Clearwire Adds a Dual-Mode 4G/3G Modem for Macs

Sticking to their word about not giving up unlimited data plans, Clearwire's new 4G/3G dongle is compatible with Macs for the first time, and dances out alongside two more new modems offering up 4G unlimited data/Wi-Fi.

A couple new Wi-Fi/4G CLEAR hot spot sticks have also been unleashed, all with unlimited data usage. Data plans start at $30, with bundled ones coming in at a minimum of $55, and the CLEAR Spots themselves are $100 for the CLEAR Spot 4G, $225 for the CLEAR Spot 4G+, and $115 for the CLEAR 4G+ Mobile USB one, which is the dual 4G/3G modem for Macs. All on sale in July, with full details in the release below: [Clear]

KIRKLAND, Wash. – June 16, 2010 – Clearwire Corporation (NASDAQ: CLWR), a leading provider of wireless broadband services, today announced the upcoming availability of three new products that will extend the potential for super fast speeds and unlimited 4G usage plans to the millions of mobile devices available today.

The latest suite of devices, the CLEAR SpotTM 4G, CLEAR Spot 4G+, and the CLEAR 4G+ Mobile USB bring new 4G connectivity possibilities to a wide range of Wi-Fi enabled laptops, netbooks, smartphones, and other connected devices – without the worries or hassles of tiered or capped usage plans.

The CLEAR Spot 4G offers the speed and flexibility of a personal Wi-Fi hotspot simultaneously connecting multiple Wi-Fi devices at 4G speeds, while the CLEAR Spot 4G+ adds the option of allowing users to easily and securely use nationwide 3G coverage when outside the 4G coverage area. In addition, the CLEAR 4G+ Mobile USB modem is the first dual-mode mobile USB from CLEAR to deliver 4G and nationwide 3G Internet coverage to the MacBook and MacBook Pro along with other non-Mac devices.

"In today's on-the-go world, everyone deserves fast speeds and the usage they want at a fair price – without constantly checking their usage or worrying about their end of month bill," said Dow Draper, vice president of product development for Clearwire. "These new devices offer today's mobile user, and the millions of Wi-Fi products in use across the country, even greater access to CLEAR's fast and affordable 4G service."

With CLEAR® super fast mobile Internet service users can experience average mobile download speeds of 3 to 6 mbps with bursts over 10 mbps*, using Clearwire's 4G network. Unlike service plans from traditional wireless carriers which cap data usage, CLEAR offers unlimited 4G usage plans that do not require long-term service contracts. In most markets unlimited 4G coverage from CLEAR starts at $30 for the home while unlimited mobile plans start as low as $40. Bundled services such as Home and On-The-Go and Home and Voice plans start at $55 per month. CLEAR service is currently available in dozens of cities, in areas of the United States where approximately 51 million people live. A detailed map of service availability can be found at www.clear.com/coverage.

The New CLEAR Mobile Hotspots and USB

CLEAR Spot 4G
The CLEAR Spot 4G is a personal mobile hotspot allowing users to easily and securely share unlimited super fast Internet access anywhere CLEAR has coverage simultaneously with up to eight Wi-Fi-enabled devices including laptops, smartphones, and portable gaming devices. The CLEAR Spot 4G is manufactured by InfoMark and will be available for purchase at $99.99 or for a $4.99 monthly lease. It can be preordered today at www.clear.com/spot and will available nationwide at CLEAR stores and authorized dealers in July.

CLEAR Spot 4G+
The CLEAR Spot 4G+ allows power users and road warriors alike to stay connected across the U.S. by automatically switching from 4G and connecting to Sprint's 3G nationwide network outside the 4G coverage area. The CLEAR Spot 4G+ enables users to securely share the connection with up to five Wi-Fi-enabled devices all at the same time. The CLEAR Spot 4G+ is manufactured by Sierra Wireless and will be available to purchase for $224.99 or to lease for $5.99 per month. It can be preordered today at www.clear.com/spot and will be available nationwide at CLEAR stores and authorized dealers in July.

CLEAR 4G+ Mobile USB (Series S)
Clearwire already offers two 4G-only USB modems for Mac users, but today introduced the company's first dual-mode 4G/3G modem available for Mac users, the CLEAR 4G+ Mobile USB. When not in the 4G coverage area, the modem will automatically switch to the Sprint 3G network to provide more ubiquitous data connectivity around the country. The 4G+ Mobile USB is compatible with MacBook and MacBook Pro laptops using Mac OS X Versions 10.5.x and 10.6.x. The new USB also supports netbooks and notebooks running Windows XP SP2, Vista and Windows 7, all in 32 and 64 bit versions. The new 4G+ Mobile USB is manufactured by Sierra Wireless.

The 4G+ USB can be purchased for $114.99 or leased monthly for $5.99. It is available today at www.clear.com/4Gplus-usb and in stores in Atlanta, Dallas, Hawaii, Harrisburg, Lancaster, Reading and York, PA. The CLEAR 4G+ Mobile USB will be available in all 4G markets beginning July 1st.
For more information about CLEAR, visit www.clear.com. Company information about Clearwire is available at www.clearwire.com.
For press and broadcast: Product images, video footage and company logos can be downloaded from the Clearwire online media gallery. To subscribe to Clearwire's RSS news feed, click here.

AT&T Just Killed Unlimited Wireless Data (and Screwed Everybody in the Process)

Unlimited, all-you-can-eat wireless data was a beautiful thing for Apple devices on AT&T, delivering streams of Pandora, YouTube videos, a million tweets, and hundreds of webpages without worry. And now it's dead.

AT&T's new, completely restructured mobile data plans for both iPhones and iPads have officially launched the era of pay-per-byte data, which we've known was coming. We just hoped it would take a little longer. It's the anti-Christmas.

AT&T is likely just the first, since carriers rarely do anything alone (like when everybody launched unlimited voice calling in lockstep), and Verizon's CTO has rumbled that plans with "as much data as you can consume is the big issue that has to change." And so it is.

If you look at the costs per megabyte, you can see how, despite the fact AT&T is pitching the availability of lower priced plans as a value move, you actually are paying more for less. (Update: Corrected chart, moved a decimal place.)

Under AT&T's old iPhone and smartphone plans, $30/month bought you truly unlimited data. With their new plans for smartphones, arriving June 7 (not coincidentally, the day of Steve Jobs' WWDC keynote) the confusingly named DataPlus offers 200MB of data for $15 a month, while DataPro gives you 2GB for $25. With DataPlus, if you run over 200MB you get another 200MB for $15. But, AT&T tells us that if you're running over the 200MB limit, you can actually switch to the beefier 2GB DataPro completely pain-free (no ETFs or any of that business), and then switch back to the skinnier plan "over time." With DataPro, if you run over 2GB, you get another 1GB of data for $10, ad infinitum. So, if you use 5GB of data, you're looking at a $55 bill for data.

Tethering for the iPhone is here, finally! Hurray! Right? Wrong. First, consider that the old, non-iPhone tethering option offered you 5GB of tethering data for an extra $30 a month. The new plan charges you $20 extra to use the same 2GB pool of data for tethering. You are not buying extra data. You are simply paying extra to use it for tethering.

Let me repeat that: AT&T is charging you an additional twenty dollars a month based purely on how you use your data. This is bullshit, plain and simple.

Why does it matter how you use that 2GB? Why does it cost extra to use it in a slightly different manner, if you're paying for it all the same?

It's asburdity—especially when you consider the basic math. Under the old plan, you paid $60 a month for unlimited data, plus 5GB worth of tethering. Under the new plan, you will pay $45 for 2GB of data, total.

When you break out the dollar-per-byte value, showing just how much data you get per dollar, it becomes clear how outrageous the new pricing schemes are, whatever AT&T murmurs about how much data 98 percent of users actually consume.

The new plans apply to the iPad as well. Meaning the no-contract $30 unlimited data plan, the plan both Apple and AT&T pitched so hard, assuring us that we would never have to worry about data or contracts, is no more. If that $30-whenever-you-want-it unlimited data was a part of your calculus in buying the 3G iPad—it was part of mine—you've effectively been baited-and-switched. They promised one thing, and in just two months, it's gone. I suppose that's the downside of not having a contract with a multi-billion dollar corporation—you're free to ditch them, but they're free to screw you in return.

There is a way out, though it's really more like a way in, since it requires you to dive more securely into the vice grip of AT&T. If you already have an unlimited smartphone data plan and you renew your contract after June 7, as long as you don't change your plan, you can keep on keepin' on with your unlimited plan. In other words, you can get a new smartphone, but keep the same plan—then you're grandfathered in with unlimited data. Same deal with the iPad: If you start an unlimited data plan before June 7, and let it keep automatically renewing, you'll keep unlimited data.

If you add the $20 tethering option after June 7, though, you move to the new plans (which obviously screws iPhone owners interested in tethering). If you don't already have an unlimited smartphone data plan, and buy one after June 7, you'll get one of the new plans. If you come to AT&T after June 7, you'll get one of the new plans. If you start a new iPad 3G data plan after June 7, you'll get one of the new plans. (Here's a bit more on various scenarios and what'll happen with different configurations.)

So, what'll be? Tie yourself up more tightly with AT&T to preserve your data privileges, or join this brave new world, where you pay for every byte you eat? Any hopes you could've possibly had for unlimited 4G, you might as well shred them now. It's true, for most people (98 percent of users, says AT&T), 2GB a month might be fine—I've only used 1GB on my iPad 3G, even after streaming a ton of movies with the intent of killing my battery. And I'm not opposed to metered internet, per se. But I am opposed to higher costs per megabyte, BS charges for tethering, and broken iPad promises. And there's a principle at stake here, dammit. [AT&T]

How Much Less AT&T Is Sucking

Sure, sure, AT&T added another 1.9 million subscribers and activated 2.7 million new iPhones. But the most interesting slide in their earnings statement was the one detailing, statistically, how much less they suck. With graphs and stuff.

The improvements are indeed caveat-loaded. Dropped 3G calls in Manhattan, one of AT&T's admitted trouble spots, are down 6 percent, and 9 percent overall in NYC. That's great, especially if you consider they've been adding subscribers. But note that's not calls on EDGE, which some people are stuck with, or resort to in an attempt to pull a more reliable signal—which, since AT&T's mostly focused on improving 3G, presumably haven't gotten any better.

Faster 3G speeds via AT&T's deployment of HSPA 7.2—32-47 percent faster downloads—are only happening where they've actually deployed fiber backhaul. Thing is, limited backhaul—the pipes that actually run to cell towers—has always been a huge aspect of AT&T's data crunch. The fact the boosts are only happening where they've deployed new fiber backhaul shows how tapped out they are. Given that they made nearly a billion dollars more in data revenues vs. last year, this is non-trivial. [AT&T]

Internode Launches Mobile Data Service On Back Of Optus 3G

By Nick Broughall

Internode have jumped on the mobile data train by hopping into bed with Optus. Their mobile service, called NodeMobile Data, will be available from tomorrow, and uses the Optus 3G infrastructure.Pricing starts at $14.95 a month for 250MB, or you can get 3GB for $39.95 a month, which all seems to hang on the more expensive side of the mobile data spectrum (Three offers 1GB for $15 a month and Vodafone offers 5GB for $40). Downloads and uploads count towards the data consumption figure as well, so there’ll be no torrenting here, thank you very much.

Internode customers can get a free USB modem by signing up for 24 months, while non-Internodies will have to fork out $199. You can bring your own modem for a setup fee of $25 (for the SIM card).

Gus over at Lifehacker has a full rundown of the extra data charges, but suffice to say that there are more appealing mobile broadband deals on the market.

[Internode]

GSP-1720 Satellite Data and Voice Module

GSP-1720 Satellite Data and Voice Module The GSP-1720 satellite data and voice module enables full two-way data and voice capability, allowing the development of new and creative applications from basic AT Modems to full-featured fixed telephone service for remote areas. For Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) applications, the GSP-1720 Satellite Data/Voice Module (SDVM) can provide either Direct or Dial-up Internet as well as asynchronous computer to computer connectivity. These options provide communications with land and marine-based equipment, while complementing mobile and stationary field solutions. Mobile or stationary, the GSP-1720 helps you monitor, control or track assets remotely through the Globalstar satellite network – affordably and with low-power requirements. It’. Designed for multiple applications, the GSP-1720 Module offers a flexible solution for the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), as well as providing a developer's kit for accelerated time to market. Applications SCADA Telemetry Remote Monitoring Environmental Monitoring Aviation Process Control Remote Diagnostics To find out more, please contact: Thierry.cladart@globalstar.com +33 624 792 592 Links: Special Purpose Modems Click here for Dial-Up Data Coverage Map Extranet CC - Terminal Server and more SATELLITE DATA/VOICE MODULE FEATURES: • Globalstar Satellite Data Service • Globalstar Satellite Voice Service DATA SERVICES: • Direct Internet or Direct Dial-up Circuit Switched Data • 9.6 kbps full duplex service (express data available up to 19 kbps) • Utilizes standard and enhanced “Hayes Modem” AT commands • Compatible with Windows 98/2000/XP/NT/ME/Vista • Dial-up networking, Asynchronous data communications static IP • Short Messaging Service (SMS): 35 character incoming VOICE SERVICES: • Crystal clear voice quality: Superior CDMA digital satellite quality • Automatic system select: Just apply power to the unit and your Globalstar module will automatically seek out the Globalstar network. GSP-1720 INCLUDES: The Satellite Data Voice Module (SDVM) OEM board INSTALLATION OPTIONS Choose from three antenna forms in either passive or active versions that allow for remote antenna installations. • Optional Accessories (not included) – RF antenna cables, Power Supply, multi-mode data/power cable Visit Globalstar at www.globalstar.com for service plan and coverage details. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS OPERATING FREQUENCIES Transmit: 1610 – 1625 MHz Receive: 2484 – 2499 MHz MAXIMUM TRANSMIT POWER Passive antenna: +26 dBm (400 mW) Active antenna: +29 dBm (800 mW) DC INPUT VOLTAGE +4.7 V to +5.1 V (7.0 V optional for active antenna) POWER CONSUMPTION ESTIMATES @ 12V INPUT : State Min Typical Max Units Shutdown 0 0.65 1.0 mW Standby 0.5 0.5 1.1 W Transmit 2.2 3.65 5.0 W INTERFACES USER PORT: 22 pin Molex connector with pin-outs for data port, auxillary port (control/NEMA), audio and power. USB-B connector for data and diagnostics connectivity. MODULE ANTENNA CONNECTORS: TX SMA female RX SMA Male ANTENNA CONNECTORS: Passive: TX SMA Female RX SMA Female Active: TX SMA male RX SMA female DIAGNOSTIC MONITOR AND SOFTWARE UPGRADE USB-B Connector MODULE DIMENSIONS 4.7 in (119 mm) x 2.4 in (65 mm) x 0.59 in (15 mm) MODULE WEIGHT less than 2.15 ounces (60 grams) CERTIFICATION FCC, ETSI, IC MODULE ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS Operating: -22 to +140ºF (-30 to +60ºC) Storage: -40 to +185ºF (-40 to +85ºC) Coverage may vary. Specifications subject to change without notice

Optus: $9.99 to use iPhone as modem

Optus today put an end to speculation over whether it would charge for tethering — a feature made available in the OS 3.0 update Apple issued today which enables the iPhone to act as a mobile modem.

The telco has opted for $9.99 per month flat fee which applies to all data packages and unlocks the tethering feature, and will only be available to post-paid customers, Optus said tdoay. For example, iPhone customers on the $59 500MB cap would pay an additional $9.99. To activate the feature, customers needed to call customer service. They won't be able to use the feature until Monday 22 June, however.

The telco has yet to announce pricing for the iPhone 3G S, which has been released in the US but is due in Australia on 26 June.

Optus has not yet posted full details about the terms and conditions but said it expected to do so via its website on Monday.

http://www.cnet.com.au/optus-9-99-to-use-iphone-as-modem-339297015.htm