Sprint Launches 4G Mobile Broadband Routers

Mobile phone carrier Sprint announced the launch of new Mobile Broadband Router products that will offer its subscribers connectivity to both 3G and 4G mobile networks, depending on the coverage of the company's 3G and 4G services (Sprint's WiMAX network should reach 80 markets by 2010). According to the operator, the products it offers enable users to connect multiple Wi-Fi-capable devices at mobile broadband speeds, and eliminate the need of searching for Wi-Fi hot spots to access the Internet.

Two new 3G/4G Mobile Broadband Routers have made it to Sprint's offering, following the launch of Novatel Wireless MiFi 2200 intelligent mobile hotspot, namely the Sprint Personal Hotspot PHS300S and Cradlepoint MBR-1000 Broadband Router for business. While providing both 3G and 4G connectivity, the new routers can be used with any Sprint data plan in the $39.99 to $79.99 per month range.

“These mobile broadband routers provide an unprecedented bridge to high-speed network performance for multiple Wi-Fi devices or multiple users,” said Todd Rowley, vice president, Sprint 4G. “The addition of these mobile hotspot products offers even faster connectivity speeds to Wi-Fi users without the need to find a Wi-Fi hotspot. These two new products can potentially connect the Sprint 3G and 4G networks to the hundreds of millions of Wi-Fi-enabled devices in the U.S. today.”

With the new routers, users will have the opportunity to simultaneously connect to its networks Wi-Fi-enabled smartphones, laptops, MP3 players, cameras, gaming devices, etc. The new products can be used virtually anywhere, the operator states, and customers can enjoy secure, high-speed connections while with their family or at work. The Sprint Personal Hotspot PHS300S can connect a number of four devices at the same time, while the Cradlepoint MBR-1000 Broadband Router for business supports a number of up to 32 simultaneous connections.

As for the pricing of the new devices, Sprint announced that the Sprint Personal Hot Spot PHS300S would go for $159.99, available through select Sprint retail stores within Sprint 4G markets, as well as via telesales, business sales and on its website. The MBR-1000 Broadband Router for business is priced at $249.99 and can be purchased via the company's business sales and telesales, as well as from its website.