Rumor Mill: Clearwire launching 4G home router

Clearwire (NASDAQ:CLWR) is going to launch a home router product that will allow users capture the company's mobile WiMAX service and then transfer it to other devices in their home via WiFi, according to FCC documents.

According to FCC documents, Clearwire is prepping a home router.The documents, unearthed by the blog Boy Genius Report, point to a device referred to as the Clear Modem with WiFi. The device, which looks similar to a standard cable modem, also has a phone jack, which could indicate that VoIP service will be included with the router.

A Clearwire spokeswoman declined to comment.

Lately, Clearwire has turned its attention to consumer-facing devices and services. In August, Clearwire launched a new, prepaid mobile hotspot that allows Apple's (NASDAQ:AAPL) mobile devices to access its WiMAX network. The iSpot allows users to share the connection among up to eight WiFi-enabled Apple mobile devices.

Clearwire also recently introduced a new prepaid brand called Rover, which is currently only available in select markets. The Rover brand features two devices: The Puck, a portable WiFi hotspot that connects up to eight devices at one time; and the Stick, a personal USB modem that connects to a notebook, laptop or desktop. Both are WiMAX-only; the Puck costs $149.99 and the Stick costs $99.99. 

The company is in the midst of a network buildout and plans to cover 80 markets and 120 million POPs by year-end. Though the company has been aggressive in its expansion, it still has not officially launched in large markets such as Los Angeles, New York City and San Francisco.

For more:
- see this Boy Genius Report post

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