Clearwire has been busy, as of late, spreading the WiMax love to markets all across the United States; New York, Nashville and Los Angeles have all recently fallen under the provider's spell of super high-speed mobile Internet access. So what's next for the brand as they continue to manifest their 4G destiny across the North American continent? How about Japan?

 

Yes, while liberal east coast elites in New York and west coast Hollywood types alike –or anyone else subscribing to CLEAR in the U.S., for that matter– can enjoy blazing fast Internet speed from the comfort of their homes or while out and about, they're about to get a helping hand should they feel so inclined to hop a plane even further east. Clearwire has worked out a deal to bring their stellar 4G WiMax to the the home of samurais and sushi. Japan's UQ Communications will enable CLEAR subscribers with Intel WiMax-embedded laptops to stay connected to their service in the land of the rising sun. Users traveling to Japan for business, pleasure, or just to fill a blank void in their lives, can purchase an International Roaming Day Pass. The temporary provision for web service abroad comes at the affordable rate of 600 JPY (between $6 -$7) per day and– according to Clearwire's Chief Strategy Officer–Dave Maquera– is a demonstration of the company's  "commitment to developing global roaming capabilities now and into the future." 

 

For frequent fliers who regularly have to pick up alternate carriers abroad or seek out busy Internet cafés, this announcement certainly displays an added appeal to signing on with Clearwire. It also begs the question, what nation will they tackle next?