Pre-WiMax provider Clearwire, which operates wireless broadband networks in 24 U.S. cities, is now offerng service in the central Oregon communities of in Bend, Redmond, Sisters, Prineville and Madras reports The Bend Bulletin.
“When we made a list for target markets, we focused on three points: economic growth, stability in growth and early adapters, meaning people who adapt early to new technology,” said Bill Snoeberger, Clearwire’s vice president of rural markets. “In that sense, Oregon presented a goldmine for us.”
Clearwire’s operations in Bend, Redmond and Sisters, however, are in direct competition with BendBroadband, which started high-speed Internet service in 1997 in Central Oregon, the first of its kind in the state. BendBroadband’s Wireless InstaNet service is usually limited to WiFi in cable homes or “hot spots” like Bend City Hall. The region also is served by DSL on phone lines, through Denver-based Qwest Communications.
BendBroadband offers cable modems while Qwest employs DSL, unlike Clearwire’s wireless system.
BendBroadband President and CEO Amy Tykeson isn’t overly concerned with the new competition. “I think the security with a hard-line provider does provide a superior product experience,” Tykeson said. “But for Central Oregonians outside of our service footprint, Clearwire does provide an improvement over dial-up access.”
Clearwire’s current coverage areas now include; Abilene TX, Anchorage AK, Bellingham WA, Bend OR, Boise ID, Daytona Beach FL, Duluth MN, Eau Claire WI, Eugene OR, Jacksonville FL, Killeen/Temple TX, Lewiston ID & Clarkston WA, Maui HI, Medford OR, Merced CA, Midland/Odessa TX, Modesto CA, Redding CA, Roseburg OR, St Cloud MN, Stockton CA, Tri-Cities WA, Visalia CA, Waco TX, and Wichita Falls TX.
In August 2004, Clearwire launched its first broadband wireless network in Jacksonville, FL. The network, using NextNet technology, is a precursor to upcoming WiMAX networks. Clearwire hopes to move from their proprietary (but somewhat portable) system made by their subsidiary NextNet, to a standards-based system based on 802.16e.
NextNet uses OFDM with NLOS cells capable of up to 30 km (18 miles), although range is typically less. NextNet uses any 6 MHz channel in the 2500 - 2692 MHz (MMDS) band with omni, 3, 4, or 6 sectors. NextNet says it can support 1000-3000 subscribers per cell. Both indoor and outdoor, plug-and-play (self-installable) subscriber units are used.
This summer integrated telecommunications services provider CT Communications said it has agreed to sell its wireless broadband spectrum (pdf) to Clearwire affiliate Fixed Wireless Holdings L.L.C. The spectrum assets include Broadband Radio Service spectrum (MMDS) and Educational Broadband Service (IFTS) spectrum that CTC had lease rights to.
Related DailyWireless stories include; Clearwire Likes E, WiMax Procession, Sprint + Intel = Mobile WiMax?, Clearwire Blocking VoIP?, Intel Inside Clearwire, Verizon’s Florida Contract, McCaw Profile & WCS, Daytona Gets WiMax, ClearWire Launches Pre-WiMax in Florida, National 802.16 from McCaw, NextNet’s Mexican Revolution and National Wireless ISPs.
.gif)
