During today's keynote address at CTIA Wireless 2009, Clearwire co-chairman Ben Wolff announced the launch of the WiMAX Innovation Network to Silicon Valley developers to help them develop applications for WiMAX. The unique part of the initiative is the fact that Clearwire is using its spectrum to cover more than 20 square miles in Silicon Valley to bring WiMAX to campuses in Silicon Valley. Early participants will include Google and Intel. Cisco will provide the core IP next-generation network infrastructure equipment in support of the network. Qualified developers will have free access to the network for one year, and service will be available by late summer before Clearwire launches in the Bay area in 2010.
"This is a 20 square-mile sandbox to allow developers to innovate and develop applications we can't even think of today," Wolff said. "It will be true broadband in the palm of the hand. Information, content and entertainment will be based on who customers are and where they are. This is going to be an explosive opportunity for developers to do so much more than they did for the wireline Internet."
Service will be provided free to a limited number of qualified developers for one year. Clearwire will provide WiMAX USB Modems for $49.99. To qualify, developers must register for Clearwire's developer program and describe the products or business ideas they wish to pursue.
For more:
- see these photos from the keynotes
- see this release