CLEAR WiMax 4G Wireless Internet Service in the Chicago area
About Clear WIMAX:
Introducing 4G, Fastest wireless broadband service.
It's currently in specific coverage areas, Such as Chicago, Salt Lake City, Houston, Philadelphia, Portland, Los Vegas (Etc).
They have 2 plans:
Mobile - You can go anywhere within the coverage area and get up to 6mb down 1mb up.
Home - A great alternative to DSL/CABLE. Giving up to 3-6mp down 1mb up (10mb burst) Which is great for online gaming. If you have multiple computers just attach your existing Router to a Clear Modem.
Additionally, there are combo devices that support both 4G and 3G (Sprint) services, or HotSpots that receive 4G (or 3G) service and have a WiFi router built-in.
All 4G WiMax plans are unlimited data.
Clear in Chicago Area:
A lot of people complain about their Comcast service in Chicago, but I can say I have been 99% satisfied with my Comcast cable internet service for the past three years. They give me 18+ Mbps down and 5-6 Mbps up regularly, and I've only had two or three very short outages.
As good as Comcast is, though, the new WiMax service from CLEAR just might win me over.
Background:
Before I share my results, though, a little bit about CLEAR WiMax. Basically they offer a viable alternative to your home internet, and they also offer a mobile option. There are a couple of options you can order from CLEAR. As the salesman told me, though (and I agree with him 100%), there is only one option: Unlimited Home and Mobile for $55/month. There are other ever-so-slightly cheaper plans that place caps on your data, or that only offer one of the two services. For $55/month, you get a fixed residential modem, plus you get a USB dongle that gives you internet pretty much anywhere in Metro Chicago.
With the Home and Mobile option, you get an advertised 6Mbps down and 500 Kbps up connection. This varies where you live, of course, since the WiMax towers are placed in various spots throughout Chicago.
Installation for both mobile and residential modems was a breeze. You just run a quick installer for the USB device and when you plug the device in, all you have to do is open the CLEAR Connection Manager and click connect.
The residential modem installation was even easier. I plugged the modem into the wall, then connected the ethernet cord from the modem into my wireless router. This was simply a matter of swapping a Comcast cable modem for the WiMax residential modem.
Pros:
Super Easy Setup
Decent download/upload speeds
Affordable
Windows 7 & Mac compatible
Flexibility of having fast internet access throughout metro Chicago.
Cons:
Speeds not near as fast as cable internet (this is only a negative if you actually need super-fast internet, which most people don't)
Final Thoughts:
CLEAR WiMax is a perfectly viable alternative to other broadband services. It's not as fast as Comcast, but most don't necessarily need 18+ Mbps. It is definitely faster than most AT&T DSL connections. It is cheaper than Comcast service, and in addition to being cheaper, you can get two connections - a fixed modem for home or work and a totally separate mobile USB modem.
I recommend anyone in Chicago to try out this service (to make sure it works at your residence and in locations where you would roam).
Keywords: Clear 4G WiMax Wireless Broadband 4G internet Clearwire Sprint 4G WiMax 3G
Interview Q&A
How long have you been in business?
Over 21 years as PC MD Enterprises, before that I worked for Amoco doing Computer Support for 23 States - Computer Repair is what we do this is not a part time gig, plus - we don't speak geek!!
What is your primary product or service?
Customer Service - Sales, Repair, Etc.
If "it" involves Computers we either do it, or we know someone who does....
How did you first become interested in your line of business? (if owner) - What is your background? (If owner or store manager)
After being a diesel mechanic in the US Navy, I got out and went to college for Business with a strong influence in computers. I am a puzzle solver - and fixing a computer is very much like solving a hands on puzzle....
How do you differentiate yourself from other businesses in your category and area?
First off we are customer focused, we try our best at talking (explaining)at a level that humans understand - we try to avoid geek talk as much as possible. Additionally we are very resourceful, I work "with" a number of my competitions because they may know something I don't and our main objective is to solve our customer's problems.
How many locations do you have and do you have plans to expand?
We have only one location in South East DuPage (Darien). We do not plan to expand because our customers want the one on one relationship, going to a larger organization removes that personal service. Additionally, we are contracted to do work for a number of national companies that for their reasons (not mine) I can not list here. But don't be surprised if you call one of those 800 numbers and get us. The only difference is you are paying them a premium price because you pay them to dispatch us in addition to what we charge them to do the work.... Save your money - call us directly...
Provide detailed directions to your location
We come to you if we can - otherwise we are located in Darien, IL near 75th & Plainfield Rd
What type of payments do you accept?
Checks and Paypals
Which areas do you service?
Elmhurst to the north, Tinley Park to the south, Naperville to the west and Cicero to the East and anywhere in between...
Who owns your company or runs daily operations?
My name is Tom & I have 4 part timers depending on what you need.... .I am a member of the American Legion, Darien Lions Club and the Knights of Columbus.
What are your hours of operation?
M-F 7am to 7pm, evening and weekend by appointment.
What is the best compliment anyone can give you?
You fixed it.... thank you!
What is your favorite quote or Bible verse?
The only thing consistent in life are the inconsistencies...