Clearwire Corp. is introducing a voice over Internet protocol service today that will allow subscribers to make voice calls via Clearwire’s pre-WiMAX wireless broadband network.
The $30 monthly service will first be available in Clearwire’s Stockton, Calif. , market, where it has been going through testing. It will only be sold to customers who qualify for enhanced 911 service, and includes a local phone number within the market and unlimited local and long-distance calling within the U.S. and Canada . The service includes features such as caller ID, voice mail, three-way calling, caller blocking and voice-mail-to-e-mail. Subscribers also can use a function to block calls during certain hours, or only allow calls from specific numbers go through at certain times; and make use of a call-forwarding system that will route calls to a cell phone, a pager, another phone number or all three at once.
Clearwire, founded by cellular industry pioneer Craig McCaw, provides pre-WiMAX wireless broadband services in 27 metro markets in the United States and abroad using 2.5 GHz spectrum in the U.S. and 3.5 GHz elsewhere. The VoIP service was developed jointly with Bell Canada and is available only in Clearwire’s Stockton market, which includes the cities of Lockerford, Lodi, Lathrop, Manteca and Tracy.
“We’re excited to introduce an affordable, easy-to-install voice option that, bundled with our wireless high-speed Internet service, provides customers dependable Internet and high-quality phone service,” said Perry Satterlee, co-president and chief operating officer of Clearwire.
According to Clearwire, customers purchase a $15 adapter box about the size of a desktop calendar, which plugs into a power outlet and connects to a personal computer, a Clearwire modem and an existing phone. The subscriber activates an account online after his or her E911 availability is validated, and can then begin making calls. Customers can manage special call functions through a dashboard, similar to a computer toolbar, that can be accessed over the Internet.
“We’ve taken the time to develop a system that will provide our customers with the best experience possible,” said Rob Mechaley, vice chairman of Clearwire. “Because we own all network elements, most importantly the wireless link, we can better manage the quality our customers encounter when making calls.”
The announcement of a VoIP service from Clearwire has been anticipated since the company signed an agreement with Bell Canada in March for the Canadian telecom operator to provide VoIP equipment and services via Clearwire’s network; as part of the deal, Bell Canada agreed to invest $100 million in Clearwire. At the same time, there have been recent media reports that Clearwire may be blocking the use of other VoIP services such as Vonage Holdings Inc., since its terms of service agreement prohibit a range of bandwidth-hungry services that could degrade overall network performance.
