Why Clear’s 4G iSpot Is Cheap: It’s Limited to iOS Devices

Jacqui Cheng:

The iSpot can share Clear’s 4G WiMAX connection via WiFi with up to eight different devices simultaneously, and for an “initial” monthly service price of only $25 with no contract. Comparable plans from Verizon and Sprint, for the MiFi and Overdrive 4G, respectively, (both of which offer only five simultaneous connections) are $60 per month with a two-year contract. […]

The major catch, however, is that the device only works on the iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad—unlike its competition, the iSpot can’t be used to share a connection with a laptop or another non-iOS device unless a Clear rep unlocks it and bumps the service fee to the standard $40 monthly CLEAR Spot 4G plan.

Fascinating business model.

★ Wednesday, 4 August 2010