Sprint to launch first 3G/4G modem

US operator Sprint will launch what the company claims will be the first dual-mode 3G/4G device to make it to market.

The Sprint 3G/4G USB Modem U300 will launch in the US city of Baltimore, Maryland on December 21, the company has announced.

Currently Baltimore is the only US market that can take advantage of the device's capabilities -  Sprint launched Wimax services in the city in September.

But as Clearwire - which is merging with Sprint's Wimax business - rolls out its Wimax network nationwide, the device will be suitable for more and more markets.

'Sprint intends to be the leader in 4G and bring the wireless Internet to life,' said Dan Hesse, Sprint CEO.

The modem promises to deliver average downlink speeds of 2-4Mbps via Sprint's 4G networks, and 600Kbps-1.4Mbps via 3G.

Manufactured by Franklin Wireless, the modem will be priced at $149.99 - after a $50 mail-in rebate - with a two year subscription.