First WiMAX Card for Clearwire Gets FCC Approval

Today the FCC approved the first WiMAX card for use with Clearwire's WiMAX network. The card is manufactured by Motorola and is a part of their wi4 Expedience line. The card fits into a standard Type II card slot on a laptop computer, whereby uers will be able to get high-speed wireless access to the internet using WiMAX networks. The card is compatible with Microsoft Relevent Products/Services, Windows Vista, and Windows XP operating systems. It is expected to be available in the second half of this year.

Mobile WiMAX is considered to be the high-speed wireless standard for portable devices, such as mobile phones and UMPCs. Currently, Clearwire is keeping themselves busy by putting up WiMAX networks around the US, while Sprint-Nextel is also putting up their own WiMAX/4G network.

Perry Satterlee, Clearwire President and COO, said in a statement that the approval marks "a significant milestone in bringing to market a 'true broadband' wireless service."