Following the lead of Sprint Nextel (NYSE:S), Time Warner Cable launched a personal hotspot device called Intelligo that allows customers to connect up to five WiFi devices simultaneously using Clearwire's (NASDAQ:CLWR) WiMAX network or Sprint's nationwide 3G network. The device, which is made by Sierra Wireless, is identical to the Overdrive personal hotspot offered by Sprint.
Time Warner will sell the device for $49.99 after a $50 rebate and with a two-year contract. Interestingly, Sprint sells the Overdrive device for $100 with a $50 rebate and a two-year contract. Time Warner currently sells its Road Runner Mobile WiMAX service using the Clearwire network in Dallas, San Antonio and Austin, Texas; Charlotte, Raleigh and Greensboro, N.C.; Honolulu and Maui, Hawaii and Kansas City, Mo.
Sprint first launched the Overdrive at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in January.
In related news, Clearwire announced it is making its Clear Spot 4G and Clear Spot 4G+ personal hotspots available nationwide, and is filling pre-orders of both devices. The Clear Spot 4G simultaneously connects up to eight WiFi devices and costs $99.99 or can be leased for $4.99 per month. The Clear Spot 4G+ simultaneously connects up to five WiFi devices and connects to Sprint's 3G network outside Clearwire's coverage area. The Clear Spot 4G+ costs $224.99 or can be leased for $5.99 per month.
For more:
- see this Multichannel News article
- see this Time Warner release
- see this Clearwire release
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