Clearwire to launch WiMAX Smartphone in 2010

Clearwire said yesterday that it plans to launch a WiMAX powered smartphone, but that the device won't be available until the end of the year.

Clearwire expects a larger portfolio of devices to be available in 2011 and did not comment on what manufacturer would make the smartphone this year.

Last year Samsung announced its Windows Mobile powered Mondi mobile internet device that ran on the CLEAR WiMAX network, which was able to make VoIP calls using the Fring application.

Clearwire told Phone Scoop in an interview that its first phone would be able to make phone calls over Sprint's CDMA network or using VoIP applications.

Clearwire's CLEAR 4G WiMAX network is available in over 25 markets across the United States. [via Phone Scoop]