Clearwire Corp. (CLWR) launched WiMAX service in five smaller markets today, bringing commercial operations to 49 cities to date. The operator is moving forward aggressively with its launch plans and plans to increase its presence, announcing a wholesale deal with Best Buy Co. Inc. (BBY) last week.
Clearwire and partner Sprint Nextel Corp. (S) announced commercial WiMAX service in Stockton and Modesto, Calif., Jackson, Fla., Wilmington, Del., and Grand Rapids, Mich. As with other newly launched markets, Clear customers who sign up for service online can get a 50% discount on service for the first two months, with overnight shipping included and no activation fee.
The carrier plans to launch service yet this summer in Tampa, Orlando and Daytona, Fla.; and Nashville, Tenn. By the end of the year, Clearwire expects to launch in New York City, Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area, Boston, Denver, Minneapolis, Miami, Cincinnati, Cleveland and Pittsburgh.