Phones, cards for Sprint's new 3G nets

By Keith Shaw

Network World, 08/19/02

In case you hadn't heard yet, Sprint PCS launched its Code Division Multiple Access 1x network earlier this month, which it is calling the PCS Vision network. The network promises to be nationwide (caveat - nationwide in areas with more than 100,000 people), and will give data speeds up to 144K bit/sec in bursts, with average data throughput in the 50K to 70K bit/sec range.

To take advantage of the new network, you'll need a Vision-enabled device. Luckily, Sprint and its partners have announced several devices that will become available over the next few weeks:

Phones/PDAs

Handspring Treo 300 - The first Treo Communicator that works on a CDMA 1x network, the Treo 300 includes an integrated and backlit keyboard, and can run programs for the Palm operating system. Through Sprint's Business Connection program (which uses the Seven platform for e-mail), Treo users will be able to access their Microsoft Exchange server for "always on" e-mail. Cost: $500.

Toshiba 2032 - An integrated Pocket PC phone from Sprint, the 2032 comes with a full-color display, 206-MHz Intel StrongArm processor, 32M bytes of RAM, and will run Pocket PC applications. Cost: $800.

Samsung A500 - Offers a bright color screen and the ability to take photos with the add-on Vision Camera. Cost: $300.

LG Infocomm's 5350 - Includes color screen, multitone games, ringers and musical keypad options. Cost: $230.

Samsung N400 - Flip-phone form factor that includes color screen, and the ability to take photos with the Vision Camera accessory. Cost: $200.

Hitachi P300 - The first Hitachi model offered in the U.S., this phone will offer a color screen and personalization options. Cost: $300.

Sanyo 4900 - Includes a 1.7-inch color display, speakerphone and luminescent keypad backlight. Cost: $180.

Data cards

Novatel Wireless PCS Connection Card (Merlin C201) - PC card that Sprint says will be able to send and receive data at average speeds of 50K to 70K bit/sec, with bursts of up to 144K bit/sec. The card has a built-in antenna and is compatible with laptops (Windows 98, 2000, ME, XP) and handheld devices (Pocket PC 2000 and 2002 with a Type II PC Card slot). Cost: $250.

Sierra Wireless PCS Connection Card (AirCard 550) - In addition to receiving data through the PC Card, this card also can send and receive voice calls while using an earbud. This is the same card that is used on Verizon Wireless' CDMA 1x network. Cost: $350.

Yiso PCS Connection Card (CF 2031) - PC Card that will let users make voice calls in addition to sending data through a laptop or handheld. Cost: $230.

Accessories

PCS Vision Camera - Sold through Sprint, the Vision Camera from InfoHand will give a point-and-click experience to capture, share and manage full-color pictures on Samsung's N400 and A500 phones. Cost: Less than $100.

Pricing

Sprint will offer business and consumer PCS Free and Clear plans, which provide separate allotments for voice calls and data applications: minutes for voice calls and megabytes for data usage.

PCS Free & Clear with Vision - Ranging in price from $45 to $120 per month, this plan will include megabytes for data usage along with varying amounts of voice minutes, depending on the plan.

PCS Vision for Laptops and PDAs - Sprint is offering business customers introductory rates for data plans: $40 per month for 20M bytes, $60 per month for 40M bytes, $80 per month for 70M bytes and $120 per month for 120M bytes. Business customers also can get unlimited data usage for $50 per month for the first three months, then $100 per month thereafter, with a one-year agreement.