At least two smaller WiMax providers in the U.S. are seeking U.S. stimulus funds, but as of yet, there’s no word from Clearwire (NSDQ: CLWR), which will need more funding in order to fulfill its mission of building a nationwide wireless broadband network.
The deadline to receive $4.7 billion in money earmarked for building high-speed internet access in underserved areas is Friday (up to $7.2 billion will be given out in three rounds). Already, at least two WiMax providers — TowerStream and KeyOn — have confirmed that they applied for the funds. And, other wireless companies are interested, too, reports GigaOm.
But just because we haven’t heard from Clearwire, doesn’t mean they aren’t applying. A spokesperson told us today: “Clearwire will have more information about its plans related to the stimulus in the coming days.”
She added that the company’s plans “are not dependent on securing government funding,” but clearly additional funding would help. Clearwire is rapidly building out its WiMax network to keep and maintain its first-mover advantage. However, if funds run dry, it will possibly have to slow development, which may give other players, such as Verizon Wireless (NYSE: VZ) a chance to catch-up.
In Clearwire’s fourth quarter 2008 earnings call (via Seeking Alpha), former CEO Ben Wolff said: “We’ve been very involved in what’s going on with the stimulus plan, and we do think that there is a possibility that some of that funding could be used to help us build out some of the more rural areas — areas that frankly wouldn’t necessarily be the top of our list…Time will tell in terms of how much capital is really available…If we get any, it’s a plus.”

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