Sprint Certifies 300th Embedded Device on the Now Network

Industry-leading Sprint Open Device Initiative certifies third-party Mobile Computing and M2M devices for use on the Sprint network

• On Thursday July 23, 2009, 10:00 am EDT

OVERLAND PARK, Kan.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sprint (NYSE: S [1] - News [2]) today announced its industry-leading Open Device Initiative has certified 300 third-party devices on the Sprint network. The Sprint Open Device Initiative certifies devices created by other companies to run on the Sprint network. Mobile computing devices from Dell, HP and Panasonic are among the devices recently certified to take advantage of the speed and dependability of the Now Network.

"Through our Open Device Initiative, hundreds of non-Sprint-branded devices run on the Sprint Now Network, including mobile computing and machine-to-machine devices," said Mathew Oommen, vice president of device and technology development for Sprint. "Embedded and machine-to-machine devices are a significant growth opportunity. We're excited to have passed the milestone of 300 certified devices through this industry-leading initiative that enables exciting new possibilities for businesses and consumers."

Mobile Computing

The latest additions to the portfolio of mobile computing devices certified by Sprint through its Open Device Initiative to take advantage of the speed and dependability of the Now Network include:

• Dell Latitude^TM E4300 [3], an ultra-portable laptop that is built thin and light for today's road warrior or busy executive. Combining sleek looks, durability and advanced wireless connectivity, the Dell Latitude E4300 is one of the more than 12 mobile devices from Dell to offer always on connectivity via Sprint's Now Network.
• HP Mini 5101, the top-of-the-line Mini netbook from HP, ideal for the on-the-go professional. HP Mini 5101 features a Qualcomm Gobi^TM module¹ for connectivity on the Sprint Mobile Broadband Network.
• Panasonic Toughbook^® H1, an ultra-mobile rugged Mobile Clinical Assistant (MCA) designed specifically for the healthcare market. Thanks to Sprint connectivity, the Toughbook H1 is an attractive solution for mobile healthcare environments, including EMS, mobile blood banks and home health workers who need rugged solutions that keep them connected.

Sprint has certified more than 140 mobile computing devices from Dell, HP, Panasonic, Toshiba and others on the Sprint Mobile Broadband Network. All have the power of America's most dependable 3G network² built right in to enhance mobile productivity. Mobile computing devices like these with built-in mobile broadband access offer increased durability, hardware/software integration, simple setup and lower support costs for businesses' IT staff. For more information, visit www.sprint.com/embedded [4].

Machine-to-Machine

In addition to mobile computing devices, Sprint also certifies machine-to-machine (M2M) devices through its Open Device Initiative. Currently more than 160 M2M devices are certified for use on the Sprint network. This wide range of certified devices allows businesses to take advantage of the speed and dependability of the Sprint network for a variety of M2M applications, such as remote monitoring, asset tracking, fleet management, telematics, automation and control, automated meter reading, SmartGrid initiatives, point of sale/ATM and wireless routing, as well as consumer devices, such as e-readers.

Examples of Sprint's leadership in the M2M space include:

• Amazon Kindle [5] and Kindle DX devices, which use the Sprint Mobile Broadband Network to allow users to wirelessly shop the Kindle Store, download or receive new content in less than 60 seconds, and read from their library - all without a PC, Wi-Fi hot spot, or syncing.
• Sprint's recent involvement with Ford Motor Company. [6] Through the agreement, 2009 Ford F-Series and E-Series vehicles, and on the 2010 Ford Transit Connect vehicle, offer an in-dashboard computer with internet connectivity via the Sprint Mobile Broadband Network. This allows businesses with field workers to use productivity application solutions via the Sprint Mobile Broadband Network, including real-time labor and material-cost capture, inventory updates, invoice generation and work-order edits and completion.

Sprint is committed to offering mobile solutions to its customers when, where and how they want them:

• Sprint has been allowing non-Sprint-branded devices to operate on the Sprint network for more than 10 years.
• Sprint has employed an open Internet approach, and the Sprint Application Developer Program has been providing tools for third-party developers since Sprint first launched the Wireless Web on its phones in 2001.
• Sprint will hold its ninth annual application developer conference Oct. 26-28, 2009.
• Sprint customers enjoy full HTML browsing on their phones, with Google as their search provider, experience personalized Web browsing with Sprint Web and can choose to download name-brand apps and services from the Internet. Other carriers may limit applications to those sanctioned by the carrier.
• Sprint is a member of the Open Handset Alliance, along with more than 30 other participating companies, supporting the free and open mobile applications platform named Android.

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 is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying innovative technologies, including two wireless networks serving nearly 49 million customers at the end of the first quarter of 2009; industry-leading mobile data services; instant national and international push-to-talk capabilities; and a global Tier 1 Internet backbone. For more information, visit www.sprint.com [7].

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¹ Gobi requires separately purchased wireless data service contracts. Check with local service provider for coverage and availability in your area.

² "Dependable" based on independent, third-party drive tests for 3G data connection success, session reliability and signal strength for the top 50 most populous markets from January 2008 to February 2009. Not all services available on 3G and coverage may default to separate network when 3G unavailable.

Contact:

Sprint
Media Contacts:
Emmy Anderson, 913-707-0618
emmy.anderson@sprint.com [8]