Partnering with Best Buy in time for the summer, Clearwire Corp. announced today a nationwide retail expansion for embedded WiMAX 4G mobile broadband in laptops and netbooks at all Best Buy outlets nationwide.
Portable computers with the Intel Core processor, including Dell Inspiron 14 and 15 laptops, the Dell Mini 10 and Toshiba Satellite M645, will be able to connect to Clearwire’s CLEAR mobile Internet service, according to a news release.
“The program from Best Buy to expand the availability of fully embedded, seamlessly integrated WiMAX on laptops based on Intel(R) Core(TM) processors will make it even easier for consumers across the country to enjoy the enhanced performance of Clear’s 4G mobile broadband network,” said Erik Reid, director, Mobile Product Group at Intel. “During the back to school and holiday shopping seasons, Intel, along with Best Buy and Clearwire will continue to make an unprecedented number of embedded WiMAX laptops and netbooks available from all major PC OEMs.”
CLEAR service fees start at $40 per month with unlimited usage, though availability of access will vary by location. Bundled service options for the home can lower that, and customers signing up for a two-year service agreement with an equipment purchase at Best Buy qualify for a $100 discount.
Clearwire’s 4G broadband wireless/mobile Internet service is available to some 51 million people nationwide, mostly in and around major metropolitan areas. The group has made a CLEAR service availability map available.
