Comcast Unveils WiMAX Service in Portland, Oregon, Challenging LTE Technology

Strategic Insights -

Comcast is rolling out WiMAX service to customers in Portland, Oregon, offering speeds of up to 4 Mbps for $49.99 per month, bundled with 12 Mbps home broadband service and a WiFi router. This move follows Cablevision's success with free WiFi services, with over 2 million connections made since its launch last fall. Comcast's High-Speed 2go service is designed to compete with LTE technology, with its lower price tag and reliance on open standards. The service is expected to expand to other cities by the end of the year, including Philadelphia, Atlanta, Chicago, and more.

Key Takeaways:

  • Comcast is investing in WiMAX technology through its partnership with Clearwire Corp., which offers 4G service in Portland and Atlanta.
  • The service, High-Speed 2go, will provide speeds of up to 4 Mbps for $49.99 per month, bundled with 12 Mbps home broadband service and a WiFi router.
  • The service will allow customers to access 3G network outside of Portland for an additional $20 per month through Sprint Nextel.
  • The rollout could potentially be a major blow to LTE technology, as WiMAX is built on open standards and relies on cheaper equipment to manufacture.
  • The service will be available in Philadelphia, Atlanta, Chicago, and other cities by the end of the year.
  • Comcast has invested $3.2 billion in Clearwire Corp. along with Intel, Time Warner Cable, Bright House Networks, and Google.
  • Clearwire Corp. has plans to expand its 4G service to other cities, including Las Vegas, Charlotte, Dallas, and Honolulu.

Statistics:

  • Over 2 million WiFi connections have been made since Cablevision launched its free WiFi service last fall.
  • Clearwire Corp. currently offers 4G service in Portland and Atlanta.
  • Comcast will offer High-Speed 2go service for $49.99 per month for the first year.
  • The service includes 12 Mbps home broadband service and a WiFi router.
  • Sprint Nextel will allow Comcast WiMAX subs to use its 3G network outside Portland for an additional $20 per month.
  • Clearwire Corp. has a 51 percent stake in the joint venture with Sprint Nextel.

Sources:

  • Cablevision: "...has seen its broadband customers make more than 2 million WiFi connections since it began offering the free service last fall."
  • Comcast: "...will offer the service in Portland, Ore., over Clearwire Corp.'s 4G network."
  • Clearwire Corp.: "currently offers 4G service in Portland and Atlanta, and it has broad expansion plans that include Chicago, Las Vegas, Charlotte, Dallas, and Honolulu."
  • Sprint Nextel: "will allow Comcast WiMAX subs to use its 3G network outside Portland for an additional $20 a month."
  • Euclid Infotech Pvt. Ltd.: "Comcast's High-Speed 2go will allow laptop users speeds of up to 4 Mbps, for $49.99 per month for the first year and includes 12 Mbps home broadband service and a WiFi router."