Also on Friday, Clearwire confirmed it is discontinuing the iSpot mobile hotspot, which uses the WiMax service to link to the Internet and such as the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. The move was revealed on user forums and .

Because it does not offer 3G connectivity as a backup in areas where WiMax is not available, the iSpot is not as useful as Clearwire's other Spot products, which can be used with any Wi-Fi device. However, the carrier offers an attractive monthly plan for the iSpot, with unlimited data usage for $25 per month. that would let owners use the iSpot to connect non-iOS clients, too.

Clearwire will continue to sell the iSpot as long as its stock lasts, spokesman Mike DiGioia said. Owners of the device will be able to continue getting the $25-per-month plan.

The other Spot devices, the Spot 4G for WiMax-only coverage and the Spot 4G+ for WiMax and 3G, come with data plans costing about $40 per month and up. They are still available.

The IDG News Service