Clearwire to deploy Samsung's next-generation 4G base stations in 2010

CTIA Wireless 2010, LAS VEGAS, USA: At the CTIA Wireless convention, Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., a leading provider of wireless technology, today announced that it has signed an agreement with Clearwire Communications, LLC, an operating subsidiary of Clearwire Corporation, to deploy next generation U-RAS Flexible Plus base stations within Clearwire’s 4G network.

“Our all-IP 4G network delivers an unmatched combination of speed and mobility to meet the growing demand for mobile broadband services,” said Dr. John Saw, Chief Technology Officer for Clearwire. “As one of our key suppliers, Samsung continues to deliver innovative products that enable us to deliver true mobile broadband services to our customers and strategic wholesalers. We look forward to adding the new U-RAS Flexible base station within our footprint, and further strengthening our relationship with Samsung.”

Samsung Electronics has been a lead vendor to Clearwire for the 4G Mobile WiMAX project since the inception. At the International CTIA Wireless 2010 convention, one of the largest technology events in the world, Samsung is exhibiting the latest and the broadest Mobile WiMAX system and device line-ups, including the next generation U-RAS Flexible base station, which can be used as a common platform for Mobile WiMAX (802.16e), Mobile WiMAX 2 (802.16m), as well as both FDD-LTE and TD-LTE deployments.

Woonsub Kim, Executive Vice President and Head of the Telecommunication Systems Business, Samsung Electronics, said: “Samsung’s wireless leadership starts with the early involvement and commitment in the development of new standards, as we leverage our knowledge of the emerging standards to provide end to end solutions ranging from wireless infrastructure equipment to devices and chipsets.”

Clearwire currently provides 4G service in 27 markets across the United States. The CLEAR customer experience is similar to that provided by Wi-Fi, but without the short-range limitations of a traditional Internet hotspot. CLEAR uses a wireless 4G technology that differs from Wi-Fi called WiMAX, which provides service areas measured in miles, not feet. Today, CLEAR delivers average mobile download speeds of 3 to 6 mbps and bursts over 10 mbps.*

As the world’s first Mobile WiMAX system and device provider, launching the world’s first commercial services in Korea in June 2006, Samsung is currently deploying Mobile WiMAX networks with 26 major operators in 22 countries, including Clearwire in the United States, UQ Communications in Japan, Yota in Russia and Mobily in Saudi Arabia.