The HTC EVO 4G LTE isn't the only upcoming Sprint product that had its availability made official today, as the folks at the Now Network have also confirmed the launch details for the Sierra Wireless 4G LTE Tri-Fi Hotspot. As you could probably guess from the name, the 4G LTE Tri-Fi Hotspot packs in support for Sprint's upcoming LTE network as well as the carrier's WiMAX and 3G networks. The device can connect with up to eight Wi-Fi enabled devices at once, and it's also packing a microSD, a screen for displaying information related to battery life and the number of devices connected as well as a 3,600mAh battery that Sprint says will offer up to eight hours of use. Expect the Tri-Fi Hotspot to hit on May 18th for $99.99 with a $50 mail-in rebate and two-year contract.
When it comes time to select a plan to go along with the Tri-Fi Hotspot, there are a few different options to choose from. At the bottom end is a $34.99 per month option that'll net you 3GB of combined 3G and 4G data. Moving up a step is a $49.99 plan that offers 6GB of 3G and 4G data, and for the extremely data-hungry among us, there's also a $79.99 option that includes 12GB of 3G/4G data.
It seems that just about any new network launch brings with it a mobile broadband device compatible with the service, and the 4G LTE Tri-Fi Hotspot is that device for Sprint's LTE network. It's nice to see that the Tri-Fi Hotspot not only includes 3G connectivity but also WiMAX support in addition to LTE, meaning that folks can still get use out of it even if they're not in an area with Sprint LTE. Speaking of LTE, Sprint has reiterated that its LTE network is expected to go live by mid-2012, and so far the carrier has announced six markets (Atlanta, Baltimore, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City and San Antonio) that'll be part of the initial rollout. Stay tuned for more info on Sprint's LTE network launch as we get it.
Sierra Wireless 4G LTE Tri-Fi Hotspot, Nation’s First to Support 4G LTE, 4G WiMAX and 3G, Available May 18 Exclusively from Sprint
OVERLAND PARK, Kan. & VANCOUVER, British Columbia (BUSINESS WIRE), May 09, 2012 - Sprint (NYSE: S) and Sierra Wireless (NASDAQ: SWIR) (TSX: SW) today announced the May 18 availability of the first-ever device to combine 4G connections over LTE and WiMAX networks, Sierra Wireless™ 4G LTE Tri-Fi Hotspot for the Sprint network. Sierra Wireless Tri-Fi Hotspot provides the best combination of speed and coverage to Sprint customers as the upcoming 4G LTE network expands and allows families, small businesses and traveling co-workers to easily share high-speed connections.
Beginning May 18, customers will be able to purchase a Sierra Wireless Tri-Fi Hotspot for $99.99 (excluding taxes) after a $50 mail-in-rebate with a two-year service agreement. Customers can purchase the device and sign up for 3G/4G plans at select Sprint retail stores, www.sprint.com, 1-800-SPRINT1 and through business sales.
Sprint data plans for the device start at $34.99 for 3GB of combined 3G/4G data while on the Sprint network. Customers also can choose the $49.99 plan with 6GB of combined 3G/4G data or $79.99 for 12GB of 3G/4G data, which deliver 20 percent more data for the same price as AT&T and Verizon’s similar plans.
With this versatile device, customers can extend their Sprint 3G/4G experience beyond their laptops to up to eight Wi-Fi enabled devices, such as cameras, music players, personal media players and portable game consoles. In addition, its microSD™ slot allows teams to share files and presentations with network storage, and it can be used as a digital media server. It is simple to set up and connect with no software required.
“Sprint and Sierra Wireless are once again giving customers the flexibility to enjoy 4G performance in any Sprint 4G WiMAX market along with our upcoming 4G LTE markets or Sprint’s reliable 3G network when outside a 4G area,” said David Owens, vice president-Product Development, Sprint. “Sierra Wireless Tri-Fi Hotspot combines simplicity with compact portability and security to make it ideal for both personal and business use in a variety of situations.”
Powered by a 3600mAh battery, Sierra Wireless Tri-Fi Hotspot offers up to eight hours of use and up to eight weeks on standby, helping to ensure it is always ready when needed, even for power users who work away from their desks all day. Similar to Sierra Wireless’ Overdrive Pro™ 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot, this device offers a highly informative display screen that provides all the information needed for daily use, including the hotspot name and access code, battery life, number of devices connected, and whether the current connection to the network is 3G or 4G.
“We are excited to be part of Sprint’s 4G LTE network deployment and launch,” said Dan Schieler, senior vice president, Mobile Computing for Sierra Wireless. “The Tri-Fi Hotspot ensures Sprint customers can reliably make use of the best network connection available to them in a given location and continue to enjoy the freedom of mobile broadband virtually anywhere they go.”
With Sierra Wireless Tri-Fi Hotspot:
Consumers and businesses can work remotely anywhere in a 4G coverage area (or virtually anywhere with 3G) and easily connect a laptop, smartphone, tablet or wireless phone through a single connection.
Teams that are traveling can share Internet access with each other at hotels, airports and conference centers.
Taxis, limos and shuttle buses can provide Internet access for customer use while en route to their destination.
Health care teams can rely on an easy, reliable, power-up-and-go solution to use in Emergency Response Team (ERT) Go Kits or while treating patients bedside.
Engineering, construction and insurance teams can instantly upload data, pictures of sites, accidents and images remotely.
Reporters first on the scene of a breaking story can share access to upload stories and photos while at the scene, without missing a beat.
Sierra Wireless and Sprint have enjoyed a long collaboration in leading-edge technology deployments, including in the launch of the Sprint 4G WiMAX network. To assist in Sprint’s LTE network deployment, Sierra Wireless developed the world’s first LTE Band 25 devices for use in network testing and then provided these devices to Sprint and its network infrastructure partners to facilitate the network deployment.
The Sprint 4G LTE network is expected in mid-year 2012 in limited markets. For more information on Sprint 4G LTE, please visit www.sprint.com/4GLTE.
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 56 million customers at the end of the first quarter of 2012 and is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying innovative technologies, including the first 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, and Assurance Wireless; instant national and international push-to-talk capabilities; and a global Tier 1 Internet backbone. Newsweek ranked Sprint No. 3 in its 2011 Green Rankings, listing it as one of the nation’s greenest companies, the highest of any telecommunications company. You can learn more and visit Sprint at www.sprint.com or www.facebook.com/sprint and www.twitter.com/sprint.
About Sierra Wireless
Sierra Wireless (NASDAQ: SWIR) (TSX: SW) offers industry-leading mobile computing and machine-to-machine (M2M) communications products and solutions that connect people, devices and applications over cellular networks. Wireless service providers, equipment manufacturers, enterprises and government organizations around the world depend on us for reliable wireless technology. We offer 2G, 3G and 4G wireless modems, routers and gateways as well as a comprehensive suite of software, tools and services that ensure our customers can successfully bring wireless applications to market. For more information about Sierra Wireless, visit www.sierrawireless.com.
“AirCard” is a registered trademark of Sierra Wireless. Other product or service names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
