You’re hearing a lot about 4G wireless technology, but did you know that CLEAR is already rolling out its 4G WiMAX network? If you happen to live in an area where CLEAR WiMAX is currently offered, you can experience internet speeds comparable to DSL or Cable, all without the need for physical wires. They have a range of plans to suit your needs, whether it’s for your home, mobile device, or both.

Now, you might be wondering, what exactly is WiMAX, and how does it stack up against 3G? In simple terms, WiMAX is a globally recognized standard for wireless broadband, often described as WiFi but on a much larger scale, covering entire cities. While there are technical differences between the two, the comparison to city-wide WiFi is a good way to understand its potential uses.

The acronym WiMAX stands for “Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access” and is technically defined by the IEEE 802.16 standard, similar to how WiFi operates under the IEEE 802.11 standard. However, a key distinction is that WiMAX utilizes licensed frequencies and operates at a much higher power level. In contrast, WiFi shares unlicensed frequencies with a variety of devices like microwave ovens, Bluetooth devices, and cordless phones, all of which function at significantly lower power levels. This difference in frequency and power is the reason why your WiMAX connection remains strong even in your car or at home, while a WiFi signal weakens as you move away from its source, such as a cafe or your home network.

Remember when there was a big push to transition from analog to digital television broadcasting? A significant portion of the freed-up airwaves were auctioned off, and Clearwire emerged as one of the major winners. They utilized these acquired channels to offer their CLEAR WiMAX service. Thanks to the lack of signal interference and the strategic placement of powerful transmission towers, WiMAX can cover a significantly wider area, penetrating walls and reaching further distances. To use it, you’ll need a modem designed for either a PC or Mac, which connects to your computer or router much like a traditional broadband modem, except it receives its signal wirelessly. A more portable version, resembling a USB flash drive, is also available for laptops, offering mobile connectivity. The beauty of WiMAX is that it provides consistent service throughout the city, even while you’re on the move.

You might be thinking: “Doesn’t 3G cellular broadband offer similar capabilities?” You’re right, it does. However, WiMAX generally surpasses 3G in terms of speed. This advancement is why it’s categorized as 4G, or fourth-generation technology, signifying a step up from 3G. But what kind of speeds can you actually expect with WiMAX? CLEAR advertises average download speeds ranging from 3 to 6 Mbps, with bursts reaching up to 10 Mbps, a speed rarely achieved by 3G mobile broadband.

Currently, CLEAR WiMAX is accessible in select areas across the US, with plans to expand to more cities soon. The service is most prevalent in Texas, spanning nearly a dozen cities. Beyond Texas, CLEAR is also available in Hawaii; the Seattle-Portland corridor; Boise, Idaho; Chicago, Illinois; Las Vegas, Nevada; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Atlanta and Milledgeville, Georgia; and Charlotte, Greensboro, and Raleigh, North Carolina.

Another compelling advantage of CLEAR WiMAX 4G is its affordability. With plans starting at $30 per month, it’s often cheaper than many DSL and cable broadband plans and significantly more budget-friendly than 3G cellular data plans. And because it’s wireless, you eliminate the hassle of scheduling installations—the equipment is delivered straight to your doorstep, ready for you to set up and activate at your own convenience. No more waiting around for technicians. As a bonus, you can even combine home and mobile service, a feature that DSL and cable providers simply can’t match.

Does this sound like the broadband solution you’ve been waiting for? If so, explore further and order your CLEAR WiMAX 4G broadband service online today.