Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Clearwire Launches 10 New Markets, Looks For Stimulus Funds

Kirkland-based Clearwire is officially launching its CLEAR wireless service in ten new markets this morning, saying it has officially opened up service to Abilene, Amarillo, Corpus Christi, Killeen/Temple, Lubbock, Midland/Odessa, Waco and Wichita Falls, Texas; Bellingham, Wash; and Boise, Idaho. The firm also said it is applying to the U.S. government for broadband stimulus funds, and as a result will be adding underserved areas within Detroit and Puerto Rico to its buildout plans. Clearwire did not place a dollar figure on the stimulus funds request, but said it was a "modest amount" of broadband stimulus funds, and also includes other grants focused on additional territory in five other states. No details on those other grants was given, but the firm said it was making those grant applications as a spectrum and technology partner.