Sprint launches dual-mode WiMAX/EVDO laptop card

Looking to solve the WiMAX island conundrum, Sprint Nextel is making good on its promise to launch CDMA/WiMAX devices. It's first device, a dual-mode laptop card developed by Franklin Wireless, will be available in retail stores this week. The device will allow laptops users to seamlessly switch between mobile WiMAX and Sprint's EVDO service by searching for any mobile WiMAX signal and then switching to the slower EVDO network when out of range.

For the time being, Baltimore is the only city where this concept is practical, but Sprint foresees it becoming more widely used as the new Clearwire builds out its mobile WiMAX network. The PC card will sell for $150 with a two-year subscriber agreement, after a $50 mail-in-rebate. Sprint announced earlier this month it will offer dual-mode CDMA/WiMAX products and services as an MVNO of Clearwire under the brand "Sprint 4G."

For more:
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