Clear FAQ

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Set Up and Security

How easy is it to set up?

Get online at super fast speeds with no appointment, no installation visit, and no phone line needed. Just plug in your Clear Modem and surf.

How secure is it?

Your Clear connection is very secure. Unlike WiFi, Clear technology uses a licensed 2.5 GHz frequency and OFDM transmission protocol for a very secure connection.

And when you add our optional Clear Security Suite (at an extra cost), you will add protection to your computer by selecting a suite of features that gives you the freedom to surf with confidence: Anti-virus, Parental controls, Regular updates, Firewall, and Anti-spyware.

Coverage and Equipment

How do I determine if I have service coverage?

You can check Clear coverage in your area by visiting www.clear.com/shop.

Where can I use it? Can I expand service to cover my entire facility?

You can connect your Clear modem to a wireless router to create a wireless connection in your facility, using your Clear Business Level Internet service to provide access to multiple users.

What types of devices can use Clear?

Currently, all Clear devices are specially configured to operate on our standards-based mobile WiMAX network. You will be provided with a business level service modem directly from Clear.com online.

In the coming months, users will also be able to purchase laptops and other mobile Internet devices that can access the Clear network from a wide variety of manufacturers.

Interactive map of the Clearwire mobile WiMAX network in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Activating Service

How do I activate my Clear service?

Turn on your connection manager/utility by going to Start > Programs > Intel PROSet Wireless > WiMAX Connection Utility.

Select WiMAX to start scanning for WiMAX networks. Once the network is connected, open your web browser and you will be taken to the Clear activation page on Clear.com where you can choose to purchase a monthly plan or a day pass. Follow the online instructions to activate Clear and begin your life online.

How will I know when my Clear service is active?

Once you receive the order confirmation page after completing the activation process, open a browser and go to your favorite web site.

If you are successful, your device has been activated.

If you are brought back to www.Clear.com, your activation is not complete.

Wait 5 minutes, check your connection, and if you are still unable to connect please restart your computer. If you are still unable to connect, please contact us at 866-387-5060 between 9am and 10pm 7 days a week.

Menu Bar from Clear's "365" Content Website for mobile WiMAX service.

Trouble Connecting

When I connect to the Clear network, I am not able to go to any web site except for Clear.com, what is happening?

If you are unable to view web sites other than Clear.com, this may mean your Clear service has not been successfully activated.

If you have already been through the activation process, first restart your computer. Then try disconnecting and reconnecting to the Clear network by following the below steps.

1. Open your connection Utility.

2. Disconnect from Clear network.

3. Select "Clear" from the available connections and reconnect

If you have not yet activated your service, please go to Clear.com and complete the activation process.

Help! I can't connect to the Clear network.

Try these troubleshooting steps to get online with Clear:

1. Make sure you're in a Clear coverage area by checking your location at www.Clear.com/coverage

2. Make sure that your laptop's wireless radio switch is on.

3. Open your WiMAX connection manager. Click here. If your connection manager or utility is not opening or working properly, please call your laptop manufacturer.

a. Make sure your connection manager/utility is not in Airplane Mode.

b. Make sure you have selected to connect to WiMAX and not to Wi-Fi networks.

4. Make sure that you have active Clear service. If the only web site you can get to after connecting to WiMAX is www.Clear.com, your service has not activated successfully.

5. Try accessing various web sites. If you can get to most web sites, but not a specific one, it's probably the web site that's having trouble.

What is the MAC ID and where do I find it on my device?

The MAC ID (Media Access Control Identifier) is 12 alpha-numeric characters that are assigned to each WiMAX device used to identify your device on the Clear Network.

The MAC ID is listed on the label on the bottom of your device and is preceded by the letters "MAC," e. g. Click on link for Clear Home Modem and Clear USB Modem.

On a WiMAX embedded laptop, go to the DOS prompt, and type "ipconfig/all." Your MAC ID is listed under 'Physical Address.'

Why are there no WiFi networks showing in the 'Connect to a network' screen?

To view the list of available networks, you will need to turn on your WiFi Connection Manager / Utility.

1. Turn WiMAX off by right clicking on the 'Intel® PROSet/Wireless WiMAX Connection Utility' icon located in the task tray at the bottom right of your desktop screen.

2. Right click on the 'Intel®PROSet/Wireless WiMAX Connection Utility' and then click 'Turn WiFi on/off'.The 'Windows Mobility Center' popup screen will appear.

3. Click on the 'Turn wireless on' button on the 'Windows Mobility Center' screen.

4. You should then be able to right click on the 'Local Area Connection' or 'Wireless Network Connection' icons (located in the task tray) and then click 'Connect to a network' to see a list of available WiFi networks.

Signal Strength

I want the strongest signal possible. How can I get this?

Having 2 lights lit on the top of your modem are all you need to have a solid connection to the Clear network. If your modem doesn't have 2 lights lit, here are some tips for optimizing your signal.

1. Try to reposition your modem. Start by turning your modem 1/4 turn clockwise. Now wait 15 to 20 seconds to see if there is an improvement to your signal. If the signal is still low (less than 2 lights are lit), turn your modem another 1/4 turn clockwise and wait a few seconds to see if there is an improvement. Continue rotating your modem to see if this enhances your signal.

2. Try setting up the modem in another room to see if you can achieve a better signal. Sometimes having the modem close to a window will immediately resolve any low signal issues.