Experience at the fringe of the Clear network

[E_tron]

I just got my first experience with Clearwire's 4G WiMax service. I used their "pre-4G" network back in 2008 and was impressed then, WiMax is also pretty impressive.

I setup a friend with the Sierra Wireless U250 modem and a PHS300 personal hotspot. He has one of the grandfathered 3G/4G plans with clear. We are in a market where Clearwire has 1 spectrum holding tower; service isn't officially sold here. Said friend is at the end of reception in a rural area (about 8 miles from the cell site), the Sierra Wireless modem registers -92dB for the WiMax signal; we might consider an external antenna.

Some Results(down/up) at less than -90dB:

2.2Mbps/.04Mbps
1.3Mbps/.04Mbps
2.6MBps/.04Mbps
.8Mbps/.04Mbps

The upstream might be limited by the Tx power available over USBs small power capabilities. The .04Mbps seems to be a hard ceiling and not due to network congestion. The upstream is limiting, but it sure beats Sprint's 1xRTT "3G" coverage.


We then took the device into the shadow of said spectrum holding tower:

Results(down/up) at less than -60dB:
8.2Mpbs/.35Mbps
5.5Mbps/.34Mbps
7.9Mbps/.34Mbps

Cudo's to Clearwire for delivering usable unlimited internet service to an area without DSL or Cable internet. Now would you start actually selling this service please? There are several spectrum holding towers in the area that cover under served areas.

[503ducati]

I just got my first experience with Clearwire's 4G WiMax service. I used their "pre-4G" network back in 2008 and was impressed then, WiMax is also pretty impressive.

I setup a friend with the Sierra Wireless U250 modem and a PHS300 personal hotspot. He has one of the grandfathered 3G/4G plans with clear.

So they let the account holder switch to a different device on the no longer offered 3G/4G plan?

Found these 3G/4G antennae solutions:

http://www.alternativewireless.com/c...tenna-kit.html

http://www.sierrawireless.com/produc...adle_250U.aspx

http://www.antennagear.net/servlet/t...ireless/Detail

I went to Clear's site under "BYOD" to find their version's model#/discription: "Clear 4G+ USB Series S" http://www.clear.com/devices/byod

[NGeorge]

You sure he is *8 miles* from the nearest tower? Either you live in a completely flat and wide open area, or there's more than one tower. I lose service less than a mile from most Clear towers around here. I'm impressed!

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