Clearwire: Don't know them yet? You will...

During the protests in Egypt, I was curious what kind of gear American networks were using to get signals outside of the country. How were high quality live feeds seamlessly getting pushed on-air and to devices like the IPAD? At one point,  I saw color bars up that read 'CNN Streambox' so I took that as a clue. With Streambox's tiny gear in the field, HD signals can be pushed many different ways to cloud based servers remotely. The servers then distribute the signal to your operations center, and to media devices.

Local broadcast stations are using Streambox's cost effective Wi-Fi feature, in lieu of SD Microwave transmission. From what I've heard, this quality passes but is less than spectacular. Some Networks and Military operations are using VSAT, and digital satellite connections to get feeds out. But the one connection that Streambox offers which I found most interesting is known as Wi-Max. Wi-Max is not even comparable to Wi-Fi.. totally different. Wi-Max is a protocol that provides mobile broadband over great distances, between cities and countries. The latest update to Wi-Max technology supports 1gb/sec transfer rates. That said, Wi-Max could be the replacement to current GSM and CDMA cell towers.
Enter Clearwire Corporation, stage left.

Using Wi-Max technology, Clearwire corporation is the partnership of the biggest names in telecom and media today. The logos above represent the major players in this operation. Right now, if you're on Sprint's 4G network, you're using Clearwire's Wi-Max connection. Sprint owns 54% of the company, and the 4G spectrum for consumers is only a small portion of the speed this massive network can handle.  Clearwire as a company,  has had a relatively soft launch until recently. After rolling out unsuccessful storefronts nationwide, the company is now focusing on direct marketing its service to consumers.  

For $35 bucks a month, the company is offering to replace your current cable or DSL connection with theirs. They'll give you a wireless router, and
guarantee your encrypted security. Throw in another $10 bucks, and they'll give you Nationwide Wi-Max access too. Again, this isn't some fake '4G' connection off a cell tower.
For the money you get a faster connection,
and access for your mobile devices, nationwide.
For these reasons, I personally believe this really is a company to watch.