Sprint Unveils New Gold Standard in Push-to-Talk

Sprint, today announced plans to expand its gold-standard push-to-talk leadership, unveiling fourth-quarter launch plans for next-generation push-to-talk capabilities powered by Sprint's broadband CDMA network. As part of the launch, Sprint will offer an initial set of handsets packed with features designed for workgroups that rely on push-to-talk and establish a new push-to-talk brand – Sprint Direct Connect.

Sprint Direct Connect service is being built to deliver higher bandwidth capacity to keep up with customers' demand for data. Sprint also is working to deliver enhanced applications on Sprint Direct Connect, best-ever in-building coverage and is planning to provide triple the square-mile reach of Sprint's current push-to-talk service.

Sprint Direct Connect will launch with an initial portfolio of rugged devices from Motorola Mobility and Kyocera. The devices will feature most of the capabilities available on current Sprint push-to-talk phones, plus next-generation push-to-talk applications and functionality including high-speed data access, high-resolution cameras and Bluetooth. The planned portfolio will include an ultra-rugged camera flip phone and an Android Smartphone with a touch screen and a QWERTY keyboard. In 2012, Sprint expects to deepen its push-to-talk portfolio, adding more devices with new form factors and features.

The devices are expected to enable group push-to-talk for up to 200 participants, Land Mobile Radio (LMR) interoperability, and availability notification. In early 2012, Sprint Direct Connect is expected to add more capabilities, including international push-to-talk.

Network Vision

Sprint Direct Connect service is a tangible benefit of Network Vision, Sprint's blueprint to deploy a cost-effective and innovative network. Announced in December, Network Vision is expected to consolidate multiple network technologies into one seamless network resulting in enhanced coverage, quality and speed; better network flexibility; reduced operating costs; and improved environmental sustainability. The plan includes a complete upgrade of Sprint's current wireless networks accompanied by changes in device chipsets and network infrastructure.

The benefits of Network Vision to Sprint's PTT customers will be wide-ranging:

Better coverage and capacity

Push-to-talk coverage footprint is planned to increase to nearly 2.7 million square miles and is expected to cover a population of 309 million (with the addition of 1xrtt and roaming coverage) – an increase from the iDEN network's 908,370 square miles covering a population 278 million.
In-building coverage is expected to improve significantly through investment in the most advanced CDMA technology and radio equipment.
Voice and data capacity is expected to increase significantly as Sprint will be able to fully leverage its industry leading spectrum holdings in 800 MHz, 1.9 GHz, and – through its partnership with Clearwire – 2.5 GHz.

With Sprint Direct Connect, Sprint expects:

More push-to-talk enabled devices including handsets, rugged devices, and PDAs that combine industry leading push-to-talk and mobile broadband data services over a larger coverage area.
Enhanced features for push-to-talk users on the new CDMA platform.
Interoperability with all existing Sprint push-to-talk devices.

During the nationwide implementation of Network Vision, Sprint expects to continue operating the iDEN network at current best-ever performance levels. As the customer base shifts to more broadband-centric push-to-talk applications on the CDMA network and Sprint launches Sprint Direct Connect, iDEN cell sites are expected to be phased out in 2013.

Sprint plans to identify customers who require custom push-to-talk solutions and assist with their migration to the CDMA network. The company also plans to engage partners in developing a robust portfolio of push-to-talk accessories and involve developers in the creation of new applications through its Sprint Gets Rugged application developers program. The program will provide information, support and tools needed to port developers' applications to Sprint Direct Connect devices. More information on the Sprint Gets Rugged application developers program can be found at http://developer.sprint.com/SprintGetsRugged. Sprint will hold a conference on March 22 at the International CTIA WIRELESS meeting in Orlando for developers who are interested.

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Sprint to offer 3G/4G embedded Dell Inspiron Mini 10 (1012) and Inspiron 11z

Sprint claimed another U.S. wireless first as the 4G leader unveiled the first dual-mode 3G/4G-embedded netbook and notebook offered in the country by a national wireless carrier. Dell™ Inspiron™ Mini 10 (1012) netbook with Windows 7 Starter, is designed to deliver long battery life, on the go entertainment and maximum connectivity in a compact size while the ultramobile Dell™ Inspiron™ 11z notebook with Windows 7 Home Premium provides PC performance in a stylish mobile package that can go anywhere. Since introducing 4G service in 2008, Sprint has launched 15 4G devices, with 11 devices currently available, including phones, USB modems, mobile hotspots and routers.

The compact and light weight Dell Inspiron Mini 10 (1012) netbook is perfect for students, consumers and small businesses that rely on Internet access, Web browsing and social networking to stay connected. Nearly as small and light as a netbook but with more storage and a powerful processor, Dell Inspiron 11z notebook is a perfect solution for business users and consumers who want more computing power.

Both Dell Inspiron Mini 10 (1012) netbook and Dell Inspiron 11z notebook also come pre-loaded with Windows Live Essentials 2011. Windows Live is an integrated suite of products that help you communicate and share on the PC, Web and mobile phone. Windows Live includes Hotmail, Messenger, SkyDrive, Photo Gallery, Movie Maker and a number of other great apps and services. The power of Windows 7 plus Windows Live delivers the true promise of a mobile PC, helping customers stay connected to the people that matter most to them in the most meaningful way while having access to all their digital content – whenever and wherever.

Additionally, both Dell Inspiron Mini 10 (1012) netbook and Dell Inspiron 11z notebook have integrated connectivity to the Sprint 3G and 4G networks. This flexibility allows customers to enjoy 4G performance in any Sprint 4G market or to use the reliable Sprint 3G network when outside a 4G area. Sprint 4G is already available in 55 markets and continues to expand to new cities, delivering wireless speeds up to 10 times faster than 3G.

"As a 4G leader in the United States, Sprint continues to introduce innovative products that provide unrivaled speed, access and mobility for millions of users today," said Fared Adib, vice president-Product Development, Sprint. "While other carriers continue to talk about their 4G networks, we lead by example. The addition of these two exciting 4G-embedded Dell products nicely fits within our current ecosystem of fixed and dual-mode devices that also includes phones, mobile broadband cards, mobile hotspots and routers."

Starting Oct. 31, Dell Inspiron Mini 10 (1012) netbook will be available to business customers from Sprint's Direct Business Field Sales Team. On Nov. 14, it will become available at select Sprint Stores and sold via Direct Ship from remaining Sprint stores, sprint.com, Telesales (1-800-SPRINT1), select dealers, and Business Solution Partners. Dell Inspiron Mini 10 (1012) is FREE (excluding taxes), after a $100 mail-in rebate, with a new-line activation (or eligible upgrade) on a Sprint Mobile Broadband plan and a two-year service agreement.*

Beginning Nov. 14, Dell Inspiron 11z notebook will be available at select Sprint stores, and available through sprint.com, Telesales (1-800-SPRINT1), select dealers, remaining Sprint Stores, Business Solution Partners and Sprint's Direct Business Field Sales via Direct Ship. Dell Inspiron 11z will cost just $149.99 (excluding taxes), after a $100 mail-in rebate, with a new-line activation (or eligible upgrade) on a Sprint Mobile Broadband plan and a two-year service agreement.*
"Young professionals, students and even moms will enjoy the Inspiron Mini 10 and the Inspiron 11z because they deliver fast and reliable access to e-mail, social networking and Internet surfing," said Michael Tatelman, vice president-Global Consumer Sales and Marketing, Dell. "Bundling Sprint's fast and reliable 3G/4G network support with these easy-to-carry systems ensure they will get the best in immersive on-the-go experience available."

"Intel continues to work closely with Sprint and other service providers worldwide to provide ubiquitous mobile connectivity to both consumers and businesses. Sprint is the first carrier to provide a 3G/4G (WiMAX) notebook and netbook offering to address the demand for fully mobile, connected computing solutions", said CJ Bruno, VP, GM, Intel Americas.

Big on Features, Small on Size

With Dell Inspiron Mini 10 (1012) netbook, users can take with them all of the things they do on the Internet in a convenient, affordable and portable package – eliminating the need to carry a bulky laptop. Dell Inspiron Mini 10 pairs with a Sprint 3G/4G connection plan to easily handle both the bandwidth and data volume requirements of demanding e-mail/browsing users.

 Key features include:

Intel® AtomTM Processor N450 (1.66GHz)
Windows® 7 Starter – 32-bit
Windows Live™ Essentials
10.1-inch widescreen display (1,024x600)
3 lbs. with 6-cell battery (2,600mAh) supports up to nine hours depending on usage
1GB Memory
250GB hard drive
Intel® GMA 3150 integrated graphics
Wireless connectivity via Intel® Centrino® Advanced-N + WiMAX 6250 integrated WiFi/WiMAX

Dell Inspiron 11z notebook is ideally suited for small businesses and consumers who live a mobile lifestyle and want to enhance their productivity by being connected virtually anywhere they go. Its processor is one of the latest from the Intel® CoreTM Processor family, enabling it to multitask and handle most business applications with ease.

Key features include:

Intel® Core™ i3-330UM processor, 1.20GHz , 3MB cache
Windows® 7 Home premium – 64-bit
Windows Live™ Essentials
11.6-inch 1,366x768 WLED HD
3.44 lbs. with 6-cell battery (2,600mAh) supports up to 6.5 hours depending on usage
2GB memory, expandable to 4-GB
HDMI output port
250GB hard drive
Intel® HM57 integrated graphics
Wireless connectivity via Intel® Centrino® Advanced-N + WiMAX 6250 integrated WiFi/WiMAX

"Customers have shown they want a Windows experience," said Harry Patz, vice president-Communications Sector North America, Microsoft. "Working with Dell and Sprint, we're bringing the power of a Windows PC and the Web to a broad set of mobile customers. By offering Windows 7 and Windows Live on a compact device that capitalizes on the speed of Sprint's 4G network, customers will get the ultimate mobile solution and allow them to connect to their content, social hubs, devices and the Web from anywhere."

Dell Inspiron 10 (1012) netbook and Dell Inspiron 11z notebook will work with two distinct two-year pricing plans, a 3G/4G price plan and a 3G-only Entry Level price plan.

The 3G/4G plan is $59.99/month (excluding surcharges and taxes) and includes Unlimited 4G and 5GB of 3G per month (300MB domestic roaming/off-network limit for 3G; additional MB: $0.05/MB for on-network usage, $0.25/MB for off-network usage). This plan is eligible for existing dual-mode bundled pricing.

The 3G-only Entry Level price plan is $39.99/month (excluding surcharges and taxes) and includes 500MB of 3G per month (100MB domestic roaming/off-network limit for 3G; additional MB: $0.05/MB for on-network usage, $0.25/MB for off-network usage).

Leading with 4G

Sprint already offers an extensive portfolio of 4G-enabled devices and routers, including America's first 4G capable handset, HTC EVO™ 4G, the newly launched Samsung Epic™ 4G, and Overdrive™ 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot from Sierra Wireless (a mobile hotspot supporting up to five simultaneous Wi-Fi connections). These products are part of a large selection of 4G-capable modems, mobile hotspots and routers, which enable the productivity-enhancing and application-expanding 4G advantages of rapid mobile downloads of large files, high-quality streaming video, online presentations and high-speed Web browsing.

Sprint 4G download speeds support faster data rates and higher system capacity than 3G, enabling customers to move large amounts of data at broadband speeds comparable to basic DSL.2 These faster speeds enable customers to take advantage of robust applications and services, such as wireless voice-over-IP (VoIP), high-speed video telephony, music on-demand, and video messaging. This kind of high-powered computing device combined with a large screen easily enriches viewing experiences, such as streaming video on Hulu.

Sprint delivers an exceptional network experience and unmatched value, providing the first and ever-expanding wireless 4G network from a national carrier and a coast-to-coast 3G network customers can depend on. Sprint 4G provides peak download speeds of more than 10 Mbps and average download speeds of 3-6 Mbps. Sprint 3G (EV-DO Rev. A) generates expected average upload speeds of 350-500 kbps and download speeds of between 600 kbps and 1.4 Mbps. Peak 3G download data rates are 3.1 Mbps and peak upload data rates are 1.8 Mbps.

With 4G, users can download music, pictures, files or videos in seconds – not minutes. If it normally takes 15 to 45 minutes to download a full-length feature film with a 3G connection, it will likely take less than 10 minutes with Sprint 4G. If a business traveler has to send a huge file (10MB, for example) and it usually takes a couple of minutes with a 3G connection, it will likely take less than a half a minute using Sprint 4G.

Sprint 4G is now available in 55 cities across the country: California – Merced, Modesto, Stockton, Visalia; Delaware – Wilmington; Florida – Daytona Beach, Jacksonville, Orlando; Georgia – Atlanta, Milledgeville; Hawaii – Honolulu, Maui; Idaho – Boise; Illinois – Chicago; Maryland – Baltimore; Massachusetts – Boston; Michigan – Grand Rapids; Minnesota – Minneapolis-St. Paul; Missouri – Kansas City, St. Louis; New York – Rochester, Syracuse; Nevada – Las Vegas; North Carolina – Charlotte, Greensboro (includes High Point and Winston-Salem), Raleigh (includes Cary, Chapel Hill and Durham); Oregon – Eugene, Portland, Salem; Pennsylvania – Harrisburg, Lancaster, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Reading, York; Rhode Island – Providence; Tennessee – Nashville; Texas – Abilene, Amarillo, Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, Killeen/Temple, Lubbock, Midland/Odessa, San Antonio, Waco, Wichita Falls; Utah – Salt Lake City; Virginia – Richmond; and Washington – Bellingham, Seattle, Tri-Cities, Yakima. Additional major cities, including New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco, are expected to launch by year end.

Sprint is delivering the power of 4G as the majority shareholder of Clearwire, the independent company that is building the WiMAX network. For more information, visit www.sprint.com/4G.

PRESS RELEASE

 

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HTC EVO Shift 4G with slide-out QWERTY available on Jan 9 for $149.99

HTC EVO Shift 4G with slide-out QWERTY available exclusively from Sprint on Jan. 9 for $149.99; MiFi 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot by Novatel Wireless debuts on Feb. 27 for $49.99, bringing Sprint 4G connectivity to up to five Wi-Fi enabled devices.

Sprint introduced the upcoming availability of two products in Sprint’s second generation of 4G-capable devices: HTC EVO Shift 4G and MiFi 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot by Novatel Wireless. With these two devices, Sprint has now introduced 17 4G-capable devices for consumers and business, including three phones, a 4G netbook and notebook from Dell, numerous USB modem options, and several mobile hotspots and routers.

HTC EVO Shift 4G Phone with QWERTY

As the 16th 4G-capable device from Sprint, HTC EVO Shift follows in the footsteps of the award-winning HTC EVO 4G, bringing customers an attractive, compact design and an impressive list of features with the addition of a sliding QWERTY keyboard. Beyond the highly acclaimed HTC Sense user experience, HTC EVO Shift also boasts the power of 4G, Android 2.2, a 5MP camera, 720p HD camcorder and a 3.6-inch capacitive touchscreen display with pinch-to-zoom capability.

Additional key features include:

• HD Video Recording
• Wi-Fi
• Sprint Mobile Hotspot (supporting up to eight Wi-Fi enabled devices)
• Android Market with access to more than 100,000 apps
• Messaging – Personal and business e-mail, IM and text messaging
• Social Networking Integration – Facebook, Twitter, Flickr and more
• Visual Voicemail
• Google Mobile Services, including YouTube, Gmail, Google Talk, Google Voice and Google Maps
• GPS Navigation
• Stereo Bluetooth wireless technology
• microSD slot (supporting up to 32GB memory card)

The Web browser on HTC EVO Shift is optimized for convenient mobile use and a full Internet experience with functions like pinch-to-zoom and automatically reflowing text. Adobe Flash technology ensures that rich Internet content, such as embedded video and animation, are displayed the way they are meant to be seen. The slide-out QWERTY keyboard makes staying in touch with friends and family through messaging and social networking quick and easy.

Priced at the lowest cost at launch for any current 4G phone, HTC EVO Shift will be just $149.99 (excluding taxes) after a $100 mail-in rebate and activation on a new two-year service agreement (or eligible upgrade), and activation on a data plan with the required $10 Premium Data Add-On. It will be available in all Sprint retail channels, including www.sprint.com and 1-800-Sprint1, on Jan. 9. For more information, visit www.sprint.com/shift.

Big on Power, Small on Size

With the unveiling of Novatel Wireless ultra-compact MiFi 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot, Sprint brings customers the portability of the MiFi design with one-touch connectivity for up to five Wi-Fi enabled devices, including tablets, eReaders, laptops or gaming consoles. Delivering a true wireless experience with no cables or software installation required, MiFi 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot has battery life of up to four hours of usage and 60 hours of standby time. MiFi 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot easily supports all the needs of a family household, a frequent traveler who wants to avoid Wi-Fi charges, or even a small business team with a form factor about the size of a credit card.

MiFi 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot’s predecessor, 3G MiFi wireless hotspot by Novatel Wireless, was one of the industry’s most popular intelligent mobile hotspots. MiFi 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot adds 4G accessibility, an external display with status indicators for battery, signal strength and number of connected devices, and shared storage capability through a MicroSD slot for up to a 32GB memory card. It supports Windows, Macintosh and Linuz operating systems.

As the 17th 4G-capable device from Sprint, MiFi 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot will be just $49.99 (excluding taxes) after a $50 mail-in rebate activation on a new two-year service agreement (or eligible upgrade). It will be available nationwide on Feb. 27 at all Sprint retail channels, including www.sprint.com and 1-800-Sprint1. Visit www.sprint.com/4gmifi for more information.

More Options in 4G Products

Sprint already offers an extensive and impressive portfolio of 4G-enabled devices and routers. Stand-outs include Dell Inspiron Mini 10 (1012) netbook and Dell Inspiron 11z notebook, the first 3G/4G embedded devices offered by a wireless carrier in the United States. Both come pre-loaded with Windows Live Essentials 2011 and deliver 4G speeds on a mobile PC without the need for connection cards or hotspots to access the Internet.

Consumers have also been enjoying the award-winning HTC EVO 4G and Samsung Epic 4G, America’s first 4G-capable handsets. Both phones have received high praise from industry analysts, customers and media, including CNET, TheStreet.com, LAPTOP Magazine, POPULAR MECHANICS and PCWorld.

Business customers can take advantage of Sprint 4G technology with these devices and others, including CradlePoint MBR1200 Failsafe Gigabit N Router, which extends corporate security policies and failover technology, or CBA750 3G/4G Mobile Broadband Adapter to helps businesses stay connected during wireline outages.

The Sprint 4G portfolio of existing 4G-capable modems, mobile hotspots and routers all enhance productivity by enabling mobile downloads of large files, high-quality streaming video, online presentations and high-speed Web browsing. The advanced network also lets customers take advantage of robust applications and services, such as wireless voice-over-IP (VoIP), high-speed video telephony, music on-demand and video messaging. For a list of Sprint 4G devices, visit http://newsroom.sprint.com.

Unlimited 4G Plans With No Data Caps

Sprint customers get more with unlimited 4G data on their monthly plan, which means real simplicity and value. Sprint offers simplicity and savings vs. competitors, making it easy for customers to get the most out of their phones without worrying about costs or data usage. Sprint’s Everything Data plan with Any Mobile, AnytimeSM includes unlimited Web, texting and calling to and from any mobile in America while on the Sprint network, starting at just $69.99 per month plus required $10 Premium Data add-on for select smartphones – a savings of $39.99 per month vs. Verizon’s plan with unlimited talk, text and Web, and $35 per month vs. AT&T’s plan with unlimited talk, text and just 2GB of data.

 

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Kyocera Echo-the first dual-touchscreen Android smartphone exclusively from Sprint

Sprint and Kyocera Communications Inc. announced the first dual-touchscreen Android smartphone, Kyocera Echo, exclusively from Sprint. This Android-powered device features two high-resolution 3.5-inch WVGA touchscreen displays connected by a patent-pending “pivot hinge” that enables the two displays to operate independently, side-by-side or combined to form an oversized 4.7-inch (diagonally) integrated display.

Until now, a single screen on a smartphone could only be used to complete one task at a time, even with limited multitasking capabilities available on some smartphones. Kyocera Echo’s second screen provides the ability to do two things at the same time and get more done – send an email on one screen while surfing the web on the other, watch a video on one screen while texting on the other, comparison shop online with one web site on each screen and so much more.

In its closed position, Kyocera Echo is a pocket-friendly, single-display smartphone. When opened, Kyocera Echo reveals a revolutionary new platform for wireless multitasking and gives customers a new level of versatility in Android. Its innovative hardware and optimized software enables consumers to use the touchscreens in four unique ways:

• Single-Screen Mode with all the functionality of a single-display, touch-screen smartphone.
• Simul-Task Mode with two of the phone’s seven core apps (messaging, e-mail, Web browsing, phone, gallery, contacts and VueQue) running concurrently but independently on the dual displays – e.g., reading e-mail on one screen and opening a text message on the other; checking Facebook via the browser on one screen while looking through a photo gallery on the other; or even searching the Web on one screen and checking email on the other.
• Optimized Mode with both displays supporting a single, optimized app with complementary functionality and enhanced usability – e.g., composing e-mail on one screen with a touchscreen keyboard on the other; watching a YouTube video on one display while browsing and queuing additional YouTube videos on the other (with a preloaded Kyocera app called VueQue); or viewing gallery images on one display while browsing image thumbnails on the other.
• Tablet Mode with one application spread across both displays for a full 4.7-inch viewing area. Tablet Mode is ideal for viewing maps, videos, websites, detailed documents, and long lists on-the-go.

Kyocera Echo will be available this spring for $199.99 with a new two-year service agreement or eligible upgrade and after a $100 mail-in rebate in all Sprint retail channels, including the Web (www.sprint.com) and Telesales (1-800-Sprint1). Pricing excludes surcharges and taxes.

Kyocera Echo also includes customized apps optimized for the dual-screen Optimized Mode experience including VueQue, which lets users watch a YouTube video on one display while browsing, queuing and buffering additional YouTube videos on the other display. Additional applications optimized for the dual-screen experience include:

• Messaging and e-mail: Users can turn the device horizontally and use the top display to view the e-mail/message application while using the lower display as a full-sized virtual keyboard.
• Browser: Takes the browser experience of a standard 3.5-inch smartphone and enhances it, allowing users to view two websites simultaneously.
• Gallery: Users can scroll through thumbnail images on one screen while viewing an enlarged image on the other.
• Contacts/phone: Users can view more of the phone’s contact directory or an expanded virtual dial pad.

Beyond the dual touchscreen innovation, Kyocera Echo operates on the Android 2.2 system and has access to more than 100,000 apps in Android Market – everything from Facebook to Angry Birds.

Additional Key Features :

• Sprint’s nationwide 3G network and Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g)
• Wi-Fi hotspot capability, which supports wireless connections for up to five devices
• 5-megapixel camera with flash, autofocus and digital zoom
• 720p HD camcorder to quickly capture those on-the-go memorable moments
• Corporate (Exchange ActiveSync) and personal (POP & IMAP) e-mail, IM (Google Talk), text messaging
• Media player with a 3.5 mm stereo headset jack
• Stereo Bluetooth 2.1 (+ EDR)
• Full HTML Web browser with Google Search
• 1GHz Snapdragon processor (QSD 8650 Android)
• 1 gigabyte (GB) of onboard memory and an 8GB microSD card for the external memory card slot supporting cards up to 32GB
• Voice and text prompts in both English and Spanish

Kyocera Echo comes packaged with a spare battery (1370 mAh) and a low-profile charging cradle. Along with charging the spare battery independently of the phone, the charging cradle also can tether the spare to Kyocera Echo as an external power supply.

Additional Google features include Google Maps, Google Talk, Gmail, synchronization with Google Calendar, and access to Google Goggles to search with pictures instead of words. With Sprint, Kyocera Echo users have access to Sprint Zone, providing one-stop wireless account access, phone tips, news, a list of top apps plus TeleNav GPS Navigator, Sprint TV and Movies and more.

A Software Development Kit (SDK) and developer guide for Kyocera Echo will be available before the launch on the Sprint Application Developer Program (ADP) website at http://developer.sprint.com/android. The developer guide will provide details on developing for a dual-screen handset and Android 2.2 device. It also will provide information on how to take advantage of Kyocera Echo’s unique hardware and software capabilities on the Sprint Network. The Sprint ADP has been providing tools for third-party developers since Sprint first launched the Wireless Web on its phones in 2001.

Some competitors may offer lower prices, but Sprint customers get more with unlimited data while on the Sprint Network with their monthly plan. Sprint offers real simplicity, value and savings vs. competitors, making it easy for customers to get the most out of their phones without using a calculator to tally up costs or worrying about how much data they’ve used.

Kyocera Echo requires activation on one of Sprint’s Everything Data plans plus required $10 Premium Data add-on charge for smartphones. Sprint’s Everything Data plan with Any Mobile, Anytime includes unlimited Web, texting and calling to and from any mobile in America while on the Sprint network, starting at just $69.99 per month plus required $10 Premium Data add-on charge – a savings of $39.99 per month vs. Verizon’s comparable plan with unlimited talk, text and Web, and $35 per month vs. AT&T’s comparable plan with unlimited talk, text and just 2GB of data (excluding Verizon’s Southern California plan; pricing excludes surcharges and taxes.)

Sprint Everything Data plans qualify for automatic enrollment in the Sprint Premier loyalty program. Existing Sprint customers can switch to an Everything Data plan without extending their service agreement. New lines of service require a two-year service agreement.

An optional charge of just $29.99 per month turns on Kyocera Echo’s mobile hotspot feature, connecting up to five Wi-Fi enabled devices, such as laptops, gaming devices and digital cameras, at 3G speeds anywhere on the Sprint 3G network (pricing excludes surcharges and taxes).