Top Innovators: Clearwire

Clearwire, the Kirkland-based provider of wireless broadband services, has achieved a level of technology that is the envy of its competitors. The companys high-speed Clear 4G network is accessible in 52 markets across the United Statesmarkets that are home to 60 million people, collectivelyand it is expanding to new cities almost weekly. Clearwire increased its subscribers by 231 percent from Q2 2009 to Q2 2010, and revenues grew by 93 percent in that same period.

The whiz behind Clearwires technology is John Saw, a 20-year industry veteran who first worked with AT&T Wireless. Saw played an important role in the development of AT&Ts first wireless broadband product, which set the stage for newer platforms like Clearwires. Saw joined Clearwire at the outsethe was the companys second employeeand his background developing wireless networks has been instrumental in the companys success.

Clearwire is not without its challenges, or challengers. Billionaire Philip Falcone and his Harbinger Capital Partners recently backed LightSquared, a rival mobile broadband service thats now available in nine U.S. cities. But as Saw continues to lead the implementation of Clear 4G throughout the country, its hard to imagine Clearwire losing its place as a leader in next generation wireless systems.