Clearwire expands AOL distribution deal

Clearwire Corp. said it will expand its distribution agreement with AOL L.L.C.
The Kirkland, Wash.-based WiMAX firm said AOL will offer its high-speed wireless broadband service to AOL customers, and that the two companies will jointly market the offering in “all existing and future Clearwire markets” in the United States. A previous distribution agreement between the two firms covered only two markets in Florida and two more in California.
Clearwire is currently offered in 38 markets covering 400 municipalities including Seattle and Honolulu.
“Clearwire’s innovative approach to delivering simple, reliable, fast, portable and affordable Internet access offers AOL users who haven’t moved to broadband the opportunity upgrade while maintaining their AOL software and e-mail and not pay extra for them,” said Kim Partoll, executive vice president of paid services for AOL. “The expansion of our distribution relationship to cover all Clearwire markets nationwide demonstrates our confidence in their value proposition for our customers.”
Shares of Clearwire climbed 51 cents to $19.68 following the announcement.