Clearwire

March 2009. Clearwire WiMAX uses 4G technology to provide wireless Internet connection speeds that beat other types of mobile broadband at a reasonable cost. Clearwire provides service in only two metro areas at present -- Clear in Portland, Ore., and Xohm in Baltimore, (which, following the Sprint-Clearwire merger, is scheduled to be rebranded as Clear sometime in 2009). However, the company plans to provide 4G networks in all major metro areas by the end of 2010. Despite being competitively priced with other types of mobile broadband, WiMAX delivers faster download rates (2 to 4 Mbps). If you don't need broadband on the go, Clearwire offers WiMAX fixed service plans that are both faster and less expensive than their mobile offerings, though slower than most cable or fiber broadband. If Clearwire WiMAX isn't yet available in your area, most major and lots of smaller metro areas are serviced by slower but still speedy 3G mobile broadband networks. Among those, AT&T DataConnect (*est. $20 to $60 per month) offers the widest range of plans while Sprint Mobile Broadband (*est. $60 per month) is notable for the widest coverage, but both require a contract and both cap monthly usage.

We found excellent tests of WiMAX at Computerworld and Laptop magazine's weblog, both comparing Clearwire's Xohm service with 3G broadband from AT&T and Sprint, respectively. DSLReports.com ranks Xohm WiMAX in comparison with even more mobile broadband providers, with ratings on specific factors based on reviews from users. PC Magazine doesn't test WiMAX but does provide useful comments on its advantages.