New CLEAR WiMAX Devices and Plan Changes

CLEAR is kicking off the month of February with some very exciting changes to their lineup of 4G modems and service plans!

New CLEAR Devices:

CLEAR "Series M" Home Modem (left): The new "Series M" modem is the successor to the original Home Modem and features an enhanced internal antenna for improved reception. The "Series M" modem is available for $79.99 or it can be leased for $4.99/mo if you select a 2-year contract.

CLEAR 4G Mobile USB Modem (PXU1900) (right): This is the successor to the CLEAR USB modem, and offers some nice benefits over the original, including the fact that it can be used with the optional USB Performance Dock, which also debuted today, for better signal (see more below)!

The PXU1900 is available for $59.99 or it can be leased for $4.99/mo if you select a 2-year contract.

CLEAR USB Performance Dock (left): This is a great accessory for the new PXU1900 USB modem, and the first of its kind for WiMAX! The Performance Dock provides increased signal and performance to the PXU1900, and is super portable and easy to use. Instead of connecting the modem directly to your computer, you simply place it in the Performance Dock and then connect the Dock to your computer via USB. Best of all, the USB Performance Dock is a bargain at just $9.99!

CLEAR Plan Changes:

• CLEAR has responded to Sprint's new 3G/4G pricing by lowering their price for 3G/4G service, too: CLEAR users can now get unlimited 4G access and 5GB of 3G access for just $55/mo (the price was previously $70/mo)!
• CLEAR has also added a new promo just for customers in the Portland/Salem market - these lucky folks can get the "Pick 2" service plan (service for either two USB devices or home modem and one USB modem) for just $45/month (regular price is $65/month)!

Order CLEAR devices and services securely from 3Gstore

Sierra Overdrive 3G/4G Portable Hotspot Now Available at 3Gstore!

As a follow-up product to the success of their first mobile hotspot -- the MiFi 2200 -- Sprint has launched a game-changing product called the Sprint OverDrive. The Sprint OverDrive (aka Sierra Wireless W801) is a mobile hotspot that allows high speed connections to Sprint's nationwide 3G network as well as their faster 4G WiMAX network, for as many as five wireless devices.

The Sprint OverDrive is available from 3Gstore.com right now for $99.99 after rebate with a new 2-year contract. 3G/4G service is available for just $59.99/mo; this plan provides unlimited 4G data use and 5GB of data use on 3G network with overage charge of $0.05/mb. Since the 3G/4G data plan for the OverDrive is the same price as Sprint's 3G-only service, users thinking about 3G service may want to look at the OverDrive as an option, even if they aren't in 4G coverage. You'll be able to use 3G now, and when you travel to a 4G area or when Sprint launches 4G in your area, you'll be set!

Read more about the Overdrive in our "Product Spotlight"

Order the Overdrive for $149.99 - $50 mail-in rebate securely from 3Gstore

Sprint 3G/4G U301 USB Modem Now Available at 3Gstore

Sprint's newest dual-mode USB modem, the U301, is now available at 3Gstore! The U301 is a dual-mode device that can connect to both Sprint's 4G WiMAX network and their nationwide 3G EVDO Rev-A network - you'll enjoy super-fast 4G speeds where available, and when you travel outside a 4G market, the U301 will automatically connect to Sprint's 3G network!

Sprint's new 3G/4G plan makes the U301 an excellent option even for users who aren't currently in a Sprint 4G area. 3G/4G service is the same price as Sprint's 3G-only service - $59.99/mo - and provides unlimited 4G access and 5GB of 3G access. If you were considering signing up for Sprint's 3G mobile broadband service with a 3G-only device, we highly recommend considering the U301 instead - for the exact same monthly price you'll be able to use 3G service now and when 4G does become available in your area (or if you travel to a 4G area) in the future, you'll be prepared with a compatible device!

More about the U301:

* Dimensions: 3.5" x 1.27" x 0.92"
* Weight: 1.25 oz
* Compatibility: Windows XP/Vista/7, Mac OS X 10.4 and later
* Cradlepoint router support coming soon!

The U301 is available from 3Gstore for FREE with a new 2-year contract (pay $49.99 and receive a $50 mail-in rebate). Remember, when you order your Sprint service through 3Gstore you'll have access to our esteemed technical support as well as discounts on routers (Cradlepoint plans on supporting the U301 in an upcoming firmware release) and antennas/amplifiers (there are currently no signal-boosting options for improving the 4G signal, but repeaters can be used to improve your 3G signal)!

Order the U301 for $49.99 - $50 mail-in rebate securely from 3Gstore

Mac + 4G: What works?

Like the early days of mobile broadband service, the earliest 4G device offerings were not Mac savvy. Thankfully, options that include Mac OS X software are becoming available quicker than with 3G service. Our latest 4Ginfo article contains the latest 4G and Mac compatibility information and links to further resources:

Sprint and CLEAR 4G and Mac Compatibility

• order CLEAR 4G service
• discusss 4G & Mac on 4gforums.com

Sprint's New Mobile Broadband Plan Offers 3G & 4G for $59.99/mo

Whenever new technology debuts, customers understandably become concerned about buying products that are going to be outdated or getting stuck in a service contract when something better is on the way. Now that Sprint's 4G internet service is becoming available to users in more and more cities and more dual-mode 3G/4G devices are hitting the market, folks who were considering signing up for 3G mobile broadband service now have another option to contemplate. Luckily, Sprint has put together a new mobile broadband plan that gives you access to both their 3G and 4G networks at the SAME price as their 3G plan, just $59.99/month! You get the same 5GB of 3G service plus unlimited 4G access - Sprint is essentially giving away their 4G service at no additional charge!

Read more about Sprint's new 3G/4G plan and devices

3Gstore is Now a CLEAR (4G WiMAX) Dealer!

3Gstore.com is now a CLEAR online authorized retailer! For nearly five years 3Gstore (formerly booster-antenna.com) has been the go-to source for all things 3G, and now we've expanded to offer our customers the latest in mobile broadband technology.

CLEAR provides 4G WiMAX internet access, which is like 3G mobile broadband technologies like EVDO, but much faster! It provides average download speeds of 3 to 6 mbps with bursts up to 10mbps. There are three different modems available (a 4G USB device, a "home modem", and a dual-mode 3G/4G device) and a myriad of plans available to fit every usage need and budget. Click here to read more about CLEAR!

Click here to order CLEAR products and services from 3Gstore!

2009 in Review: The Year of 4G!

This has been a really exciting year for 4G services! This time last year, 4G services were available in just a select few markets, and after just one year Sprint/CLEAR have expanded their WiMAX coverage to over 30 markets, several new devices made their debut, and Verizon made sure we didn't forget that LTE is on the way. Lets take a look at the highlights of 4G in 2009!

• Sprint/Clearwire Expands 4G WiMax Coverage To New Markets:

• Abilene, TX
• Amarillo, TX
• Atlanta, GA
• Austin, TX
• Bellingham, WA
• Boise, ID
• Chicago, IL
• Corpus Christi, TX
• Dallas / Fort Worth, TX
• Greensboro, NC
• Honolulu, HI
• Killeen, TX
• Las Vegas, NV
• Lubbock, TX
• Maui, HI
• Midland / Odessa, TX
• Milledgeville, GA
• Philadelphia, PA
• Portland, OR
• Raleigh, NC
• Salem, OR
• San Antonio, TX
• Seattle, WA
• Waco, TX
• Witchita Falls, TX

• Cradlepoint integrates support for the new 4G devices onto their router line with a firmware update.

• Sprint, Clearwire’s largest shareholder, expanded it’s network onto the Clearwire infrastructure to become the first national 3G/4G carrier.

• Sprint announced the U301 3G/4G Hybrid Modem, the first Mac-compatible 3G/4G Hybrid device

• Samsung announced and released the Mondi, the first "MID" or Mobile Internet Device to work on the Clear network.

• Verizon completed its initial tests on its LTE network in two lucky cities, Boston and Seattle, and promised coverage to 25-30 markets in 2010.

Going into the new year, we are looking forward to seeing many new developments and advances in 4G. Things that we will be watching for this year include:

• CLEAR and Sprint 4G further expanding their 4G coverage to new markets
• WiMAX-enabled phones (Sprint & LG To Unveil WiMax 4G Phone at CES?)
• Verizon to launch their 4G LTE service
• 3Gstore.com (4Ginfo's sister site) will begin selling Clear & Sprint 4G products and services in the very near future - check 3Gstore.com/clear for updates!
  

It looks like 2010 is going to be a very exciting year for 4G services, so stay tuned for the latest news & information!

Clear 4G WiMAX Maps Available on 4Ginfo!

Clear 4G coverage in Atlanta

CLEAR now has 4G WiMAX networks active in several markets throughout the US - is YOUR hometown covered?

4Ginfo.com has now added an interactive tool to check Clear coverage by city or suburb. Check it out here: 4Ginfo.com/clearmaps

Summer of 4G Recap - Whats New With WiMAX and LTE

These past few months have been exciting times for fans of 4G, from the early adopters who've been waiting for 4G for years to the folks who hadn't even heard of the technology until it became available in their city. We've seen expansion like crazy, the forming of strategic partnerships, and the beginning of a long drawn out battle between WiMAX and LTE for 4G supremacy. Need to catch up on your 4G news? Here's what's been going on this summer:

Clearwire greatly increased the size of its slice of 4G pie by expanding into Las Vegas, Atlanta, and several other cities this summer.

Sprint, Clearwire’s largest shareholder, expanded it’s network onto the Clearwire infrastructure to become the first national 3G/4G carrier.

Comcast Cable and Time Warner Cable, who are both investors in Clearwire, launch (and announce plans to do so) their 4G service on the Clear networks.

Cradlepoint integrates support for the new 4G devices onto their router line with a firmware update.

Samsung announces and releases the Mondi, the first "MID" or Mobile Internet Device to work on the Clear network.

Northern Michigan University becomes one of the first educational institutions to employ WiMAX as an alternative to campus wide Wifi hotspots.

Verizon also joined in the fray, completing its initial tests on its LTE network in two luck cities, Boston and Seattle.

For more updates on 4G, and for all the current news, check back with us regularly here on the 4G blog, and at 4ginfo.com!

Clear 4G/WiMAX Launch Party on 7/21

Grab you're party hats and laptops everyone! Clear 4G WiMAX is "officially" coming to Las Vegas (it's been "unofficially" active since early June). In honor of the event, Clear is throwing a launch party at the Town Square Mall on Las Vegas Blvd. Stop on by to learn more information about Clear, or visit one of the several stores now open in the Las Vegas Valley.

Launch Party Details
Tuesday July 21, 2009
4PM-8PM

Clear Retail Store Town Square Mall
6605 Las Vegas Blvd South, Las Vegas, NV

Don't forget that you can always get ALL the latest and greatest WiMAX and 4G news on 4Ginfo.com!

Atlanta Gets Clear!

At last, Clearwire has added a second market to their CLEAR network!

(And no, I'm not counting Baltimore, which is still mired in a state of XOHM/Clear confusion).

The lucky market to get Clear WiMAX coverage is Atlanta, and judging by the coverage map provided by Clearwire, the coverage area is fairly large and much of the metro and surrounding area should be covered:

Click for larger view of the Atlanta coverage map

Earlier this year Clearwire promised coverage for Atlanta as well as Las Vegas, Chicago, Charlotte, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Honolulu, Philadelphia, and Seattle, but hadn't made any apparent progress until the inclusion of Atlanta on the Clear site this week. Hopefully the launch of Atlanta means that users in Vegas, Chicago, et al can count on getting CLEAR themselves this year, too!

Discuss Clearwire's coverage in Atlanta on the 4G Forums!

Cradlepoint Firmware 1.5.1 Provides Support for WiMAX USB Modems

Cradlepoint, who manufactures some of the best 3G EVDO/HSPA routers on the market, have created a firmware update for several of their popular routers that allows users to share their WiMAX service!

Cradlepoint had released a new firmware version for the MBR1000, CTR500, CBA250, and MBR800 routers that provides support for the Clear USB modem, Sprint U300, and the ZTE TU25 (the XOHM USB device). With this latest firmware version, you can simply plug in any one of those WiMAX USB modems and share the connection with multiple computers either via WiFi (MBR1000 and CTR500 only) or ethernet cable.

The firmware update is available for FREE on 3Gstore (our sister site) via this link:

http://3gstore.com/151

If you already own a Cradlepoint MBR1000/CTR500/CBA250/MBR800, you can simply install the new firmware and you'll be able to share your WiMAX connection!

Beginning today, all orders for these routers from 3Gstore will include a copy of this firmware on CD.

Who Needs a Landline? Use Clear for VOIP!

Landline phone providers have already taken a big hit over the past couple years as more and more customers are deciding to rely solely on their cell phones, and now Clearwire is offering one more way to ditch the local phone company: the ClearVoice adapter.

Clearwire's latest addition to their product lineup is the Linksys 2102 ClearVoice adapter, which allows you to utilize your Clear Home Modem and any regular landline telephone for VOIP phone service. The adapter features two ports for phones (or even a fax machine) and 2 ethernet ports - one to connect to the Home Modem and a spare one that you can use for networking.

Best of all, it's affordable. The ClearVoice Adapter is only $15 and the service is just $25 (in addition to any of the Clear home plans) for unlimited calling!

Cradlepoint MBR1100 3G/4G Router: Coming Soon

New MBR1100 Mobile Broadband Router Supports 3G, 4G Networks and VPN

WiMAX may only be available in two US cities - STILL - but thanks to Cradlepoint you'll soon be able to do more with it if you've got it! Cradlepoint has announced that they will be launching the MBR1100 router during the first quarter of 2009, and it will not only support a huge variety of 3G devices (see 3G router compatibility chart for full list) but also Clearwire's 4G w100 and the Sprint 3G/3G U300.

The MBR1100 will be very similar to the 3G MBR1000 and will retail for an estimated $349.99. Stay tuned for a full review on 4Ginfo.com!

Discuss the MBR1100 on the 4G Forums

It's been a while since we've updated this blog, but not for lack of interesting news! The tech industry has been buzzing like crazy about the future of 4G, particularly the war between WiMAX and LTE. WiMAX had the early lead, but Verizon has made some bold goals about their LTE plans, promising to debut the service in two markets by the end of the year, and WiMAX is still only (officially) available in Portland and Baltimore.

With Verizon's LTE plans in place, it is imperative that Clearwire and Sprint expand their coverage in order to stay competitive. Before Clearwire can even think about expanding, though, they still need to take care of the issue of integrating XOHM and Clear! Right now, even though Clearwire has taken over, XOHM is still operating as a separate entity and there is no way to "roam" between the two networks - if you're a XOHM customer and travel to Portland, your modems won't work on the Clear network, and vice versa.

According to XOHM employees, they have not even been told whether Clearwire will be closing down the XOHM offices in Arizona or if they will simply become Clearwire employees. Clearwire's offices are in Oregon, so unfortunately it seems likely that they may decide to close that office altogether.

We have been repeatedly assured that XOHM customers will be taken care of and will have no problems continuing to use their service and continuing their existing plans. However, there is no word on how Clear plans to make XOHM user's modems compatible with the network. It could be a firmware upgrade or possibly a swap (XOHM customers would have to return their modems in exchange for a Clear model), but no announcement has been made.

We are standing by like the rest of you, wondering not just how long it will take Clearwire to get service to more cities, but how they will take care of us XOHM-ers!