TeleTips Network

Stats

Mobile Broadband Growth in the US expected to double over the next two years.

• 11 M – 2009
• 19 M – 2010
• 28 M – 2011

2.5 GHz Spectrum in U.S., averaging 120 MHZ in major markets

540 Mbps per cell site vs. 45 190 Mbps from the competition

Launch dates

• launch to existing customers November 1. all existing customers will be swapped out at no cost for new Clear antenna.
• Launch to new customers December 1. Change branding from Clearwire to Clear.

Pricing

• 4Mbps down speed capped/1 Mbps up $40/month business
• unlimited speed down/1 Mpbs up $50/month business
• dual mode EVDO/WiMax unlimited speed $70/month business
• Said that individual plans would be less.
• fixed version: $55 4Mbps down/1Mbps up, $75 unlimited speed down/1Mbps
• no limit on amount of data transferred.
• assumes that it requires 2 year commitment
• would not give firm pricing on hardware. Would have to expect to be same as current launch on mainland.

Coverage

• Oahu and Maui – Clear showed coverage map that was from an RF modeling program. It stayed at high-level, whole island view. No coverage in North Shore Oahu but pretty complete in the downtown Honolulu core.
• Neighbor islands have no coverage at this time due to lack of licenses there.
• Clear showed 17 sites installed from Diamond Head through downtown Honolulu.
• No discussion of expansion to other areas, but installations continue within the coverage area.

Hardware

• WiMax USB modem somewhat bulky.
• dual mode WiMax/EVDO USB modem is also a bit bulky
• optional Clear-branded CradlePoint PHS350 WiFi router that the USB modem plugs into

Speed

• Live testing using Speedtest.net compared Clear to Verizon and Mobi PCS.
• Clear USB modem = 6mbps down/2 up, Clear fixed antenna = 8Mbps down, Verizon .6 down/.3 up, Mobi .7 down/.3 up
• For this presentation Clear had powered up a nearby site carrying no other traffic during the presentation.  In other words, Your Mileage May Vary.

Functionality

• Plan for mobile voice in 2010.
• Partnership with a security company that installs traffic and security cameras
• Partnership with a VoIP service provider
• Static IP addresses, 24/7 customer care, Service Agreements, Security
• Future: PBX systems, collaboration and messaging applications
• fully mobile – can hold connection while moving between cell sites

Channels

• The presentation was heavily pointed towards supplying a solution to businesses
• No discussion of either Direct or Indirect distribution channel plans
• RoadRunner will sell “Roadrunner Mobile” as an option to the fixed Roadrunner broadband service
• Sprint will sell as a bundle with their voice cellular service

Clear Strengths

• Great speed at a priced competitively with other mobile broadband offerings
• Mainland use and future international roaming
• Able to claim far wider coverage area with dual band connect on Sprint EVDO
• Huge $$ backing, capable of a significant marketing Launch

Clear Weaknesses

• There are many holes in their coverage
• WiMax speed degrades significantly as the network gets loaded with subscribers.
• WiMax requires more sites to cover the same area as EVDO so filling coverage holes is problematic.

Thanks to Gary Barton.