Clearwire offers WiMax for Apple iOS

The iSpot offers iOS users access to Clearwire's WiMax network

Clearwire has extended its mobile broadband service to iOS users, offering a version of the Spot WiMax connection hub designed solely for devices built on the Apple platform.

The iSpot will allow users to connect via Wi-Fi to the device which then connects to Clearwire's WiMax wireless broadband network.

The hardware costs $29 (£18.30), and requires a subscription to the Clear wireless service at $25 (£15.75) per month.

The iSpot will offer WiMax speeds to a platform that otherwise lacks the ability to access next-generation wireless broadband platforms. The iPhone and iPad are currently limited to 3G and Wi-Fi connections, while the iPod touch relies solely on Wi-Fi.

Clearwire also announced plans to expand its next-generation broadband offerings, building a network based on the competing LTE standard and exploring methods for merging WiMax and LTE networks.

The company expects the network to achieve download speeds as high as 70Mbit/s.