Clearwire plans to build a wireless network in Gilroy sometime
this year
Gilroy – A wireless Internet company offering low-priced alternatives to big names like Charter Cable and Verizon may soon arrive in Gilroy.
Clearwire, a Washington-based company expanding its presence in smaller American cities and their suburbs, applied last summer for permission to construct two cellular towers in Gilroy. One would beam an Internet signal to local subscribers from atop the Strand Theater, at 7588 Monterey St., while a second tower would be located at 1210 First St.
As part of the service, Clearwire provides a wireless router and modem to allow users to connect their laptops or desktops to the Internet from anywhere in their home or business.
“If you’re able to get a signal with your cell phone, you can get a signal from Clearwire,” said Tricia Knight, a company representative.
She could not provide specific price ranges for service but said that costs would come in lower than big name competitors such as Verizon, which charge $100 or more in installation fees in addition to a monthly service fee of up to $60.
“Low-income families just can’t afford that,” she said, explaining that the company offers such users a one-time fee for unlimited Internet access.
A handful of area companies currently offer wireless Internet service in Gilroy, including South Valley Internet, based in San Martin.
Bob Brentnall, CEO of South Valley Internet, said his company offers a full range of Internet connections tailored especially for home businesses and others that need “higher-level services” such as networking.
“They feel they cover the lower-income market,” he said of Clearwire. “This is a unique market and it will be interesting to see how they handle it.”
Clearwire’s application for cell towers has expired, according to City Planner Gregg Polubinsky, but Knight said the company plans to revive its efforts in the near future.
“Clearwire started building up their network in Stockton and Modesto,” Knight said. “They’ll be finishing up there and starting again in your area in (2006).”
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