Clearwire Becomes First International Wireless Broadband Company to Offer Simple, Reliable Internet Phone Service

KIRKLAND, Wash. & STOCKTON, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 10, 2006--

Affordable, Feature-Rich Service With Superior Call Quality And Clarity Launched Today In California

Less than two years after Clearwire revolutionized the way people access the Internet, Clearwire Corporation today unveiled the next milestone in its efforts to redefine how people communicate and use the Internet. Beginning today, Clearwire's customers will be able to subscribe to a new service which will enable simple, affordable and high-quality phone services over the Internet. Clearwire is the first widely deployed wireless broadband company to offer VoIP services in the United States. Stockton, Calif., is the first Clearwire market to offer the new service.

Known as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), Clearwire's new service is unique in that it is a facilities-based phone service specifically designed for use over the Clearwire broadband network. As a result, the service, called "Clearwire Internet Phone Service," provides customers with exceptional call quality and an array of enhanced features. The service was jointly developed with one of North America's most innovative communications companies, Bell Canada. Ben Wolff, Clearwire's co-president and chief strategy officer said, "Bringing together Bell Canada's exceptional Internet voice platform and expertise with our next-generation wireless broadband network has enabled us to deliver an overall user experience that is superior."

"In the same way that Clearwire wireless high-speed Internet is changing the way people use the Internet, Clearwire Internet Phone Service will change the way people use the telephone," said Perry Satterlee, Clearwire's co-president and chief operating officer. "We're excited to introduce an affordable, easy-to-install voice option that, bundled with our wireless high-speed internet service, provides customers dependable Internet and high-quality phone service without the hassle and without surprises on the customer's monthly bill."

What differentiates Clearwire from other VoIP providers is that Clearwire's service operates across the company's existing wireless network, offering secure, dependable, high-quality voice communications.

"We've taken the time to develop a system that will provide our customers with the best experience possible," said Rob Mechaley, Clearwire's vice chairman. "Because we own all network elements, most importantly the wireless link, we can better manage the quality our customers encounter when making calls."

As an extension of Clearwire's commitment to providing a quality experience, Clearwire will only sell service to those who qualify for Enhanced 911 (E911) service. Additionally, Clearwire Internet Phone Service provides an array of phone features to help customers more efficiently manage their phone service. Features include a local phone number within Clearwire's market -- something not available through all VoIP providers -- unlimited local and long-distance calling within the U.S. and Canada, competitive international calling rates, call forwarding, enhanced call forwarding, caller ID, voice mail, voice mail to e-mail, three-way calling, caller blocking and international call blocking. Unlike traditional telephone services, Clearwire customers will be able to access and manage their special call functions by using the online dashboard, similar to a computer's toolbar, which is easily accessible through any Internet connection.

"We're committed to giving our customers an Internet phone solution that allows them to manage their phone service without feeling like their phone company is managing them," said Jeff Ahlquist, director of Product Management of Clearwire. "Call features such as 'do not disturb,' for example, allows customers to decide when they want to receive incoming calls; and the 'Find Me Follow Me' enhanced call forwarding feature allows customers to receive their calls at home, work, on their mobile phone or at a friend's home. And all of these features can be easily changed or turned on or off through the online dashboard -- even when the customer is away from home."

Initial feedback from Clearwire's testing in Stockton shows that many residents and small business owners are already benefiting from Clearwire's new voice offering. Stockton resident Chris Weibel was setting up a new business office and was told it would take three weeks to get phone service. Not able to wait and incur loss of business, he purchased and set up Clearwire's Internet Phone Service and was up and running within minutes.

"Clearwire promises simplicity in setup and use, and my experience has certainly validated that commitment," said Weibel. "Like Clearwire's high-speed wireless Internet service, it's plug-and-play without the wait and hassle of appointments or downloads. I've been very pleased with the call quality, and the dashboard makes it easy to navigate and to set my preferences."

Clearwire Internet Phone Service is sold at Clearwire's retail sales centers, several authorized retailer locations, toll free at 888-CLEARWIRE and online at clearwire.com.

How Clearwire Internet Phone Service works

Clearwire Internet Phone Service works by sending calls over the Internet as packets of data, then converting those packets back into sound and putting the transmission back onto a traditional phone network at a switching facility.

Like Clearwire wireless high-speed Internet, Clearwire Internet Phone Service features simple, plug-and-play installation, requiring no special software or an installation appointment. It even works with a customer's existing phone. Alternatively, it can work over a customer's computer.

When signing up for service, customers purchase an Internet phone adapter box that is about the size of a desktop calendar. The box plugs into a power outlet and then easily connects to the customer's computer, Clearwire modem and existing phone. Once installation is complete and E911 availability is validated, the customer activates his or her account online at clearwire.com and can begin making calls.

How Clearwire wireless high-speed Internet works

Clearwire wireless high-speed Internet offers a Wi-Max class solution, utilizing next-generation, non-line-of-sight wireless technology developed by Clearwire's wholly owned subsidiary, NextNet Wireless. The service operates at FCC-licensed 2.5 GHz frequencies in all of its U.S. markets. Clearwire sends its signal wirelessly from a transmitter on top of a cell tower to a specially developed receiver modem. The modem plugs into an electrical outlet or other power source and into a computer via an Ethernet cable to provide high-speed access to the Internet. The modem is compatible with most PC and Macintosh computers and requires no additional software or hardware installations.

Because the modem is portable, customers can move the service from place to place inside Clearwire's coverage area -- at home, the office, local restaurant or cafe. As long as there is a power source, secure Internet access is available in any Clearwire coverage area.

About Clearwire

Clearwire is a provider of reliable, wireless, high-speed broadband Internet and Internet Phone Service. The company, founded by Craig McCaw, initially drew national attention in the summer of 2004 when it announced it would deploy wireless broadband technology in select markets across the country. Since then, Clearwire has launched wireless high-speed Internet service in 27 metro markets, covering more than 200 cities and towns in Alaska, California, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Minnesota, Nevada, North Carolina, Oregon, Texas, Washington and Wisconsin in the United States, as well as Ireland, Belgium, Denmark (under the Clearwire name with Danske Telecom) and Mexico (via our partner MVSNet). For more information, visit clearwire.com.

Visuals and additional information on this announcement available in the newsroom at www.clearwire.com.