Central Oregonians looking for broadband Internet access have one more option today, as Kirkland, Wash.-based Clearwire officially launches its network in the region.

Clearwire, which operates wireless broadband networks in 24 U.S. cities, has set up service in Bend, Redmond, Sisters, Prineville and Madras. Central Oregon is the company’s 25th market.

”When we made a list for target markets, we focused on three points: economic growth, stability in growth and early adapters, meaning people who adapt early to new technology,” said Bill Snoeberger, Clearwire’s vice president of rural markets, who is in Bend for the business’ opening reception today. ”In that sense, Oregon presented a goldmine for us.”

Clearwire officials are banking on the wireless nature of their network to attract local customers.

The wireless modem used by Clearwire users is similar to a cell phone; users can take it anywhere within the coverage area and hook up a computer for Internet access, according to company staff.

This is different from the InstaNet Wireless service offered by competitor BendBroadband, where the coverage of each account is usually limited to within a household, business or certain ”hot spots” like Bend City Hall.

”Other network providers offer great products; the biggest difference is that (their service) is tethered,” Snoeberger said. ”With us, they can take (Internet access) with them wherever they are. Nobody does it the way we do right now.”

Broadband Internet access means high-speed Internet access, often using cables or fiber optics to transfer data. In comparison, traditional dial-up Internet access has lower data capacity and uses phone lines.

Clearwire’s broadband network outside Deschutes County is largely uncontested by other high-speed access providers besides satellite services.

Its operations in Bend, Redmond and Sisters, however, are in direct competition with BendBroadband, which started high-speed Internet service in 1997 in Central Oregon, the first of its kind in the state, according to BendBroadband. The region also is served by Digital Subscriber Lines, or DSL, a broadband Internet network based on phone lines, through Denver-based Qwest Communications International Inc.

Both BendBroadband and Qwest employ a hard-line network, or a network with solid, tangible wires connecting the computers, unlike Clearwire’s wireless system.

BendBroadband President and CEO Amy Tykeson isn’t overly concerned with the new competition.

”I think the security with a hard-line provider does provide a superior product experience,” Tykeson said. ”But for Central Oregonians outside of our service footprint, Clearwire does provide an improvement over dial-up access.”

For Oscar Weatherby, 51, of Madras, Clearwire’s arrival has been long overdue.

”I’ve been looking forward for broadband access,” said Weatherby, a fiber-optic technician. ”A lot of people move here because they don’t want to live in the city, and they make certain sacrifices by living here. With this, people can leave the city without leaving a major part of their convenience.”

Clearwire plans on expanding its Central Oregon network significantly within the next 30 days. There could be further expansion later, Snoeberger said.