Sprint Nextel has announced that it will start selling its first CDMA-WiMAX dual-mode device, a USB modem from next week - just before Christmas. Sprint launched 4G in Baltimore in September and plans to launch in other markets across the country throughout 2009.

The Sprint 3G/4G USB modem will offer mobile download services at average downlink speeds of 2-4 Mbps within Baltimore Sprint 4G service areas. Where Sprint 4G service has yet to launch, the dual-mode device will operate on the Nationwide Sprint Mobile Broadband 3G Network at average downlink speeds of 600 Kbps - 1.4 Mbps.

"Sprint intends to be the leader in 4G and bring the wireless Internet to life," said Dan Hesse, Sprint CEO. "This first-of-its-kind device allows our customers to take the Internet with them essentially wherever they go by gaining enhanced speed and capability in 4G markets and the nationwide coverage of our 3G network across the rest of the country."

The Sprint 3G/4G USB Modem U300 is manufactured by Franklin Wireless, and priced at $149.99 with a two-year subscriber agreement, after a $50 mail-in-rebate.

"The availability of this first dual-mode mobile broadband device further demonstrates Sprint's leadership in 3G and 4G services," said Todd Rowley, vice president of Sprint 4G. "Our future device portfolio of single-mode 4G devices, embedded 4G laptops and dual- mode 3G/4G devices will continue to demonstrate our commitment to WiMAX."

Source:cellular-news