Response to the Baltimore network has met Clearwire's expectations, Richardson said. The network there launched commercially in late September. The company has not disclosed specific numbers on the uptake of the Baltimore offering, he said.

In Portland, Clearwire already has coverage across most of the city's metropolitan area of roughly 700 square miles (1,812 square kilometers), according to Richardson. The company already offers pre-WiMax wireless broadband in more than 40 other markets and will convert those over time to standard WiMax.

The biggest shortcoming of the WiMax service today is that coverage is limited to just two markets. Sprint, which remains a partner in the new Clearwire, has a service that combines 4G (fourth-generation) WiMax capability in Baltimore with 3G mobile data on Sprint's network for use elsewhere. The carrier offers a dual-mode laptop card to access both networks. Clearwire also plans to provide dual-mode devices for use on its Portland network, according to Richardson.

On Tuesday, Clearwire will formally launch a desktop modem for home or office use and a USB (Universal Serial Bus) device for mobile connectivity, as well as a list of laptops with built-in WiMax capability that can be used on Clearwire's network. Customer equipment will be sold in retail stores as well as on Clearwire's site. Although some compatibility testing is required for devices to be used on each network, standard WiMax clients should be able to work on either one, according to Clearwire.

Clearwire will also soon offer the Clear Voice Adapter, which can connect a customer's standard landline phone to the Clearwire home modem for VOIP (voice over Internet Protocol) service. The company aims to sell that service for $25 per month for unlimited calls in the U.S. and Canada, Richardson said.