Before anyone jumps into Clear, they don't have a good reputation either. I decided to try them but they do have a history of oversubscribing; that is, adding more users to a site without upgrading capacity. In early Clearwire cities, many have slower access as more users come on board. Clear is starting to use more backhaul in newer rollout cities (including KC) and I read they are now doing 30-40Mbps microwave backhaul and >100Mbps landline where they can get it (in urban areas including urban core KC).
The other issue is that Clearwire uses a high frequency that doesn't penetrate buildings well. However if you do get a 4G signal, it will likely be OK. I'm fortunate to have a site just a couple blocks away. You need to place the modem where there is best signal then use WiFi router.
Be careful not to get a Clear contract. You have to buy the modem for under $100 from Clear (or get a used one from eBay, I'm using Series M modem) to avoid contract. This way you can always go back to TWC or other if there are issues down the road. Also, the fixed home modem doesn't have 3G for backup. If you want a mobile version that also has 3G, get an Overdrive from Sprint. That's $60/month though. Or you can use EVO hotspot feature for $30/month and use a Buffalo router as repeater (more on that later).
I got mine at Westport Radio Shack but I think Best Buy also sells Clear. At RS, they don't take the return, you have to send direct back to Clear, which I believe is 30 day but better confirm. If doing no contract, you can cancel by month but you might have to sell your modem. If you order online via Clear.com, I think you can avoid the $35 activation fee.
For those who have an EVO phone (or friend with one), first test 4G performance in best spot in home. Don't use the Android speedtest apps as they don't work well with 4G for some reason.
Use:
http://speakeasy.net/speedtest
It appears EVO (Sprint 4G phone) can do up to about 7-8Mbps with 4G. A dedicated modem can do more, up to 12Mbps or so if it has solid signal and if site is not oversubscribed. They market the home service at 4-6Mbps with bursts over 10Mbps, so that is what you should expect. For now, I'm getting solid 10-12Mbps but not expecting that to last. I 'need' 4-5Mbps to do Netflix HD streaming and laptop browsing. Will get rid of Clear if getting below that down the road. Only loss is cost of modem and that could probably be sold.
More later...
