American telecom services provider Sprint on Tuesday said Sprint Spark network – with wireless data speeds of up to 60Mbps – now reaches 11 mobile markets.
Sprint customers will benefit as the wireless data speeds of up to 60Mbps support a new generation of online gaming, virtual reality, advanced cloud services and other applications requiring high bandwidth, said the telecom operator.
Stephen Bye, chief technology officer for Sprint, said: “These amazing speeds are possible because of the rollout of Sprint’s Network Vision program, an upgrade of the 3G network and deployment of 4G LTE, which benefits Sprint’s no-contract brands Boost Mobile, payLo and Virgin Mobile USA.”
As part of that program, Sprint is redeploying its 800MHz spectrum for LTE and 3G, delivering improved in-building coverage for voice and data. Sprint expects the rollout of Network Vision to be largely complete by mid-2014.
Sprint plans to deploy Sprint Spark in about 100 of America’s largest cities during the next three years. By the end of this year, 100 million Americans are expected to have Sprint Spark coverage.
Sprint Spark is designed to accommodate all of Sprint’s spectrum bands on a single device. These tri-band smartphones give users the best experience by transparently shifting from one band to another, depending on such factors as location or type of application.
Netgear Mingle Mobile Hotspot will be the first tri-band device available for prepaid customers in the United States. It will be available this quarter on Virgin Mobile’s Broadband2Go no-contract plans, which include daily service on Sprint’s 3G/4G LTE networks (where available) for $5/day. Broadband2Go also offers monthly data plans for $25 with 1.5GB or $55 with 6GB.
Mingle lets you take Wi-Fi with you, accommodating up to 10 wireless devices simultaneously. It is a dual-mode 3G/4G LTE device, providing up to 12.5 hours active time (1,800mAh battery) and featuring secure access with password protection, plus a 1.77-inch LCD display screen.