Clearwire expands WiMAX service to Bay Area

Clearwire Corp. (CLWR) made good on its promise to launch its WiMAX network in the San Francisco area before the end of the year by flipping the switch on the network and endowing more than four million people in the area with access to the mobile broadband offering.
The company said the network covers San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose and the 680 corridor from Concord to Pleasanton. To promote its Clear-branded offering, Clearwire also said it would offer customers in the area a 50% discount on their service for the first two months and free overnight shipping and no activation fee if they sign up for service through the company’s website.
Going along with Clearwire’s launch, Sprint Nextel Corp. also announced that its 4G-branded service is also now available in the San Francisco area. Sprint Nextel owns a majority stake in Clearwire and relies on the WiMAX network for its 4G offering.
Clearwire noted that its WiMAX network now covers more than 110 million potential customers across the country, nearly hitting its plan to cover 120 million pops by the end of the year. The company recently said it plans to expand coverage to 250 million pops in the coming years.