That’s right, Sprint today announced their first 4G-capable USB modem for all those folk that feel the need. An added bonus, if you’re of the travellin’ type, is that the modem will connect to Sprint’s 3G network when a 4G network isn’t available.
The device is free (after a convenient $50 mail-in rebate and $49.99 “instant savings”) on a two year contract, and will run you $59.99 per month for unlimited 4G data + 5GB 3G data. It works on both Windows and Mac.
Check out the full press release, below, for all the details you could possibly need.
Attractive Sprint 3G/4G USB Modem 250U from Sierra Wireless Makes it Easy to Get Lightning Fast Wireless Access On the Go
OVERLAND PARK, Kan., and VANCOUVER, British Columbia – June 22, 2010 – Sprint (NYSE: S) and Sierra Wireless (NASDAQ: SWIR; TSX: SW) today announced the availability of Sprint 3G/4G USB 250U mobile broadband modem from Sierra Wireless, bringing customers lightning fast speeds up to 10 times faster than 3G1 in any of the 33 Sprint 4G markets and dependable 3G speeds virtually everywhere else. Whether customers are streaming Hulu live, surfing the Internet or downloading huge files, they will appreciate its compact size, round design, and 180-degree rotating hinge, which can accommodate both horizontal and vertical USB ports and provide an ideal fit for virtually any laptop.
Sprint 3G/4G USB 250U is available now through Business Direct and Business Solutions Partners followed by full channel availability by mid-July. Customers can purchase Sprint 3G/4G USB 250U from Sprint for free (excluding taxes) after a $50 mail-in-rebate, a $49.99 instant savings and with a two-year service agreement on a new line activation or eligible upgrade. Sprint’s 3G/4G Mobile Broadband Connection plan is priced at $59.99 per month for unlimited use on the Sprint 4G Network and 5 GB of data on the Sprint 3G Network (price plans exclude surcharges and taxes).2
“Sprint continues to lead the 4G revolution and is proud to expand its growing portfolio of devices with the addition of 3G/4G USB 250U from Sierra Wireless,” said Fared Adib, vice president-Product Development for Sprint. “Consumers, businesses and industries such as construction, government, healthcare and transportation will be able to extend their Internet experience beyond the home and office and benefit from the constant connectivity and real-time access at lightning fast speeds.”
Sprint 3G/4G USB 250U supports Windows® 7, Windows Vista®, Windows XP and Mac OS®. Customers will appreciate its integrated GPS capability, which provides location, navigation and mapping solutions when connected to the Sprint 3G network. It is Sprint’s first USB modem with dual external antenna ports, and it is equipped with separate LED displays that make it easy for a user to know whether they are connected to Sprint’s 3G or 4G network. This unique, dual-mode device delivers faster speeds that can help businesses move ahead with their business goals – such as improved customer satisfaction, increased productivity and increased revenue.
“Following on the success of Overdrive™ 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot, we are extremely pleased to offer Sprint customers a unique new 3G/4G device, combining the speed of 4G with the reliable coverage of Sprint’s 3G network,” said Mike O’Brien, vice president-Operator and Distributor Sales for Sierra Wireless. “The Sprint 3G/4G USB 250U mobile broadband modem from Sierra Wireless is made for road warriors, providing flexibility, high quality and top-notch performance.”
Sprint is the first national wireless carrier to test, launch and market 4G technology. Sprint 4G is currently available in 33 markets, covers 50 million people and is expected to cover up to 120 million people by the end of 2010. Sprint 4G is available today in Georgia – Atlanta, Milledgeville; Hawaii – Honolulu, Maui; Idaho – Boise; Illinois – Chicago; Maryland – Baltimore; Missouri – Kansas City; Nevada – Las Vegas; North Carolina – Charlotte, Greensboro (along with High Point and Winston-Salem), Raleigh (along with Cary, Chapel Hill and Durham); Oregon – Portland, Salem; Pennsylvania – Harrisburg, Lancaster, Philadelphia, Reading, York; Texas – Abilene, Amarillo, Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, Killeen/Temple, Lubbock, Midland/Odessa, San Antonio, Waco, Wichita Falls; and Washington – Bellingham, Seattle. For more information, visit www.sprint.com/4G.
In 2010, Sprint expects to launch 4G service in multiple markets, including Boston, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Denver, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, New York, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, St. Louis and Washington, D.C.
About Sprint Nextel
Sprint Nextel offers a comprehensive range of wireless and wireline communications services bringing the freedom of mobility to consumers, businesses and government users. Sprint Nextel served more than 48 million customers at the end of the first quarter of 2010 and is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying innovative technologies, and is the first and only wireless 4G service from a national carrier in the United States; offering industry-leading mobile data services, leading prepaid brands including Virgin Mobile USA, Boost Mobile, Common Cents Mobile and Assurance Wireless and instant national and international push-to-talk capabilities; and a global Tier 1 Internet backbone. With its customer-focused strategy, you can learn more and visit Sprint at www.sprint.com or www.facebook.com/sprint andwww.twitter.com/sprint.
About Sierra Wireless
Sierra Wireless (NASDAQ: SWIR – TSX: SW) is expanding the wireless world with a comprehensive offering of hardware, software and connected services for mobile lifestyles and machine-to-machine communications. Our customers count on us to help them succeed with early access to new wireless technologies and innovative, reliable, high-performing solutions for a broad range of applications. For more information about Sierra Wireless, visit www.sierrawireless.com.
Motorola is definitely tossing its hat in the LTE mobile broadband ring — it just announced this plug-and-play USB-lte 7110 modem at the 4G World conference in Illinois.
It seems a little early in the game to be going to WiMAX-only gear when dual-mode EV-DO / WiMAX modems are readily available — but if you’re feeling confident that your town’s 4G rollout is rock-solid, you might want to take a crack at Sprint’s new U1901 USB stick. Interestingly, it’s got an accessory docking cradle (not included) with an external antenna to boost reception a bit if you’re in shaky coverage, so you might be able to pull a signal with this setup in places where you otherwise wouldn’t — but still, not having EV-DO as a cushy fallback would take some stones. It’s available now for $49.99 on contract; follow the break for Sprint’s press release.
Are you looking for a speedy wireless connection? Do you like big, round dongles? Do you live in one of the 33 locations that have a Sprint 4G network? Do you get where I’m heading?
