The Clearwire-Sprint Nextel combined operations have brought about the official launch of new Clear WiMax service, which is debuting in Portland, Ore. The launch is a part of Clearwire's plans to offer WiMax service in the majority of the top 100 markets by 2010. New networks in Washington, D. C., and Chicago would probably see a delayed launch - in the second half of 2009.

According to Clearwire estimates, nearly $7 billion will be required to complete the entire network. The $14.5 billion Sprint-Clearwire merger of December 1, combining 4G wireless Internet businesses the two carriers, also included a shared $3.2 billion investment by Intel, Comcast, Google, Time Warner Cable, and Bright House Networks.

In a statement, mentioning the historic advancement of mobile computing and communications services in Portland and the US, Benjamin G. Wolff, CEO Clearwire, said: "Clearwire is reinventing wireless by delivering an unmatched combination of Internet speed and mobility."

The all-IP WiMax network would provide mobile and wireless customers with usual download speeds, originally of 2M to 4M bps, and noticeably faster peak rates. In fact, the next-generation world-leading broadband solution would redefine 'how, when and where' the users interrelate with the Internet.

The 4G technology of WiMax could possibly offer competition to fixed-line broadband such as DSL. Other mobile carriers, like Verizon Wireless and AT&T, have committed to LTE, which is a 3G technology.