US service provider Clearwire will this summer launch a WiMAX network covering more than 20 square miles in Silicon Valley in an effort to encourage software developers in the region to create new applications for the technology. In a statement, Clearwire noted that the service will be provided free to a limited number of qualified developers for one year. The company will bring the WiMAX service to campuses of two of its financial backers, Google and Intel, whilst Cisco will provide the infrastructure equipment. Developers will be given a head start on access to WiMAX network technology ahead of commercial service launching in the Bay Area in 2010.

Clearwire is arguably the highest-profile operator proponent of mobile WiMAX in the world. The company expects to launch services covering up to 120 million US people in more than 80 cities in 2010, having received a US$3.2 billion cash investment from Comcast, Intel, Time Warner Cable, Google and Bright House Networks. Media reports state that Clearwire’s decision to encourage development of WiMAX applications is a necessary move in light of recent concerns surrounding the commercial viability of the technology. This week the world’s largest mobile device vendor, Nokia, said the technology has a questionable future.