Free is relative in the case of Clearwire’s plan to offer free WiMAX service to a 20 square mile area of the Silicon Valley. Yep, it’s free in terms of financial cost, but in return Clearwire wants third-party applications from developers in order to boost demand for the service.
Expected to launch later this summer, the WiMAX Innovation Network requires developers to register for the Clearwire developer program and describe what type of application will be developed using the network. They’ll also have to purchase a $50 WiMAX modem so I suppose it’s not entirely free.
Currently WiMAX service is officially available in Baltimore and Portland, but is expected to be ready to launch in 10 more US markets before the end of 2009.
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