Clearwire

Clearwire traces its roots to 1998, when Sierra Technologies, Inc. spun off certain assets to form a new company, Clearwire, Inc., based in Arlington, Texas. Clearwire Technologies was formed by a number of investors including Sierra CEO Jim Gero and Edward "Rusty" Rose, a former co-managing partner of the Texas Rangers. Clearwire Technologies raised about US$100 million from Goldman Sachs, in conjunction with another client who held licenses for spectrum allocated to various educational institutions; the former Instructional Television Fixed Service (ITFS) band now known as EBS or Educational Broadband Service.{{cite news|url=http://www.bizjournals.com/dallas/stories/2004/04/19/story2.html|title=Fixed wireless play/Telecom billionaire Craig McCaw snaps up Clearwire Holdings, eyes 'ITFS' space|date=April 16, 2004|author=Jeff Bounds|access-date=2007-11-06}}

After Goldman provided the funds—which were supposed to be used to roll out the system in key markets across the U.S.—they used a provision of the agreement to take control of the company; hiring a new CEO, Leo J. Cyr, who ousted the entire management team, including Clearwire CEO Brian Nerney, while diluting the strength of the founders still on the Board of Directors.

A holding company controlled by Craig McCaw, Flux LLC, acquired Clearwire Inc's then parent company, Clearwire Holdings, in March 2004. After assuming control, McCaw installed executives from McCaw Cellular in the key leadership positions at Clearwire Corp.

On June 3, 2004, McCaw purchased Clearwire Inc. for an undisclosed amount and used its name and resources, as well as technology developed by another McCaw-owned company, NextNet Wireless Inc., to launch his latest effort.{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A10974-2004Jun2.html |title= McCaw Places New Bet On Faster, Cheaper Access; Clearwire to Launch Cellular Internet Service | newspaper=The Washington Post | date=June 3, 2004}} On October 26, 2004, Intel Corp. teamed up with McCaw to develop and deploy a technology for portable wireless Internet access. The partnership included an investment by Clearwire Corp.{{cite web |url=http://www.state.nv.us/nucwaste/whatsnew.htm |title= What's News}}

Clearwire grew from 1,000 customers in September 2004 to more than 443,000 customers by May 2008.[http://newsroom.clearwire.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=214419&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1143894&highlight= Clearwire Reports First Quarter 2008 Results] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303233442/http://newsroom.clearwire.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=214419&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1143894&highlight= |date=March 3, 2016 }} Clearwire claimed in September 2006 that 20% of its markets had more than 10% penetration of households covered.{{Citation needed|date=September 2013}}

Clearwire took a $900 million infusion of capital from Intel and Motorola in July 2006, shortly after pulling its initial public offering.{{cite news|url=https://money.cnn.com/blogs/browser/2006/07/intel-motorola-put-up-900-million-to_06.html|title=Intel, Motorola put up $900 million to save WiMax|work=Fortune|publisher=CNN|date=July 6, 2006|access-date=2007-03-08}} Clearwire's equipment manufacturer Nextnet Wireless was sold to Motorola as part of the exchange.{{cite web |url=http://www.motorola.com/mediacenter/news/detail.jsp?globalObjectId=6968_6919_23 |title=Clearwire Secures $900M in Financing... |date=July 5, 2006 |publisher=Motorola Media Center |access-date=2007-03-08 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070111144355/http://www.motorola.com/mediacenter/news/detail.jsp?globalObjectId=6968_6919_23 |archive-date=2007-01-11 }} This investment by these two industry giants had been reported as an attempt to accelerate the development and deployment of WiMAX networks worldwide.

An unspecified source claims that AT&T sold Clearwire a slice of 2.5 GHz spectrum for about $300 million. The spectrum covers markets in the southeast of the U.S. and was formerly owned by BellSouth. The spectrum solidifies Clearwire's position as the second largest holder of 2.5 GHz spectrum after Sprint Nextel. AT&T had to sell the spectrum as a condition of its merger with BellSouth.{{Citation needed|date=September 2009}}

Clearwire and Sprint Nextel announced a partnership in July 2007 to accelerate deployment of WiMAX technology across the US.{{cite web|url=http://newsroom.clearwire.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=214419&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1036440&highlight=|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308155324/http://newsroom.clearwire.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=214419&highlight=&id=1036440&p=irol-newsarticle|url-status=dead|archive-date=2016-03-08|title=Clearwire/Sprint Nextel partnership|publisher=Clearwire Corp.|access-date=2007-11-13}} The deal was to include a swap of spectrum and markets between the two companies, as well as providing roaming capabilities for customers traveling between the companies' networks. The partnership was terminated at the end of 2007.{{cite web|url=http://newsroom.clearwire.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=214419&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1075425&highlight=|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303172404/http://newsroom.clearwire.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=214419&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1075425&highlight=|url-status=dead|archive-date=2016-03-03|title=Clearwire 2007Q3 Report|publisher=Clearwire Corp.|access-date=2007-11-13}} In 2008, Sprint's new CEO Dan Hesse started serious discussions about forming a joint venture between the two companies in the hopes of bringing in outside funding from Google, Intel, and Best Buy.{{cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB120162984956525859?mod=rss_whats_news_technology| title=Sprint Nextel in New WiMax Bid|publisher=The Wall Street Journal|date=January 30, 2008| access-date=2008-02-04 | first1=Amol | last1=Sharma | first2=Matthew | last2=Karnitschnig}} On March 26, 2008 an anonymous source stated that Sprint and Clearwire may get as much as $1 billion from Comcast and $500 million from Time Warner Cable in financial backing.{{cite news|url= https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=ahuqwbDrVhvY|title=Sprint WiMax Venture May Get $1.5 Billion, People Say (Update3)|publisher=Bloomberg L.P.|date=March 26, 2008|access-date=2008-04-24}}

Clearwire filed for its initial public offering with the Securities and Exchange Commission in May 2006. The company's underwriters included Merrill Lynch, Morgan Stanley and JPMorgan Chase. Trading began March 8, 2007 under the ticker symbol "CLWR" on the Nasdaq. Clearwire offered 24 million shares at $25 a share, and raised approximately US$600 million.{{cite news|url=https://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070308/ap_on_bi_ge/clearwire_ipo_11 |title=Shares of Clearwire fall after IPO |agency=Associated Press |date=March 8, 2007 |access-date=2007-03-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070314165249/http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070308/ap_on_bi_ge/clearwire_ipo_11 |archive-date=2007-03-14 |url-status=dead }} Before the Sprint merger, Craig McCaw was the largest shareholder of the company with a majority of the shares.{{cite web |url=http://www.thestreet.com/story/10403584/sprint-clearwire-near-wimax-deal.html |title=Sprint, Clearwire Near WiMax Deal |last=Moritz |first=Scott |date=February 15, 2008 |publisher=TheStreet.com |access-date=2009-04-07 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090501144347/http://www.thestreet.com/story/10403584/sprint-clearwire-near-wimax-deal.html |archive-date=2009-05-01 }}

On May 7, 2008, Clearwire and Sprint Nextel's wireless broadband unit Xohm announced their intent to merge, combining Sprint's 4G WiMAX network (Xohm) with Clearwire's existing pre-WiMAX broadband network. Sprint owns 54% of the firm,{{cite web|url=http://www.goingwimax.com/sprint-gives-up-majority-vote-at-clearwire-13086/ |title=Sprint Gives up Majority Vote at Clearwire |publisher=Goingwimax.com |date=2011-06-14 |access-date=2012-05-15}} with ex-Clearwire shareholders owning 27% – a consortium of Comcast, Time Warner Cable, Intel, Google, and Bright House Networks invested $3.2 billion and owns the balance.{{cite web|url=http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2008/05/07/ap4983081.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080527060505/http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2008/05/07/ap4983081.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 27, 2008|title=Clearwire, Sprint Nextel to form $14.55B wireless company - Forbes.com|website=Forbes |date=May 27, 2008|access-date=March 1, 2019}} Clearwire and the cable companies will buy 3G mobile broadband from Sprint as MVNOs.{{Citation needed|date=February 2009}} Clearwire/Sprint Nextel officially launched Portland, Oregon, as the first market using the new service. Clearwire's 4G service was branded as CLEAR,{{cite web|url=http://www.goldcoastwireless.com/clearwire/|title=Clearwire News|publisher=Gold Coast Wireless|access-date=2009-01-13|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090116170550/http://www.goldcoastwireless.com/clearwire/|archive-date=2009-01-16}} except in those markets where the Clearwire name has already been established and where CLEAR service is not available.{{cite web|url=http://www.phonenews.com/sprint-completes-clearwire-clear-will-replace-xohm-5650/|title=Sprint Completes Clearwire Merger, Clear Will Replace XOHM|first=Christopher|last=Price|publisher=Phone News|date=December 1, 2008|access-date=December 24, 2010|archive-date=January 4, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110104190548/http://www.phonenews.com/sprint-completes-clearwire-clear-will-replace-xohm-5650/|url-status=dead}} CLEAR 4G was available in 35 of the country's 40 largest metropolitan statistical areas, covering 130 million people.

On March 9, 2009, Clearwire named Bill Morrow as CEO, succeeding Benjamin Wolff, who became co-chairman with Craig McCaw. Morrow, 49, stepped down as CEO of Pacific Gas & Electric Company. Morrow had previously held a number of senior positions at Vodafone.{{cite web|url=http://blogs.barrons.com/techtraderdaily/2009/03/09/clearwire-names-morrow-ceo-wolff-now-co-chair/|title=Clearwire Names Morrow CEO; Wolff Now Co-Chair|last=Savitz |first=Eric |date=March 9, 2009| publisher=Barron's| access-date=April 7, 2009}}

In April 2009, a class-action lawsuit was filed against Clearwire. The suit was dismissed in April 2009 but was appealed by the complainant. The suit claimed that the company's actual Internet connection speeds were slower than advertised and was sometimes unavailable.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS239552+22-Apr-2009+PRN20090422|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090624111052/http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS239552+22-Apr-2009+PRN20090422|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 24, 2009|title=Lawsuit by Clearwire Subscribers Alleges Misleading Advertising and Unlawful Early Termination Fees|date=April 22, 2009|publisher=Thomson Reuters|access-date=September 6, 2009}}{{cite web|url= http://www.informationweek.com/news/telecom/business/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=217100196| title= Clearwire Subject Of Class Action Complaint| date=April 23, 2009|publisher=Information Week|access-date=September 6, 2009}}

On December 31, 2010, McCaw resigned as chairman of Clearwire and was replaced by John W. Stanton.{{cite web|url=http://www.techflash.com/seattle/2010/12/craig-mccaw-resigns-from-clearwire-board.html| title= Clearwire founder Craig McCaw resigns from board|first=John|last=Cook|publisher= Tech Flash|date=December 31, 2010|access-date=December 31, 2010}}Clearwire Announces Election of John W. Stanton as Chairman of Company Board of Directors {{cite web|url=http://newsroom.clearwire.com/phoenix.zhtml?c%3D214419%26p%3Dirol-newsArticle%26ID%3D1516735%26highlight%3D |title=Archived copy |access-date=2011-02-07 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304023352/http://newsroom.clearwire.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=214419&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1516735&highlight= |archive-date=2016-03-04 }} On March 10, 2011, Bill Morrow resigned as CEO and was replaced by interim CEO John W. Stanton.[http://corporate.clearwire.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=556152 Clearwire Names Chairman John W. Stanton as Interim CEO] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110315145014/http://corporate.clearwire.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=556152 |date=March 15, 2011 }} On August 10, 2011, Clearwire promoted COO Erik Prusch to president and CEO, and named John Stanton executive chairman.[http://corporate.clearwire.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=598213 Press Release] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120317082014/http://corporate.clearwire.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=598213 |date=March 17, 2012 }}

Clearwire stated that it might not honor a $237 million debt covenant due on December 1, 2011, in order to conserve cash.{{cite news|last1=Troianovski|first1=Anton|author-link=Anton Troianovski|last2=Wirz|first2=Matt|last3=Lublin|first3=Joann S.|date=November 19, 2011|title=Clearwire May Skip Debt Payment|work=The Wall Street Journal|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052970203611404577046304160608704|url-access=registration}} However, on December 2, 2011, the company announced that not only had it made that payment, but it had made a new four-year deal with Sprint to receive funding for network buildout and investments valued at $1.6 billion.

On October 14, 2012, it was announced that Japanese telecommunications company SoftBank would purchase 70% of Sprint Nextel Corporation for $20.1 billion.{{cite news|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2012/10/15/softbank-to-buy-70-percent-stake-in-sprint-sources.html|title=Softbank to Buy 70 Percent Stake in Sprint: Sources |date=15 Oct 2012 |first1=David |last1=Faber |publisher=CNBC|access-date=October 14, 2012}} This initially led to speculation that Sprint would buy out Clearwire, but "two well placed sources" within Sprint said that such a maneuver would not occur.{{cite news|last=Yieke|first=Lennox|title=Sprint will not Buyout [sic] Clearwire, Sending Shares Plummeting|url=http://www.valuewalk.com/2012/10/sprint-nextel-corporation-s-will-not-buyout-clearwire-corporation-clwr-sending-shares-plummeting/|access-date=October 16, 2012|newspaper=ValueWalk|date=October 16, 2012}}

Sprint, however, announced on October 18, 2012, that it acquired a majority interest in Clearwire by buying a stake from Clearwire's founder, which gave Sprint a 50.8% ownership and control of Clearwire.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-clearwire-sprint-idUSBRE89H0HS20121018|title=Sprint Nextel assumes majority stake in Clearwire|publisher=Reuters|access-date=July 11, 2013|date=October 18, 2012}} On December 17, 2012, Sprint announced that it entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the remaining stake in Clearwire that it did not then own for $2.97 per share, which equaled $2.2 billion.{{cite news|date = 17 December 2012 | url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20121217005581/en/Sprint-to-Acquire-100-Percent-Ownership-of-Clearwire-for-2.97-per-Share|title=Sprint to Acquire 100 Percent Ownership of Clearwire for $2.97 per Share|publisher=Business Wire|access-date=June 14, 2022}}

Over a period of approximately six months, a bidding war with DISH Network for Clearwire occurred, ultimately resulting in Sprint increasing its offer price for Clearwire to $5 per share.{{cite news|url=https://dealbook.nytimes.com/2013/06/20/clearwire-accepts-new-takeover-offer-from-sprint/|title=Sprint Beats Dish's Latest Bid for Clearwire|publisher=Dealbook|access-date=July 11, 2013|date=June 20, 2013}} On July 8, 2013, Clearwire announced that its stockholders approved the merger with Sprint.{{cite news|url=http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2013/07/09/sprint-acquires-clearwire-after-stockholders-appro.aspx|title=Sprint Acquires Clearwire After Stockholders Approve Merger|publisher=The Motley Fool|access-date=July 11, 2013}} Relatedly, Sprint's stockholders approved the merger with SoftBank, which closed on July 10, 2013.{{cite news|url=http://newsroom.sprint.com/news-releases/sprint-and-softbank-announce-completion-of-merger.htm?view_id=6791|title=Sprint and SoftBank Announce Completion of Merger|publisher=Sprint|access-date=July 11, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130929022838/http://newsroom.sprint.com/news-releases/sprint-and-softbank-announce-completion-of-merger.htm?view_id=6791|archive-date=2013-09-29|url-status=dead}} Subsequently, it planned to lay off about 75% of its employees.[http://seattletimes.com/html/businesstechnology/2022885821_bdigspringlayoffsxml.html Amy Martinez, "Sprint to lay off 91 in Bellevue, Kirkland"]

CLEAR announced that it would shut down on November 5, 2015. On November 6, 2015, CLEAR service was terminated. The WiMAX network was operated, without CLEAR customers, until early March 2016 because of a court order.

In 17 markets in the United States and certain markets in Belgium, Clearwire provided a service it referred to as "Pre-4G" using a point-to-multipoint system from Motorola called "Expedience", part of the MOTOwi4 family of products.{{cite web|url=http://www.motorola.com/Business/US-EN/Business+Product+and+Services/Wireless+Broadband+Networks/Point-to-Multipoint+Networks/Licensed+Point-to-Multipoint+Solutions|title=Motorola Expedience Overview|access-date=2009-02-06}} The service is considered true non-line-of-sight (NLOS).

The service is not unique to Clearwire. Several companies throughout the world use this same product line from Motorola, including Inukshuk Wireless Partnership of Canada, Beamspeed and Commspeed of Arizona, AccessTEL of Bangladesh, and Unitel of Guatemala.

Branded CLEAR, the company, on January 6, 2009, unveiled Portland, Oregon, as its first 4G WiMAX wireless broadband market, enabling consumers and businesses to access the Internet, wirelessly, at broadband speeds.{{cite web |url=http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9125158 |title=Clearwire launches WiMax service in Portland |last=Hamblen |first=Matt |date=January 7, 2009 |publisher=Computer World |access-date=April 7, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090119220342/http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9125158 |archive-date=2009-01-19 }}

After the Portland launch, the company expanded its 4G network to 87 additional markets.{{cite web|url=http://www.clear.com/coverage |title=4G Wimax Internet Coverage Map with Service Area |publisher=CLEAR |access-date=May 15, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120512133249/http://www.clear.com/coverage |archive-date=2012-05-12 }}

File:CLEAR LOGO.png

In the United States, Clearwire offered 4G fixed and mobile Internet access under the CLEAR brand in 88 cities. Clearwire claimed an average download speed of 3 to 6 Mbit/s with bursts over 10 Mbit/s.CLEAR performance claim was based on average download speeds attained during tests conducted by CLEAR on the CLEAR commercial network.

In January 2011, Clearwire started offering 4G WiMax service in Spain under the Instanet brand, discontinuing services based on Motorola Expedience technology.

File:Instanet logo.png

Clearwire provided service in Spain in the 3.4–3.6 GHz frequency range.{{cite web |url= http://www.nextnetwireless.com/press_051005.asp |title=Clearwire Belgium Launches Commercial Service in Brussels |work= News release |date= May 10, 2005 |publisher=Motorola, Inc. |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070616230246/http://www.nextnetwireless.com/press_051005.asp |archive-date= June 16, 2007 |access-date= August 29, 2011 }}

File:Clearwire belgique.png

Clearwire offered 4G WiMax service in Belgium under the Clearwire brand.

Clearwire offered Expedience-based services in 17 markets in the United States and in certain markets in Belgium. Customers could choose either the Motorola Expedience Residential Subscriber Unit (RSU) or the Motorola Expedience PC Card in both a PC Card and ExpressCard format. The RSU incorporates automatic adaptive modulation for increased throughput and network capacity. Users are connected to the Internet at indoor locations throughout the entire system's coverage area. The unit functions as an Ethernet bridge (Layer 2) device, interfacing a standard Ethernet over twisted pair connector. The PC Card incorporates the same automatic adaptive modulation for increased throughput and network capacity with the added portability of a laptop CardBus card.

Clearwire formerly offered Expedience-based services in Ireland and Denmark until operations in those countries were purchased by Imagine Communications and ERLO Group, respectively. In January 2011 Clearwire discontinued services based on Motorola Expedience technology in Spain in favor of Instanet-branded 4G WiMAX service.

Clearwire also offered its own Voice over IP (VoIP) service in some areas for an additional monthly fee.{{cite web|url=http://edgar.secdatabase.com/527/89102007000003/filing-main.htm |title=CLEARWIRE CORP, Form S-1/A, Filing Date Jan 8, 2007 |publisher=secdatabase.com |access-date =May 15, 2018}}

File:Clearwire shop Bwy 75 jeh.jpg

Sprint Corporation (Clearwire's parent company) resold Clearwire's 4G network service as Sprint 4G WiMax in over 70 markets across the United States.{{cite news | url=https://www.engadget.com/2011/08/03/sprint-extends-4g-coverage-to-wholesale/ | title=Sprint extends 4G coverage to wholesale | work=Engadget | date=August 3, 2011 | access-date=May 19, 2013}} Other Clearwire investors Comcast and Time Warner Cable resold Clearwire's 4G mobile broadband service in a number of markets, including New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, Atlanta and Portland among others bundled with their cable, home phone, and residential Internet services.{{cite web|author=Business Wire |url=http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20101017005092/en/Clearwire-Comcast-Sprint-Launch-4G-San-Francisco |title=Clearwire, Comcast and Sprint to Launch 4G in San Francisco |publisher=Business Wire |date=2010-10-18 |access-date=May 15, 2012}}{{cite web|last=Maisto |first=Michelle |url=http://www.eweek.com/c/a/Mobile-and-Wireless/Sprint-Clearwire-Time-Warner-to-Bring-WiMax-4G-to-NYC-869670/ |title=Sprint, Clearwire, Time Warner to Bring WiMax 4G to NYC |publisher=eWeek |date=2010-10-18 |access-date=July 9, 2013}}

On June 4, 2010, Sprint Nextel introduced the first commercially available 4G cellphone in the U.S., the HTC EVO 4G. The device combines Clearwire's 4G network with Sprint's 3G network and Google's Android operating system, creating a multimedia-heavy device Sprint hoped would set it apart from 3G smartphones like the Apple iPhone.{{cite web|url=http://connectedplanetonline.com/3g4g/news/clearwire-sprint-kick-off-4G-0329/|title=Clearwire, Sprint kick off 2010 4G rollout|first=Kevin|last=Fitchard|publisher=Connected Planet|date=March 29, 2010|access-date=December 24, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721004632/http://connectedplanetonline.com/3g4g/news/clearwire-sprint-kick-off-4G-0329/|archive-date=July 21, 2011}}

In 2005, Clearwire drew criticism from phone operator Vonage. Vonage claimed Clearwire and other ISPs were blocking Vonage's services. Testing showed that contrary to Vonage's claims, Vonage calls were being connected over the Clearwire network.{{cite web|url=http://news.cnet.com/Vonage-says-Clearwire-interfered-with-VoIP-calls/2100-7352_3-5657386.html| title= Vonage says Clearwire interfered with VoIP calls| last=Charny |first=Ben |date=April 6, 2005|publisher=CNET News|access-date=March 25, 2009}}

In September 2010, Clearwire introduced a dynamic network management system, which, for users who consume "disproportionate" amounts of wireless data, limited the user to about 256 kbit/s of network throughput. Certain users claimed their terms of service were modified retroactively to reflect the new policy, and Clearwire itself unofficially acknowledged this claim.{{cite web|url=http://ventspace.wordpress.com/2010/10/02/confirmed-clear-wimax-bandwidth-throttling/ |title=Confirmed: Clear WiMax Bandwidth Throttling « Promit's Ventspace |publisher=Ventspace.wordpress.com |date=2010-10-02 |access-date=May 15, 2012}}{{cite web|url=http://stopthecap.com/2010/10/04/clear-admits-throttling-subscribers-despite-marketing-claims-customers-revolt-over-bait-switch-service/|title=Clear Admits Throttling Subscribers Despite Marketing Claims; Customers Revolt Over Bait & Switch Service|first=Phillip |last=Dampier|publisher=Stop the Cap!|date=October 4, 2010|access-date=December 24, 2010}}

In the middle of 2012, Clearwire reached a settlement to provide partial refunds of termination fees and service credits for individuals who experienced throttling as part of their dynamic network management policy. The settlement allowed Clearwire to continue throttling connections under certain circumstances as long as their advertising reflects this.[http://www.denningssettlement.com/faq "Dennings v. Clearwire Corporation - FAQs"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120922222737/http://www.denningssettlement.com/faq |date=September 22, 2012 }}

In September 2013, Clearwire in Spain, operating under the brand Instanet, cut off all of its services, web and phone lines without prior notice. It was reported at the time that Spanish consumer associations were gathering evidence of possible overcharging.[http://www.europapress.es/portaltic/internet/noticia-instanet-paralizado-actividad-cobrar-irregularmente-clientes-facua-20130912123502.html "(Spanish) Instanet ha paralizado su actividad tras cobrar irregularmente a sus clientes según Facua"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303235100/http://www.europapress.es/portaltic/internet/noticia-instanet-paralizado-actividad-cobrar-irregularmente-clientes-facua-20130912123502.html |date=March 3, 2016 }}

• Sprint Corporation
• Google
• Virgin Mobile USA
• Mobile broadband
• Wireless broadband
• Wireless internet service provider

{{Reflist|2}}

• {{Official website|http://clearwire.com/|Clearwire Corporate homepage}}
• [http://www.clear.com CLEAR U.S. products and services homepage]
• [http://www.clearwire.be Clearwire Belgium homepage]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20091223091623/http://www.clearwire.es/ Clearwire Spain homepage]

{{Sprint}}

{{United States telephone companies}}

{{US mobile network operators}}

Category:Companies formerly listed on the Nasdaq

Category:VoIP companies of the United States

Category:Defunct telecommunications companies of the United States

Category:Internet service providers of the United States

Category:Internet service providers of Belgium

Category:Internet in Spain

Category:Companies based in Bellevue, Washington

Category:Defunct companies based in Washington (state)

Category:1998 establishments in Texas

Category:2015 disestablishments in Washington (state)

Category:Broadband

Category:Sprint Corporation

Category:Telecommunications companies established in 1998

Category:Technology companies disestablished in 2015

Category:2013 mergers and acquisitions

Category:2007 initial public offerings