Sprint Announces New More Affordable Mobile Data Plans
Sprint introduced four entry-level mobile broadband plans today in hopes to expand their data services beyond the smartphone.
The four new data plans: tablets, mobile hot spot cards, USB cards, and connected laptops and netbooks.
The prices range between $19.99 and $79.99, but they do not affect Sprint's current smartphone data offer that remains unlimited.
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“While much of the attention has been on smartphone data plans, the wireless carriers are also seeing growth from so-called connected devices,” said CNet's Roger Cheng. “By bringing down the prices of its monthly plans, Sprint is hoping more consumers will consider buying tablets or mobile hot spots.”
According to Cheng, Sprint is heavily promoting the $19.99-a-month 1 GB plan for tablets in particular; others option are $34.99 for 3 GB, $49.99 for 6 GB, and $79.99 for 12 GB of broadband data.
Before this release, Sprint has only offered a $59.99 plan for 5 GB and $89.99 for 10 GB.
The plans include usage of both the existing 3G networks and any available 4G WiMax network service that is run by Clearwire.
In comparison, Verizon offers a $50 plan for 5 GB of data, and $80 for 10 GB. AT&T offers a similar $50 for 5 GB plan.
“Sprint's rivals have seen a stronger adoption of connected devices, largely driven by the Apple iPad, which comes with 3G radios. While Sprint sells the iPhone now, it doesn't yet offer the iPad,” said Cheng. “So far, its other tablet offerings, including the HTC Evo View 4G, have been met with little excitement.”
According to a Sprint’s promotional statement, its $49.99 plan gives data-hungry costumers roughly 6,700 more websites, 2,000 more photos, or 67 extra YouTube videos a month.
