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Dec. 4, 2009

Early this morning, Clearwire says it has launched the new Samsung Mondi 4G mobile handset in the Dallas/Fort Worth area as part of its mobile Wi-MAX launch in that market.

The WiMAX-enabled MID (mobile Internet device) features a 4.3-inch touchscreen, slide out Qwerty keyboard and multimedia access to email, Internet, video content and various business applications.

Initially, the Mondi 4G will be available through Clearwire investor Time Warner Cable beginning in January.

Today's announcement by Samsung comes after Clearwire CEO Bill Morrow said the company would begin offering WiMAX-enabled smartphones by 2010's holiday season.

Overall, the Samsung Mondi 4G handset was first launched in Las Vegas last August and is currently available only through Clearwire retail stores, Samsung's Web site and a few Best Buy locations in the U.S.

In today's statement, Clearwire hinted that Samsung could become a larger contributor to its Wi-MAX device lineup.

The company said that, beginning in February, Samsung devices "will power major markets throughout the U.S., including Washington, D.C. and Boston, MA."

In the last year, Samsung has made some progress into Wi-Max technology with chips, infrastructure and new devices.

Pricing for the Mondi has not been announced as of yet. Some of the Mondi's features and overall specifications:

Windows Mobile 6.1

Microsoft Outlook and Windows Mobile Office

WiMAX Mobile Internet Access

WiFi Access (BTv2.1+EDR)

'Route 66' GPS Navigation with Preloaded Maps

4GB of Internal Memory

Direct Push/Mobile Email (POP3, IMAP, SMTP)

Supports Instant Messaging and MMS

3.0 Megapixel Camera and Camcorder

Bluetooth 2.0

Opera 9.5 Web Browser

HDMI TV Out

Supports Multiple Video and Audio Player Formats

The handset maker and electronics giant says it has deployed its mobile WiMAX platform with U.Q. Communications in Japan and Scartel in Russia.

Samsung also said it is looking at other major wireless players as well, but refused to elaborate further.

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Source: Samsung Electronics.