile Internet service throughout the Chicago region. The company also named Jeannie Weaver as general manager for the Chicago market.

With CLEAR, consumers and businesses can access the Internet wirelessly, at true broadband speeds – at home, in the office, and on the go anywhere in the CLEAR coverage area. CLEAR covers 1700 square miles and approximately 6.6 million people. Regionally, service extends as far north as Highland Park, south to Willowbrook, east to Lake Michigan and west to Geneva.

“CLEAR is excited to bring to Chicago residents, businesses and visitors an Internet experience similar to what they’re used to having at home or the office, anywhere around town or on the go,” said Jeannie Weaver, Clearwire General Manager, Chicago. “We're pleased to provide this community a valuable new category of Internet service designed to make people’s lives more enjoyable and more productive.” 

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left: CLEAR coverage in Maui; right: CLEAR coverage in Honolulu

Great news for Hawaiian broadband-lovers: CLEAR and Sprint 4G have launched their WiMAX networks in several areas of both Honolulu and Maui!

Below is an excerpt from the CLEAR press release for the new markets in Hawaii:

HONOLULU--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 1, 2009-- Clearwire Communications, LLC, an operating subsidiary of Clearwire Corporation (NASDAQ:CLWR) announced today the expansion of its sales operations for CLEAR’s super fast mobile Internet service in Honolulu and Maui.

With CLEAR, consumers and businesses can access the Internet wirelessly, at true broadband speeds – at home, in the office, and on the go anywhere in the CLEAR coverage area. CLEAR covers 800,000 of the 1.2 million people in the state of Hawaii. Service extends 1,759 square miles over three islands: Oahu, Maui, and Lanai.

“CLEAR is excited to bring to Honolulu and Maui residents, businesses and visitors an Internet experience similar to what they’re used to having at home or the office, anywhere around town or on the go,” said Jon Gelman, Clearwire’s regional vice president. “We're pleased to provide this community a valuable new category of Internet service designed to make people’s lives more enjoyable and more productive.”

A CLEAR Difference

The CLEAR customer experience is similar to that provided by Wi-Fi, but without the short-range limitations of a traditional Internet hotspot. CLEAR uses a wireless 4G technology that differs from Wi-Fi called WiMAX, which provides service areas measured in miles, not feet. Furthermore, CLEAR gives you average mobile download speeds of 3 to 6 mbps with bursts over 10 mbps.*

As the Internet integrates deeper into daily life, the opportunities to stay connected and be productive are enhanced by CLEAR in numerous ways. For example:

• A mobile professional no longer needs to seek out Wi-Fi hotspots or be constrained by the speeds and limitations of 3G modem cards;
• A college student or retiree can now have affordable Internet service to meet their needs at home, on campus and on-the-go;
• A commuter can now work or access entertainment sites like Hulu or Pandora on the way to and from home;
• A busy parent can now have full Internet connectivity for kids studying or playing games in the back of the family minivan.

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, with several no-service-contract options available. Home Internet service plans start at $25 (USD) per month. Regular mobile Internet plans start at $35 per month, or, for a limited time, customers can take advantage of CLEAR’s mobile Internet promotion with plans starting at $30 per month for customers that sign-up for service online at www.clear.com. Customers can also 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 $55 for both, or by signing up for a two-year service agreement. The dual-mode 4G/3G plan is available for just $70 per month with a two-year service agreement. Customers can find full details about pricing options, business plans and purchasing the service online at www.clear.com, or by visiting other authorized CLEAR dealers.

CLEAR service is available online at Clear.com and beginning today at CLEAR retail stores and authorized dealer locations throughout the area. CLEAR retail locations are located on the island of Oahu at Windward Mall, Pearlridge Mall, Ala Moana Mall, Kahala Mall and on Keeaumoku St. Retail locations on the island of Maui are located at Queen Kaahumanu Mall and on Dairy Road. 

Discuss the latest WiMAX launches on the 4G Forums

After announcing that they would be receiving $1.5 billion in funding from Sprint and others earlier this month, there's more good financial news for CLEAR's future: Clearwire announced yesterday that they had raised another $920 million to help fund the build-out of their (eventual) nationwide 4G WiMAX network. Bill Morrow, CEO of Clearwire, had this to say about the financial news: "With this latest tranche of additional funding, we have not only exceeded the amount of capital that we have previously stated we needed to fully fund our business plan, but we have also secured additional capital that will allow us to expand more aggressively by covering more people and with more capacity than we had previously planned."

It takes a lot of money and a long time to build a truly nationwide network (even 3G, which started rolling out in the US several years ago from providers like Verizon, Sprint, and AT&T, is still not available "everywhere" from any provider), so even with this latest round of funding for Clearwire it is important to realize that it will be quite a while before 4G is widely available. However, Clearwire has done a respectable job thus far: they now have WiMAX service available in 13 markets and have over half a million subscribers, with big goals of major expansions in 2010. Hopefully the many billions of dollars investors have put towards Clearwire will translate into a speedy roll-out of reliable, fast internet service made available to more users who don't have access to other high-speed internet options.

Discuss Clearwire's latest round of fund-raising on the 4G Forums