Clearwire today announced a wholesale agreement that will enable EarthLink to offer its customers high-speed fixed and mobile broadband service using Clearwire’s WiMAX network.
EarthLink’s wireless service will initially target consumers for in-home use and is expected to launch in early 2013. Future product offerings will include mobile devices and new services for small business customers.
Michael Toplisek, executive vice president of products and marketing for EarthLink, said a wireless offering was essential for his company to compete.
“The 4G broadband speeds and urban and suburban network focus aligns well with our long-term strategy for growing our customer base,” Toplisek said.
Clearwire is aiming to light up 31 cities, including major markets like New York City, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago and Seattle, by mid-2013. The company plans a targeted deployment of its TD-LTE network, focusing primarily on high-traffic urban areas.
As Clearwire’s LTE network comes online, EarthLink and Clearwire expect to extend their agreement to offer users faster speeds.
EarthLink provides IT services and communications to more than 150,000 businesses and 1 million consumers nationwide.
