Clearwire today announced a distribution agreement with Best Buy to offer its residential broadband wireless service at U.S. stores in markets where Clearwire has coverage.

Clearwire rollout is progressing steadily as the provider has launched service in about 30 communities around the U.S., including mid-sized markets like Jacksonville and Daytona Beach, Fla. The company, founded by wireless entrepreneur Craig McCaw, uses equipment from its subsidiary NextNet over 2.5 GHz Instructional Television Fixed Service (ITFS) spectrum.

The Best Buy gives Clearwire a major retail channel, placing its broadband service next to the DSL and Cable Modem services offered on the same shelves. Clearwire said the participating Best Buys would begin stocking its plug-and-play wireless modem on Oct. 30.