Q: Is Clearwire as reliable as cable or dial-up?

A: Yes. With Clearwire, you’ll enjoy an always-on, always-secure connection that never ties up your phone line.

Q: How does Clearwire’s speed compare to DSL, cable and dial-up?

A: Clearwire lets you connect at broadband speeds of up to 1.5Mbps. That’s up to 25 times faster than typical dial-up! Check out our comparison chart or speed demo to see how Clearwire compares to other Internet services.

The following is a comparison of the average time to download a 3.75MB video clip:
28.8Kbps dial-up modem: 17 minutes, 47 seconds
56Kbps dial-up modem: 9 minutes, 9 seconds
Clearwire’s 1.5Mbps: 20 seconds!

Q: Is it easy to set up my own Clearwire service?

A: Yes! After you’ve chosen the Clearwire service plan that’s right for you, you can set up Clearwire yourself in just minutes. There’s no software to download and no technician to wait for. Check out our installation video.

Q: How secure is the connection? Is it more secure than Wi-Fi?

A: Your Clearwire connection is very secure. That’s because Clearwire wireless technology uses OFDM transmission protocol, featuring a design standard that includes secure wireless data transmission. Wi-Fi operates on unlicensed 2.4GHz frequencies, making it vulnerable to scanning and packet interception. Clearwire operates at licensed 2.5GHz frequencies. Licensed frequencies and OFDM make for a very secure connection.

Q: How can I use my Clearwire connection in more than one place?

A: With Clearwire, you can connect to the Internet in more than one location. Just plug in and jump online anywhere within the Clearwire service area. You may also extend your Clearwire service to multiple users throughout the house. The Clearwire modem works with standard router and wireless access point equipment to create a local area network.

Q: If I share my Clearwire connection, can all computers be online at the same time?

A: Using a router or wireless access point, multiple users can be online at the same time with no slow-down.

Q: What if my computer is set up in one room but the wireless signal is stronger in another?

A: No problem — with optional accessories called ClearPlugsTM, you can set up the Clearwire modem anywhere in the house, regardless of where your computer is located. ClearPlugs use existing wiring to extend the signal from the modem to your computer, without having to run cables through your house.

Q: Is Clearwire mobile like a Wi-Fi connection?

A: Clearwire is portable like Wi-Fi. With Clearwire, all you have to do is plug your Clearwire modem into an outlet, and into your computer. Unlike a typical Wi-Fi hotspot there are no additional access fees charged in order to use the service.

Q: How does Clearwire connect wirelessly?

A: Clearwire uses state-of-the-art wireless technology to transmit signals to and from your modem on fully licensed and protected frequencies. Your connection is always on and always secure.

Q: What issues could impact my ability to receive Clearwire signals?

A: You must be within the Clearwire service area to receive a Clearwire signal. It is possible to be within the coverage area but not be able to receive a signal due to unusual geography or to be within the coverage area but not adequately receive signal due to unexpected circumstances.

Q: Are there any limits to bandwidth usage?

A: There’s no limit to how much bandwidth you can use, subject to the Clearwire service plan you sign up for. Clearwire offers several different service plans, each with throughputs and speeds designed to match your needs.

Q: What’s an IP address?

A: Every computer that communicates over the Internet is assigned an IP address that uniquely identifies the device and distinguishes it from other computers on the Internet.

Q: What’s the difference between a static and dynamic IP address?

A: A static IP address is a number that’s assigned to a computer by an Internet service provider to be its permanent address on the Internet. Dynamic IP addressing, or DHCP, provides a different IP address each time you connect to the Internet. Dynamic addresses are kept in a pool and are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.