Questions and Answers
Q: Is Clearwire as reliable as cable or dial-up?
A: Absolutely. With Clearwire, you'll enjoy an always-on, always-secure connection that never ties up your phone line.
Q: How does Clearwire's speed compare to DSL, cable and dial-up?
A: Clearwire lets you connect at broadband speeds of up to 1.5Mbps. That's 25 times faster than typical dial-up! Check out our comparison chart or speed demo to see how Clearwire compares to other Internet services.
Q: Just look at the time you'll save downloading a 3.75MB video clip with Clearwire:
A: 28.8Kbps dial-up modem: 17 minutes, 47 seconds 56Kbps dial-up modem: 9 minutes, 9 seconds Clearwire's 1.5Mbps: 20 seconds!
Q: Is it easy to set up my own Clearwire service?
A: Yes! After you've chosen the Clearwire service plan that's right for you, you can set up Clearwire yourself in just minutes. There's no software to download and no technician to wait for. Clearwire makes it a snap to get broadband Internet access for your home or small business.
Q: What if I have Trouble Setting it up?
A: You have support available 24 hours a day 7 days per week to assist you with any questions or problems that you may have. The number to call should you have questions or problems is: Toll Free: 1-888-clearwire
Q: What if I order the service but it does not work well at my location?
A: Call Clearwire toll free at: 1-888-clearwire. They will troubleshoot the problems with you over the phone. They may elect, at their discretion, to dispatch a technician to your location for on-site troubleshooting. In the event that the service will not work at your location, you can cancel your service at no cost. Note: You will have 7 days to cancel your service at no cost, after which you will be charged an early termination fee should you cancel before fulfilling your term commitment. Should you cancel your service within the first 7 days, your credit or debit card will be refunded for all charges once the equipment has been returned to Clearwire.
Q: How secure is the connection? Is it more secure than Wi-Fi?
A: Your Clearwire connection is very secure. That's because Clearwire wireless technology uses OFDM transmission protocol, featuring a design standard that includes secure wireless data transmission. Wi-Fi operates on unlicensed 2.4GHz frequencies, making it vulnerable to scanning and packet interception. Clearwire operates at licensed 2.5GHz frequencies. Licensed frequencies and OFDM make for a very secure connection.
Q: How can I use my Clearwire connection in more than one place?
A: With Clearwire, you can connect to the Internet in more than one location. Just plug in and jump online anywhere within the Clearwire service area. And if you want to extend your Clearwire service to multiple users throughout the house, you're in luck. The Clearwire modem works with standard router and wireless access point equipment to create a local area network.
Q: If I share my Clearwire connection, can all computers be online at the same time?
A:Using a router or wireless access point, multiple users can be online at the same time with no slow-down. Everyone will enjoy the same broadband connection speed as always. The only additional cost you'll pay is for the networking equipment.
Q: What if my computer is set up in one room but the wireless signal is stronger in another?
A: No problem - with optional accessories called ClearPlugsTM, you can set up the Clearwire modem anywhere in the house, regardless of where your computer is located. ClearPlugs use existing wiring to transfer the signal from the modem to your computer, without having to run cables through your house.
Q: Is Clearwire mobile like a Wi-Fi connection?
A: Clearwire is portable like Wi-Fi. With Clearwire, all you have to do is plug your Clearwire modem into an outlet, and into your computer. Unlike a typical Wi-Fi hotspot there are no additional access fees charged in order to use the service.
Q: How does Clearwire connect wirelessly?
A: Clearwire uses state-of-the-art wireless technology to transmit signals to and from your modem on fully licensed and protected frequencies. Your connection is always on and always secure.
Q: What issues could impact my ability to receive Clearwire signals?
A: You must be within the Clearwire service area to receive a Clearwire signal. It is rare, but possible, to be within the coverage area but not be able to receive a signal due to unusual geography or to be within the coverage area but not adequately receive signal due to unexpected circumstances.
Q: Are there any limits to bandwidth usage?
A: There's no limit to how much bandwidth you can use, subject to the Clearwire service plan you sign up for. Clearwire offers several different service plans, each with throughputs and speeds designed to match your needs.
Q: What's an IP address?
A: Every computer that communicates over the Internet is assigned an IP address that uniquely identifies the device and distinguishes it from other computers on the Internet.
Q: What's the difference between a static and dynamic IP address?
A: A static IP address is a number that's assigned to a computer by an Internet service provider to be its permanent address on the Internet. Dynamic IP addressing, or DHCP, provides a different IP address each time you connect to the Internet. Dynamic addresses are kept in a pool and are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.
Questions and Answers - Billing
Q: Why do you need my Social Security Number?
A: Clearwire uses the SSN for Credit Scoring purposes to determine the credit worthiness of potential customers. Your SSN is processed using a secure SSL encrypted connection, and is not kept or stored in any way or form.
Q: Is there any way to get the service without disclosing my SSN?
A: Yes. You must do an annual prepay, paying for 12 months in advance.
Q: Will it Impact my credit score?
A: No
Q: Why do you need my Credit or Debit card number?
A: Credit or Debit Card payment is the only form of payment that Clearwire will accept. Prepaid (Stored Value) cards are not accepted.
Q: How much will be debited to my card?
A: Your card will be debited on the day that your service is ordered for the following: First Month of Service; Equipment Purchase or First Month Equipment Lease; State sales tax on the modem purchase or the modem lease and the Activation Fee (Waived if committing to Two years). Your card will then be automatically debited on the same day each month for your monthly internet services and your equipment lease if applicable.
Note: Clearwire may obtain an initial authorization on your Credit or Debit Card for $46. This will be released upon completion of your order and credited back to your account should your total amount due be less than this amount. Depending on your bank, it may take up to 3 business days for your account to be credited.
Q: What day will my account be debited each month?
A: Your billing date is the same day each month. That day is the same day that you order your service. If your service is ordered on the 15th, then your card will automatically be debited on the 15th of each month.
Q: Can I pay my bill online?
A: You may log onto your account and make payments at any time you choose. You would do this by logging onto your account and clicking on “pay bill online”. A credit or debit card is still required for this form of payment. If no payment has been made by the due date, then your card will automatically be debited.
Have we answered all of your Questions?
If Not, Please Call or Email Us.
Sawtooth Satellite, Inc.
In Idaho: 208-939-6392
Toll Free: 888-411-4638