Grand Rapids WiMAX Update

December 2007

Clearwire and Faulk & Foster are back in active deployment mode here in GR.  Sorry, no launch date available at this time. The company prefers to remain silent until they are ready to announce.

You will be interested in this article and photo from the January issue of Popular Science. It briefly discusses Sprint and Clearwire WiMAX with a picture of a Motorola WiMAX modem.

July 2007, Sprint Nextel and Clearwire announced a tentative agreement to work together to speed up and expand the deployment of a nationwide mobile WiMAX network, and collaborate on products and services, branding, marketing, and distribution. The two companies said they expect the arrangement to foster quicker, broader and more efficient deployment of a mobile WiMAX broadband network than either company could accomplish on its own and to enable each company to increase capital efficiency and reduce overall network development and operating costs.  The City views Clearwire's agreement with Sprint Nextel as a very positive partnership for Grand Rapids' WiMAX users.  A media release detailing some expected benefits of the partnership is available here.

 

On May 5, 2007 Grand Rapids City Commission passed a resolution authorizing General Local Revenue Sharing funds to be paid to the Community Media Center (CMC) for WiMAX Digital Inclusion outreach, education, eligibility verification and discounted Clearwire service provision for up to 5% of the total household count in Grand Rapids for qualifying low income residents.  Charges of $9.95 per month will provide qualifying low income residents with Internet access.  Low income eligibility and verification procedures have been developed and mutually agreed upon by the City and CMC. The application process is designed to be as simple as possible while maintaining the integrity of the requirements.  Federal income guidelines will be used.  CMC intends to provide a streamlined one-stop service sign-up opportunity that will include information on effective and safe use of the Internet.

 

The project continues to receive positive media coverage.  Following are direct links to some of the most recent articles:

City staff has regular progress meetings with Faulk & Foster, the company retained by Clearwire to build the WIMAX network. There are approximately 20 vertical assets, located within the 45 square mile city limits, included in the phase I build.  There are over 40 assets included region-wide.  Additional sites will be added as needed to increase network capacity as the customer base increases.  The companies are working diligently to insure that the network is available, as expected, by the end of the calendar year.