Clearwire Communications LLC has expanded its sales operations for its CLEAR WiMAX mobile Internet service throughout greater Houston. The company also named John Smith as general manager for the Houston market. Meanwhile, Sprint Corp. announced the launch of its own branded 4G in the same Lone Star city, on the Clearwire network.

CLEAR covers more than 1,900 square miles and more than 4 million people. Regionally, service extends as far north as Conroe and northeast as Kingwood; as far west as Katy and southwest as Richmond/Rosenburg; as far south as Alvin and southeast as Clear Lake; and as far east as Baytown. CLEAR will also cover Lake Jackson.

“CLEAR is thrilled to bring to Houston residents, businesses and visitors an Internet experience similar to what they’re used to having at home or the office, anywhere around town or on the go,” said John Smith, Clearwire general manager, Houston. “We’re pleased to complete our Texas service launch with a valuable new category of Internet service designed to make people’s lives more enjoyable and more productive.”

In addition to Houston, the 4G network is currently operating in Abilene, Amarillo, Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas, Fort Worth, Killeen/Temple, Lubbock, Midland/Odessa, San Antonio, Waco and Wichita Falls.

In 2010, WiMAX will come to 120 million people nationwide, offering users average mobile download speeds of 3 to 6mbps with bursts over 10 mbps, the companies say.