Clearwire and Intel have changed a technology deal, which banned the WiMax service supplier from using any other technology, and Clearwire is already in talks with equipment sellers about how it may take on LTE (Long-Term Evolution) for its network.

On Wednesday, Clearwire officials declared the change on a conference call regarding the company's fiscal results for the first quarter.

The company posted profits of roughly US$107 million, rise from $62 million a year before, and a net loss of $439 million, or $0.48 per share.

But it added 283,000 subscribers, more than in the whole preceding year, concluding with 917,000 total subscribers to both its WiMax and legacy wireless services. Most of them were on the WiMax network.

While Clearwire has been ruling out WiMax, the first available 4G (fourth-generation) cellphone data technology, Verizon Wireless, AT&T and various huge carriers outside the U. S. have formed plans to use LTE.

In March, both Clearwire and its main possessor, Sprint Nextel, implied that they may be willing to accept LTE themselves.

If the numerous LTE deployments across the globe take form over the next few years as intended, this could make a much bigger market for gear and gadgets than WiMax might enjoy.