Clear service will let users wade wirelessly into Internet’s future

The future has arrived. OK, maybe not the entire future, but the part about true high-speed, broadband, wireless Internet access can be checked off the list.

Las Vegas is the latest city that Clearwire delivers its lightning-quick service. It is branded Clear, and you can see all the details at clear.com. Here's what matters most: You can cut the cord from your phone or cable company and save some money.

"Think of this as a Wi-Fi hot spot the size of the Las Vegas metro area," said Mike Sievert, Clear's chief commercial officer. "This is the first time two of the biggest trends in technology in the last 25 years have come together -- broadband Internet and mobile.

"You don't need to call anybody to install it and you don't need to rewire your house," Sievert said of the service, which connects both desktop and laptop computers to the Internet.

Home users need a modem that looks similar to other modems, with one major difference -- there is no wire connecting the unit to a cable, telephone or satellite dish line. The Internet signal arrives via the airwaves.

The modem can be connected to any router, to set up a local network of computers, smartphones or other devices using Internet protocol. Laptop computers away from home will need a portable modem that plugs into a universal serial bus port. The dual band device, defaults to the WiMax, or 4G, signal if available.

If the faster service isn't available, the modem switches to 3G connectivity on the Sprint network. Sievert said Sprint is a technology partner and major investor in Clear.

Look for a wave of laptop computers to come WiMax-ready, making the external modem unnecessary. I'll be testing some devices soon.

A friend has been testing Clear service for several weeks and is pleased with the speed and reliability. A speed test (www.speedtest.net) gave these results:

•Download: 3,256 kilobits per second

•Upload: 433 kbps

Converting kbps to megabits per second (mbps):

•Download: 3.18 mbps •Upload: 0.42 mbps

The Clear site says customers can expect download speeds of up to 6 mbps and upload speeds of 500 kbps.

Clear is now available in Atlanta, Baltimore and Portland, Ore. Other cities preparing for Clear service this year include Chicago; Charlotte, N.C.; Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas; Honolulu; Philadelphia; and Seattle. The company's goal is to be in 80 U.S. markets and available to more than 120 million people by the end of 2010.

Clear is offering special pricing of $50 per month for unlimited Internet usage for both home and mobile devices. This rate is guaranteed for life for those signing up in Las Vegas through August.

Share your Internet story with me at agibes@reviewjournal.com.