Intel and Motorola have both invested in Clearwire. Craig McCall, one of the founders and was a driving force in creating the Cellular Network.
Clearwire uses a wireless modem that can be plugged into a laptop. It works by transmitting signals to and from nearby cellular towers instead of using a traditional phone line. It currently is in a small number of cities in Oregon, California, Texas, North Carolina, etc., but has plans to go national. The current rates are $4.95 per month for the wifi-modem and $15 to $50 per month for the service, depending upon the speed. The system requirements seem minimal, as you only need Windows 98 and Ethernet card or USB port.
