CLEAR's WiMAX service has been up and running in Philadelphia since early October (don't forget - you can check if CLEAR has coverage in your area using our CLEAR Coverage Tool!), but they finally made it "legit" this week with an official launch event. Below are some excerpts from the official press release from Clearwire announcing the launch:
PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 5, 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 Philadelphia region. The company also named Andrew Kupiec as general manager for the Philadelphia 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 1000 square miles and approximately 3.6 million people in the Philadelphia market. Regionally, service extends as far north as Bucks County, south to the Delaware state line below the Philadelphia airport, east to Cherry Hill, NJ and west to the Phoenixville and Malvern areas.
“CLEAR is excited to bring to Philadelphia 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 Andrew Kupiec, Clearwire General Manager, Philadelphia. “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 hot spot. 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 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, and with several no service contract options are available. Home Internet service plans start at $25 (U.S.) per month, while mobile Internet plans start at $35 per month, or customers can 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 purchase 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 stores are located at: 234 Mall Boulevard, 8532 Germantown Avenue, 2250 S. Columbus Blvd. and 540 South Street.
CLEAR service is also available from a number of other outlets including Best Buy and Radio Shack.
...Philadelphia Launch Event, Community Outreach and Advertising
Clearwire will host a consumer launch event at Love Park (JFK Plaza, 1500 Arch Street) on Thursday, November 5 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The event will include service demonstrations, special guests, prizes and giveaways.
A new advertising initiative also debuts in the market beginning today, which includes a new television ad.
In addition, Clearwire will announce plans to provide dozens of embedded WiMAX laptops from Samsung to the St. Joseph’s University, Ignatian College Connection program. The laptops and CLEAR service will be offered to qualified high school students beginning in their freshman year as an additional resource for their educational pursuits.
“Supporting the communities we serve is a key focus for CLEAR,” added Kupiec. “Today’s event and donation to St. Joseph’s University Ignatian College Connection program is just the beginning of our commitment to the Philadelphia region. With these Samsung laptops and CLEAR service each student supported by this program will find new and interesting opportunities to learn and explore as they work toward pursuing higher education.”
