Sprint Corp.’s planned launch of CDMA2000 1x EV-DO-based high-speed wireless data services continues to inch ahead as the portion of the carrier’s Web site aimed at business users included preliminary coverage maps and information on its “high-speed data service” early last week. The maps, which a Sprint spokeswoman noted were preliminary and still being adjusted, showed varying degrees of future EV-DO coverage across many of its major markets.
By last Tuesday morning, however, the maps had been taken down from the Web site, along with any references to Sprint PCS’ high-speed data service.
Sprint announced earlier this year that it planned to have EV-DO service available in 39 metro areas, including 140 strategic markets covering 129 million potential customers by the end of June. Sprint added that it planned to cover most of its network by the end of 2006. The carrier’s Web site claimed the EV-DO network will cover 60 metro areas by early next year, encompassing more than 200 urban and strategic suburban markets and covering 150 million pops.
Analysts noted the carrier has been trialing services with real customers in Kansas City, Mo.; Las Vegas; and Des Moines, Iowa, and that those trials were in the final adjustment phases. Sprint’s Web site also included the 57 other metro areas the carrier plans to cover by early next year.
Sprint noted on its Web site that it expects the EV-DO service to provide average network speeds of between 300 kilobits per second and 500 kbps with peak speeds of up to 2.4 megabits per second.
Sprint’s EV-DO network launch initially is expected to target business customers using PC cards, with Sprint having already launched a Sierra Wireless EV-DO network card earlier this year. Sprint added to the PC card options last week with the launch of Novatel Wireless Inc.’s Merlin S620 device, which is compatible with Sprint’s 1x and EV-DO network. The Novatel PC card includes Sprint’s PCS Connection Manager Software to manage the user’s network connection and provides a compression client, self-diagnostic tools and automatic software updates from the Internet. Both devices retail for $250 before rebates.
Sprint noted earlier this year that it also plans to have four Asian-sourced EV-DO handsets to support the launch.
Verizon Wireless already offers EV-DO services in 32 markets across the country with plans to cover two-thirds of its network by the end of the year. Verizon Wireless offers three EV-DO-compatible EV-DO cards, including the Novatel V620, as well as three EV-DO handsets and a smart phone.
Sprint’s EV-DO launch is also expected to be a boon for its mobile virtual network operator partners, many of which have said they plan to provide content optimized for higher-speed wireless networks.
SK-Earthlink has yet to disclose the network partner for its soon-to-launch data-centric MVNO service, though industry analysts said they expect the offering to use Sprint’s network. ESPN Mobile is also expected to use its extensive content portfolio to take advantage of Sprint’s EV-DO network.
Verizon Wireless’ MVNO partner Amp’d Mobile Inc. said it plans to rely heavily on Verizon Wireless’ higher-speed network capabilities.
Sprint said earlier this year that it also is planning to deploy higher-speed EV-DO Rev A technology beginning in late 2006 or early 2007. The Rev A network is expected to provide even higher network speeds and should enable the carrier to support Voice over Internet Protocol-based traffic that will enable its ReadyLink push-to-talk service to provide performance similar to Nextel Communications Inc.’s Direct Connect service.
