Clearwire's 4G iSpot brings wireless broadband to Apple mobile devices (updated)
Check it out, Clearwire has decided to do up an Apple-centric version of its Spot 4G hotspot, so it's quite naturally fashioned it in the shape of a Magic Mouse and stuck an i prefix to the front of the device. Really, there's nothing new or Apple-exclusive that we can see here -- up to eight devices can hook up to this portable 4G emitter via WiFi and the only (see update) authentication required is a password. So yes, like a lot of products before it, the iSpot has done the ignoble thing of associating itself with iPhones, iPads and iPod touches just because those devices are considered the cool kids of the digital playground today. Then again, Clearwire might decide to be difficult and refuse to sell you one of those excellent-sounding $25 (pre-tax) a month 4G broadband packages that go with the iSpot if you don't have an i-something else in tow. If you're fancying this curvy little accessory for your mobile gear, it costs $99, but can be had for $29 on sale from Clear today, ahead of an August 10 launch at major retailers.
Update: We followed up with Clearwire regarding authenticating with the iSpot. We're told that "the device is configured to filter based on MAC address which allows it to ID the Apple mobile devices," which explicitly means iPhones, iPads and iPod touches only.
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Clearwire Introduces iSpot™
Nation's First Dedicated 4G Support for Apple® Mobile Devices
New CLEAR iSpot Personal Hotspot Brings Unlimited Rich Mobile Broadband Experience to Apple Mobile Product Lines
Monthly Service Plans Offer High-Speed, Cost-Effective, Unlimited 4G Mobile Broadband Options for iPad™, iPod touch®, and iPhone® Data Service
KIRKLAND, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Clearwire Corporation (NASDAQ:CLWR), a leading provider of wireless broadband services and operator of the largest 4G network in the country, today announced the introduction of the CLEAR iSpot™, a personal hotspot with dedicated support for Apple's line of mobile devices*, including the iPad™, iPod touch® and iPhone®. The iSpot brings the speed and mobility of true mobile broadband to a user base primed for the rich online experience of 4G.
"With the iSpot, Apple customers don't have to sort through confusing service plans with overage fees, nor do they have to worry about how much data they're using," said Thomas Enraght-Moony, senior vice president of marketing at Clearwire. "Instead, with CLEAR, customers can run all of their Apple mobile devices at true broadband speeds for a single, simple monthly fee."
The iSpot is CLEAR's first 4G personal mobile hotspot made exclusively for Apple mobile products, including iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch devices. iSpot users can share 4G speed with up to eight Wi-Fi-enabled Apple mobile devices simultaneously. The CLEAR iSpot's ergonomic design and white casing were specifically designed to complement the iconic image of Apple products.
Using CLEAR super fast mobile internet® service, Apple's iPad, iPod touch or iPhone can access a rich mobile broadband experience with average mobile download speeds of 3 to 6 mbps with bursts over 10 mbps**. For example, using the CLEAR iSpot an iPad user can stream unlimited movies or television shows via the Netflix app from home, work or on the go, while an iPod user can stream Pandora® music or live sports play-by-play on the commute home.
The iSpot expands the CLEAR line of personal mobile hotspots, which includes the CLEAR Spot 4G and CLEAR Spot 4G+. With personal mobile hotspots, CLEAR provides thousands of Wi-Fi enabled devices, from laptops to netbooks to personal gaming devices the ability to access super fast mobile internet service anywhere in CLEAR coverage.
iSpot Pricing and Availability
The iSpot is available nationwide from www.clear.com today and available in CLEAR retail stores and authorized dealers beginning August 10. The iSpot has an MSRP of $99.99*** and users can enjoy unlimited 4G data usage for an initial low monthly service offering of $25*** without a required term contract. In conjunction with today's launch, new CLEAR customers can take advantage of a one-day introductory sale offering significant savings on the iSpot (and other CLEAR Spot devices) when activating qualified CLEAR mobile service. Special one-day pricing is available through August 5, online only at www.clear.com.
For more information about CLEAR, visit www.clear.com. You can also follow the CLEAR Blog at www.theclearblog.com or on twitter @Clear. Detailed company information about Clearwire is available at http://www.clearwire.com.
For press and broadcast: Product images, video footage and company logos can be downloaded from the Clearwire website at: http://www.clearwire.com/newsroom. To subscribe to Clearwire's RSS news feed, click here.
About Clearwire
Clearwire Corporation (NASDAQ:CLWR), through its operating subsidiaries, is a leading provider of wireless broadband services. Clearwire's 4G network is currently available in areas of the U.S. where approximately 51 million people live, and the company plans to continue to expand its 4G coverage. Clearwire's open all-IP network, combined with significant spectrum holdings, provides an unprecedented combination of speed and mobility to deliver next generation broadband access. The company markets its 4G service through its own brand called CLEAR as well as through its wholesale relationships with Sprint, Comcast and Time Warner Cable. Strategic investors include Intel Capital, Comcast, Sprint, Google, Time Warner Cable, and Bright House Networks. Clearwire is headquartered in Kirkland, Wash. Additional information is available at www.clearwire.com.
*Apple does not endorse Clearwire products or services and is not affiliated with Clearwire.
** CLEAR performance claim is based on average download user speeds achieved during tests performed by CLEAR on the CLEAR commercial network, vs. other national wireless carriers' recently published, download speed information. Actual CLEAR network performance may vary and is not guaranteed.
Unlimited plans subject to CLEAR's Acceptable Use Policy, posted at www.clear.com/legal/aup.
***Plus taxes.
Clearwire, CLEAR, the CLEAR logo and super fast mobile internet are trademarks or registered trademarks of Clearwire Communications LLC. All other company or product names are trademarks of their respective owners; use of these names does not indicate official support or endorsement of Clearwire products or services. © 2010 Clear Wireless LLC. All Rights Reserved.
