Sprint announces first 3G/4G combo WiFi hotspots

Novatel's MiFi mobile hotspot, which is available from both Sprint and Verizon, has received great reviews and is selling well, according to Sprint Nextel CEO Daniel R. Hesse. Now Sprint is rolling out similar devices that work not onyl on its 3G EVDO network but also the emerging 4G Mobile WiMax network.

The $160 Sprint Personal Hot Spot PHS300S will support up to four simultaneous Wi-Fi connections and the $250 Cradlepoint MBR-1000 Broadband Router for business will handle 32 simultaneous Wi-Fi connections. Both are available with any Sprint 3G or 4G data plan ranging from $40 to $80 per month. Sprint already sells a combination 3G/4G laptop USB modem, the U300.

Sprint's 4G service is currently available only in Baltimore, though the company promises to add Portland, Atlanta and Las Vegas this month, and six other major cities by year-end. Its partner, Clearwire, however seems to be focused on smaller markets. This week Clearwire announced it would launch service in 10 new markets on September 1 including Boise, Idaho; Bellingham, Washington, and eight communities in Texas.

[Release--Sprint Adds 4G to Mobile Broadband Router Portfolio as It Prepares to Launch 4G in More Markets] [Release--Clearwire to Officially Launch CLEAR 4G Service in 10 Markets on September 1, 2009]