Clearwire experienced a significant increase in 4G wireless subscribers during the fourth quarter, leading to a reduction in its losses. The company, known for its nationwide 4G wireless network, welcomed 87,000 new subscribers in the fourth quarter, a substantial growth from the 5,000 added in the same period the previous year. By the end of the year, Clearwire boasted a total of 688,000 customers, including wholesale subscribers who access Clearwire’s services through partners like Sprint, Comcast, or Time Warner Cable.

While the addition of new subscribers was positive, Clearwire also saw some customer churn, with a 3.6 percent increase in the rate of cancellations, mainly from customers transitioning from Clearwire’s pre-WiMax service. Despite this, the expanding subscriber base contributed to narrowing the company’s losses. In the fourth quarter, Clearwire reported a loss of $98.7 million, an improvement from the $118 million loss in the same period the previous year. Revenue for the fourth quarter also increased by 34 percent to $79.9 million.

Presently, Clearwire operates in 27 markets, providing 4G wireless services to approximately 34 million people across major cities. The company has plans to extend its services to more cities, with a target of reaching 120 million customers by the end of the year. Additionally, Clearwire aims to triple its 4G wireless subscriber count in 2010 as it continues to expand its network.

While the cost of network expansion has been considerable, Clearwire remains financially stable, with CEO William Morrow affirming the company’s capability to complete its network using existing funds. However, additional funding might be considered for future expansions beyond current plans. With expected expenditures between $2.8 billion to $3.2 billion for network development, Clearwire could explore avenues like government funding under the National Broadband Plan for further expansion.

Clearwire faces competition from Verizon Wireless and AT&T, which are also advancing their 4G networks. Despite concerns that Clearwire’s WiMax technology may not achieve wide deployment compared to LTE, the company maintains a competitive edge supported by significant partners like Time Warner Cable, Comcast, Google, and Intel. Clearwire’s executives highlight the growing demand for high-speed wireless services and the shift towards using WiMax as a primary broadband source, indicative of evolving consumer preferences.

Overall, Clearwire’s progress in subscriber acquisition and network expansion reflects the evolving landscape of wireless communication. The company’s strategic partnerships and technological advancements position it well in meeting the increasing demand for fast and reliable wireless services.

FAQs

  1. How many new subscribers did Clearwire add in the fourth quarter?
    Clearwire added 87,000 new subscribers in the fourth quarter.

  2. What was Clearwire’s total customer count by the end of the year?
    Clearwire had a total of 688,000 customers by the end of the year.

  3. Which partners do wholesale customers access Clearwire’s services through?
    Wholesale customers access Clearwire’s services through partners like Sprint, Comcast, or Time Warner Cable.

  4. What was the churn rate reported by Clearwire in the fourth quarter?
    Clearwire reported a churn rate of 3.6 percent in the fourth quarter.

  5. How did Clearwire’s losses in the fourth quarter compare to the previous year?
    Clearwire reported a loss of $98.7 million in the fourth quarter, an improvement from the $118 million loss in the same period the previous year.

Summary

Clearwire’s expansion of its 4G wireless network and the significant increase in subscribers demonstrate its growing presence in the telecommunications industry. Despite challenges like customer churn and rising costs, the company remains focused on network development and enhancing its services to meet consumer demands. With strategic partnerships and a commitment to technological innovation, Clearwire is poised to continue its growth trajectory and strengthen its position in the competitive wireless market. Discover more about Clearwire’s offerings and the future of wireless communication on their website.