Sprint Nextel to offer Epic 4G on Aug. 31

What’s a keyboard worth? Well, according to Sprint Nextel Corp. (S), about $50.
The nation’s No. 3 operator released launch details for its version of Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.’s Galaxy S smart phone, dubbed the Epic 4G, saying customers could pre-order the device on Aug. 13 with delivery expected for Aug. 31.
The carrier said the device would be available for $250 after all rebates and a 2-year commitment. AT&T Mobility (T) and T-Mobile USA Inc. (DTEGY) currently offer their version of the Galaxy S smart phone, sans the slide-out keyboard, for $200 after all rebates and a 2-year contract. To be fair, the Sprint Nextel version also includes access to the carrier’s WiMAX-based 4G service as well as a front-facing camera that allows for video calling.
Customers will also be required to be on one of Sprint Nextel’s Everything Data plans that begin at $70 per month as well as purchase a $10 Premium Data package for access to the carrier’s 4G service, even if they do not reside in a market covered by the technology. Bottom line: figure $80 per month plus taxes.
Customers can also select to use their device as a mobile hot spot allowing up to five Wi-Fi enabled devices to access the Internet using the Epic 4G as the connection. That privilege will run $30 extra per month.
Expanding its pre-sale plans, Sprint Nextel said that customers that reserve a device for the Aug. 31 launch date will have to pick up their phone by 6 p.m. local time on Sept. 1 or that reserved device will move along to the next customer on the list. The device will also be made available through the carrier’s third-party retail partners, including RadioShack Corp. (RSH), Best Buy Co. Inc. (BBY) and Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (WMT), on launch day. No word yet on if pre-orders will be accepted at those locations.
The Epic 4G will be the second WiMAX-enabled smart phone offered by Sprint Nextel following the HTC Corp. Evo 4G that launched earlier this summer. The carrier noted that the Evo 4G was the fastest selling device in the company’s history.