Clearwire iSpot 4G Router Only Connects With iPad, iPod Touch And iPhone

Slowly but surely, Clearwire is becoming more and more of a household name. It wasn't long ago that only the hardcore wireless followers knew what Clearwire was, but now that this particular device is on store shelves, we suspect a lot of Apple users will be peering over just to see what the buzz is all about.

The new iSpot is an interested, if not limited, device. It's the first 4G HotSpot that is actually only suitable for use with iPad, iPod touch and iPhone. That's right. Just those 3 devices are allowed to be used on the iSpot. There's a MAC address check that can tell what kind of device is attempting to connect over Wi-Fi, and unless it's one of those, the device simply will share its 4G connection.

It's a unique and bold approach, but with Apple devices selling like hotcakes, we could definitely see this taking off in 4G locales. The kicker is the price. Since it's so limited, the unit itself is just $99.99, with an unlimited 4G data plan running just $25/month. That's only $5/month more than the unlimited iPad data plan, yet this will let your iPhone, iPod touch and iPad surf at the same time for just a few bucks more. We have to assume that the monthly rate would be far higher if this allowed all devices to connect. One thing that stumps us is the non-support for Apple laptops. Seems strange to omit those, don't you think?

 Clearwire Introduces iSpot™

Nation’s First Dedicated 4G Support for Apple® Mobile Devices

    * New CLEAR iSpot Personal Hotspot Brings Unlimited Rich Mobile Broadband Experience to Apple Mobile Product Lines
    * Monthly Service Plans Offer High-Speed, Cost-Effective, Unlimited 4G Mobile Broadband Options for iPad™, iPod touch®, and iPhone® Data Service

KIRKLAND, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Clearwire Corporation (NASDAQ:CLWR), a leading provider of wireless broadband services and operator of the largest 4G network in the country, today announced the introduction of the CLEAR iSpot™, a personal hotspot with dedicated support for Apple’s line of mobile devices*, including the iPad™, iPod touch® and iPhone®. The iSpot brings the speed and mobility of true mobile broadband to a user base primed for the rich online experience of 4G.

    “Instead, with CLEAR, customers can run all of their Apple mobile devices at true broadband speeds for a single, simple monthly fee.”

“With the iSpot, Apple customers don’t have to sort through confusing service plans with overage fees, nor do they have to worry about how much data they’re using,” said Thomas Enraght-Moony, senior vice president of marketing at Clearwire. “Instead, with CLEAR, customers can run all of their Apple mobile devices at true broadband speeds for a single, simple monthly fee.”

The iSpot is CLEAR’s first 4G personal mobile hotspot made exclusively for Apple mobile products, including iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch devices. iSpot users can share 4G speed with up to eight Wi-Fi-enabled Apple mobile devices simultaneously. The CLEAR iSpot’s ergonomic design and white casing were specifically designed to complement the iconic image of Apple products.

Using CLEAR super fast mobile internet® service, Apple’s iPad, iPod touch or iPhone can access a rich mobile broadband experience with average mobile download speeds of 3 to 6 mbps with bursts over 10 mbps**. For example, using the CLEAR iSpot an iPad user can stream unlimited movies or television shows via the Netflix app from home, work or on the go, while an iPod user can stream Pandora® music or live sports play-by-play on the commute home.

The iSpot expands the CLEAR line of personal mobile hotspots, which includes the CLEAR Spot 4G and CLEAR Spot 4G+. With personal mobile hotspots, CLEAR provides thousands of Wi-Fi enabled devices, from laptops to netbooks to personal gaming devices the ability to access super fast mobile internet service anywhere in CLEAR coverage.

iSpot Pricing and Availability

The iSpot is available nationwide from www.clear.com today and available in CLEAR retail stores and authorized dealers beginning August 10. The iSpot has an MSRP of $99.99*** and users can enjoy unlimited 4G data usage for an initial low monthly service offering of $25*** without a required term contract. In conjunction with today’s launch, new CLEAR customers can take advantage of a one-day introductory sale offering significant savings on the iSpot (and other CLEAR Spot devices) when activating qualified CLEAR mobile service. Special one-day pricing is available through August 5, online only at www.clear.com.