CTIA 2009: Clearwire portable Wi-Fi router extends WiMax network

Just before the start of CTIA Wireless 2009, Clearwire announced a new portable Wi-Fi router, this will use Wi-Fi to connect to consumer electronic devices, such as cameras and smartphones and then connect them to its 4G WiMax wireless network.

Clearwire are already in the process of building a nationwide WiMax network, which they are calling Clear Spot. CNET have been looking at the device and explain that it is battery-powered, and can connect up to eight devices on the Clearwire WiMax network via Wi-Fi.

Clearwire has said that the new portable Wi-Fi router will work with most smartphones that are Wi-Fi enabled; this includes the Apple iPhone, T-Mobile G1 and a number of RIM BlackBerry and Windows Mobile devices. Expect to pay $139 when the device is launched later this month.