News
Issue #2003 - 08 (March 2003)
(Updated Mar. 10, 2003)

APPLICATION SOLUTIONS & APPLICATION DEVELOPMENT

Sprint Announces $99.99 Unlimited PCS Vision Plan with Free Novatel Card

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. - March 6, 2003 - With a mobile workforce of over 46 million, U.S. companies are looking for ways to keep their highly mobile and remote workers connected to information so they can
be more effective in their jobs. Today, Sprint restated its commitment to helping mobile employees make the most of every moment away from the office with a new PCS Connection Card promotion now available nationwide in Sprint Stores, Sprint business channels including its direct sales force, the PCS Business SolutionsSM Program and Sprint Business Dealer Network. The limited time offer includes a free PCS Connection Card(TM) by Novatel Wireless (Merlin C201 (TM)) for customers who sign up for a new line of service on the $99.99 unlimited PCS Vision Plan for Laptops and PDAs with a 2 year PCS Advantage Agreement. The offer is in effect until April 20, 2003.

Sprint announced the limited time offer to make it easier and more affordable for companies to equip their mobile workforce with a simple, convenient solution designed to allow employees to wirelessly access important information on select laptops and handheld computers while away from the office. Capable of data speeds comparable to or higher than a standard dial-up connection via the enhanced Sprint Nationwide PCS Network, the PCS Connection Card allows mobile professionals to take their desktops with them, dramatically changing the way they conduct business. For example, an account representative could immediately place a customer's order, check inventory status and access time sensitive information in real time while on a sales call, eliminating the need to find a landline connection to send the information to corporate headquarters later that day.

In August 2002, Sprint introduced nationwide 2.5G coverage, along with advanced applications, services and devices known as PCS VisionSM. Using a Vision-enabled PCS Connection Card, customers can
quickly and easily access the Internet and their corporate applications, send and receive email, and open and forward attachments on select laptops and handhelds at data speeds averaging 50 to 70 Kbps, with peak speeds of 144 Kbps via the enhanced Sprint Nationwide PCS Network. Bandwidth optimization provides increased data speeds - up to two to five times perceived average throughput speeds - depending on the application and device.

The PCS Connection Card uses an extensive authentication and identification system, Secure Socket Layer (SSL) encryption and CDMA2000 wireless technology. Customers can also use the PCS Connection Card to connect to their corporate networks through a virtual private network (VPN) for added security.

Customers can also take advantage of reduced prices on three additional PCS Connection Cards by signing up a new line of service on the $99.99 unlimited PCS Vision Plan for Laptops and PDAs with a 1- or 2-year PCS Advantage Agreement. Not all cards are available in Sprint Stores.

While all cards provide the same basic underlying functionality, each has unique features that may help customers determine which one is right for them.

PCS Connection Card(TM) by AirPrime (PC3200) - allows high-speed, always-on wireless access to the Internet, email and other personal or company information from any laptop computer equipped with a PCMCIA Type II PC Card slot that uses Windows(R) 98SE/2000/ME/XP. It includes proprietary antenna
design, which maximizes data rate transfer speeds and power efficiency. Armed with the Qualcomm(R) MSM5100 chipset and a 32-bit CardBus electrical interface for power management and system overhead advantages, this card is optimized for remarkable laptop performance. It does not support PDA connectivity.

PCS Connection Card(TM) Model CF2031 - the lightweight device provides wireless connectivity for select PDAs with a Type II CF slot. It also comes with a PC Card adapter so it is also compatible with laptops equipped with a PC Card Type II card slot. Leveraging the power of the CDMA2000 enhanced Sprint Nationwide PCS Network, this Vision-Capable Device enables data speeds comparable to or higher than a standard dial-up connection. Customers can also send and receive voice calls on the device using a hands-free earbud at a rate of $.20 per minute for calls made on the enhanced Sprint Nationwide PCS
Network.

PCS Connection Card(TM) by Novatel Wireless (Merlin C201(TM)) -  a PCMCIA card with a built-in antenna that fits in a Type II slot designed for easy installation and operation on the CDMA2000 3G1X network built by Sprint. The lightweight card has a built-in antenna and is compatible with laptops and
select handhelds that use Windows(R) 98/2000/ME/XP and Pocket PC 2000 and 2002 devices equipped with a Type II PC card slot.

PCS Connection Card by Sierra Wireless (AirCard(R) 550) - provides high-speed, always-on access to the Internet, e-mail and other personal or company information when inserted into a Type II slot on a laptop using Windows(R) 98SE, 2000, Me or XP operating systems and select Pocket PC-based handheld devices. The card can also be used to send and receive voice calls while not in a data session using a hands-free earbud at a rate of $.20 per minute for calls made on the enhanced Sprint Nationwide Network.

Source: Sprint news release
For more information: http://www.sprintpcs.com

MobileInfo Comments and Advisory: We think Sprint PCs is on the right track in offering unlimited usage plans. The enterprise customers want that kind of pricing. This plan is good for medium to heavy users. 

 Note: This news release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and section 21E of Securities Exchange act of 1934 in USA. Similar provisions exist in other countries. There is no assurance that the stipulated plans of vendors will be implemented. MobileInfo does not warrant the authenticity of the information. Readers should take appropriate caution in developing plans utilizing these products, services and technology architectures.  All trademarks used in this summary are the property of their respective owners.