Wireless / Mobile → Clearwire > Swapping a modem / setting up spare modem

Swapping a modem / setting up spare modem

When i first got Clear the store did these things for me. With the stores closed i will need to do these on my own.
I purchased a new Clear hub express to be used as a spare / backup modem. If i should need to actually use it how do i swap this on my account ? What info would i need (the serial number for example) ? I imagine i would need to call in .

Question 2:
Can i pre configure the spare modem without it being activated for example set up network name ,security type , WI-FI password and have this all ready to go before it is needed or must i activate it / swap it into the account first ?

Answer to 2 is yes.
An answer to 1 is:
Assuming the MAC address of the modem is free you can just activate it via the web and schedule your existing modem to cancel at the next billing cycle. Easiest is to call clear with both MAC Addresses and request a swap.

thank you. On #1 this is a brand new sealed in box hub express therefore the MAC address should be free . When i feel like doing it i will configure it ahead of time and take down the MAC address at that time .

Even before you activate the new modem you will be able to get to the Clear Walled Garden and the setup panels for network and wi-fi settings. You just won't be able to surf past the walled garden.
J

If you try and surf to anywhere you are directed (via WiMax) to the Clear web site to initiate new service. You can create a new account etc. You are really using the WiMax system to do this so it does test the WiMax side of the modem. The captive mechanism is commonly referred to as a "Walled Garden". Comcast does a similar thing until you register a new cable modem.
That said, if you just want to swap out a defective modem for a new one and not create a new account you best call Clear support and request the swap of the new and old MAC addresses.
Takes less than 5 minutes. I suspect you could do it via Chat but I have never done it that way. I have used Chat to remove a modem I no longer use and now have for sale on eBay. I use a ClearSpot Voyager exclusively now as it suites my needs and is portable.
Getting back to the "Walled Garden" it assumes you (obviously) are in an area that has WiMax coverage. Also it is the only way I know of (short of calling Clear) to subscribe to one of the "Passes" eg. Hour, Daily, Weekly plans. Those are not offered via the web but are via the "Walled Garden".
Possibly of interest: »en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Closed_platform
J

Jim thats a good idea for a test run too just surf up to the sign up page to test the modem. Can watch the lights make sure it gets the signal WI-FI works and all that BEFORE swapping it. (although it should be OK). I don't want to change the billing date so if i ever need to actually swap the modem best bet would be phone. Giving them my name and addy they would have my current modem in use MAC address therefore i would need to give the the new MAC address. One more thing the current modem in use is the White modem with WI-FI. It is basicly the same as the black hub express uses same power supply, same foot , same housing only its white. A few differences is it has ONE ethernet port VS two on the black clear hub and the black hub has the external antenna port. I have the modem set up on a stand i built by the window and it holds all 5 lights most of the time i don't see any compelling reason to swap out the modem until (or if) it fails. Also there is different FW as the black hub had slightly updated innards however i am having no problems either. If i missed anything feel free to bring it to my attention otherwise i will keep running what i have unless i should need an extra ethernet port or something. (there is also the possibility that clear shutters first and the current in use modem runs the whole term).

I've had both modems (express and the white modem w/wifi) and personally I like the white modem's firmware. Lots more info regarding signal strength, data speed etc. I think the express firmware dumbed things down too much. Just my opinion.

Thank you Jim you just confirmed what i suspected. When i started with clear i started on the Black Hub and had some issues with erratic signal i swapped out for the White modem and all has been fine since. I will keep the white modem in service as long as possible.