Clear’s latest WiMAX router arrives on the FCC, as Clearwire struggles to survive
Clear, a WiMAX Internet Service Provider, won FCC approval today for its latest WiMAX router. The device, known as the WIXFBR-131 delivers both Internet and VoiP capabilities and functions as an 802.11 b/g/n wireless router.
Today’s FCC filing comes at a tumultuous time for Clear. The company’s parent Clearwire may skip its $237 million debt payment due on December 1st due to a lack of cash. The company may also need to restructure its debt, possibly in bankruptcy court.
Clear hasn’t yet provided pricing or release date information for the WIXFBR-131.
New Clear Spot 4G portable hotspot hits the FCC
WiMAX service provider Clear passed a new portable 4G hotspot through the FCC today. The device, pictured above, is manufactured by Gemtek and has the model number WIXFMM-122. It appears that Clear will market the WIXFMM-122 as the Clear Spot 4G.
The Clear Spot 4G features a small LCD screen that displays signal strength, network, WiFi network ID and password, and battery charge. The device is similar in appearance to Sprint’s Ovation hotspot, and like the Ovation the Clear Spot will support up to eight devices.
No word on pricing or a release date.
Clear’s 4G Modem with Wi-Fi hits the FCC
4G service provide Clear passed a new WiFi 4G modem through the FCC today. The device, known as the Clear Modem with Wi-Fi, has the model number WIXFBR-117, and is manufactured by Gemtek.
The Clear Modem with Wi-Fi supports 802.11 b/g/n and data transfer rates of up to 150Mbps. The device also features an Ethernet port and what appears to be a VoIP phone port.
The Clear Modem with Wi-Fi is the company’s first WiFi modem designed for home use. Currently, Clear’s 4G modems only work with wired Ethernet connections, although the company does offer portable Clear Spot WiFi hotspots.
Clear’s WiMAX-based 4G service is currently available in 23 States and the District of Columbia. No word on pricing or availability for the Clear Modem with Wi-Fi.
Teardown: Under the hood of CLEAR’s WIXB-175 Series G modem
With WiMAX coverage in the US improving gradually, we wanted to take a closer look at CLEAR, the leading WiMAX service provider in the States. CLEAR was formed by Sprint Nextel and Clearwire, although Sprint also offers its own WiMAX services called 4G.
One of the benefits of WiMAX is that the technology can be used as an alternative to cable or DSL Internet. The CLEAR WIXB-175 Series G modem, pictured above, connects to the CLEAR network wirelessly and, just like a DSL or cable modem, can be used as an Internet connection for a computer, IP phone or wireless router.
After the jump, we take a closer look at the innards of the CLEAR WIXB-175, thanks to internal photo goodness from the FCC.
