ZTE appears to be making inroads in the North American device market thanks to its growing relationship with Verizon Wireless (NYSE:VZ). The Chinese handset and equipment vendor yesterday launched its second device with the operator, the Fivespot, a global 3G mobile hotspot that allows customers to connect up to five WiFi-enabled devices to a cellular connection.
The Fivespot comes with a pre-installed SIM card and provides global data services in more than 200 countries when customers subscribe to a Verizon GlobalAccess plan. Specifically, the Fivespot supports CDMA 1x EVDO Rev. A/Rev. 0 in 800 MHz and 1900 MHz; WCDMA/HSDPA and HSUPA in 850 MHz, 1900 MHz and 2100 MHz; and GSM/GPRS/EDGE in 850 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz and 1900 MHz. The device is available through Verizon stores and online for $99.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate and a two-year contract. Both postpaid and prepaid mobile broadband plans are available with the device.
This is the second device ZTE offers through Verizon. In August, the Chinese vendor teamed with Verizon on a low-end phone, the Salute.
And there may be more ZTE devices in the pipeline. According to an anonymous source quoted by BoyGeniusReport, ZTE will produce high-end Android handsets for Verizon. The rumor dovetails with recent comments by ZTE executives, who hinted the company is working on a smartphone that would likely be available next year.
For more:
- see this release
- see this BoyGeniusReport post
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