Sprint jump-started its EV-DO network efforts with the release of an EV-DO-capable PC card from Sierra Wireless Inc. The card is also compatible with Sprint’s current CDMA 1xRTT network.
The move is notable because Sprint does not currently offer EV-DO services. The carrier said it plans to provide EV-DO service in several major markets across the nation by mid-year with broader metropolitan-area coverage by the end of 2005. The new Sierra card will support EV-DO speeds of 300 to 500 kilobits per second and peak rates of up to 2.4 megabits per second. Currently the card will support speeds between 50 and 70 kbps, with peak speeds of up to 144 kbps, on Sprint’s 1x network.
Sprint will sell the card for $300 through its business channels. Service plans for the device currently range from $40 a month for 20 megabytes of data up to $80 per month for unlimited megabytes of data working on the carrier’s 1x network. Sprint said it will announce pricing for its EV-DO service “in the near future” and plans to make the EV-DO-ready connection cards available in other channels, including Sprint Stores, later this year.
“Our business customers want technology solutions that increase productivity, reduce costs and create a competitive advantage for their mobile workforce,” said Harry Campbell, president of emerging and mid markets for Sprint Business Solutions. “Sprint is addressing these needs by delivering superior data solutions and will continue to do so as we provide EV-DO service later this year.”
The deal is also notable for Sierra, which recently lowered its sales outlook due to EV-DO competition from the likes of Novatel Wireless.
