Clearwire's $150 dual-mode WiMAX / Sprint CDMA modem launches Sunday

Yup, it's true, the dual-mode CDMA / WiMAX modem is real and will be sold by Clearwire Sprint starting December 21st. The $150 device (after $50 rebate and two-year Sprint contract) is a first to function on both Sprint's EV-DO network and Clearwire's nascent mobile WiMAX service currently supporting Baltimore's collection of kitschy beauty salons. So yeah, the modem is of limited interest until Clearwire can build-out its network in 2009, starting with Portland in early January.

[Portland Guy @ Dec 17th 2008 1:42AM]

BTW Clear has launched in Portland and has been operating for a good while now. http://www.clear.com

[Electromodo @ Dec 17th 2008 1:46AM]

That's all good and such, but where is the long promised WiMax service in DC? I can't wait...

[neodorian @ Dec 17th 2008 10:35AM]

You can actually get it in many parts of DC. They just don't have the coverage they would like before they announce it. I took my laptop there a few weeks ago and could get on in a few places.

[Tom @ Dec 17th 2008 1:49AM]

I am going to take this opportunity to tell you all that I should have been asleep 3 hours ago on a normal day, and that I despise my English teacher for giving me a bulls%&#! project today due tomorrow. I am sorry for burdening you all.

This device actually seems like a pretty cool item to have and will probably revolutionize some aspect of wireless technology when it comes about.

I wish I was asleep,
Tom

[thedesolate1 @ Dec 17th 2008 2:29AM]

Will sprint even last 2 years?

[Unknown @ Dec 17th 2008 2:34AM]

New York City?

[Clearwire Hater @ Dec 17th 2008 2:43AM]

I had Clearwire's service (or lack thereof) for a while. It sucked. Totally and completely. I had to do all kinds of speed tests and ping logs to prove to them that their "blazing fast" 2mbps speeds were really 92kbps. Slower than dial up. Even after proving to them that they were no where near upholding their end of the contract, they still tried to force me to continue the full 2 year deal. It took almost 2 months and getting the Better Business Bureau involved before they finally decided to let it go. In the meantime, I had canceled the check card they had on file and got a new one, mainly because they cannot be trusted. Anyway, to sum up, Clearwire is BAD NEWS, stay away.

[Stephanie @ Dec 17th 2008 3:54AM]

A correction: Clearwire will not be selling the Sprint 3G/4G USB Modem U300. Sprint will be selling the device, first in Baltimore beginning Dec. 21 via it's direct business sales channels, Baltimore area Sprint retail stores and other retailers. It will then be sold in other cities as Sprint 4G rolls out. The device will operate on the Sprint 4G network where Sprint 4G WiMAX service is available and on the Sprint 3G network virtually everywhere else. The average 4G downlink speeds on the device are 2-4 Mpbs. For more info, check out www.sprint.com/4g on Wednesday and beyond.

[Nicca @ Dec 17th 2008 9:57AM]

Check this out!

http://www.thestreet.com/story/10453612/1/amazing-4g-speeds-from-a-usb-modem.html

I agree with what Stephanie says. Logic would even say this isn't a Clear card or under a Clear network. If that wasn't the case, Sprint 4G would be available in Portland (see). It's a NOW card on the NOW network and just I can't wait until this rolls out in my city!

[sndmn23 @ Dec 17th 2008 10:59AM]

This is cool because it's forward compatible. If you were holding out on getting or upgrading your aircard because you were waiting for Wimax, well here you go!

[BruceD2187 @ Dec 17th 2008 3:31PM]

I have Clearwire in Reno, NV and I can't wait for my contract to end - it is soooo slow and not reliable.

[gmbyronxvi @ Dec 18th 2008 3:57AM]

I have Clear in Portland, and its pretty good. Can't really complaint about it.