After launching its wireless NFL football coverage this week, Sprint Nextel on Friday unveiled the first handset designed to run on the company’s high-speed wireless network.
The multifeatured “smart device” from UT Starcom Personal Communications, formerly Audiovox, can access the Web from Sprint’s EV-DO, or Evolution-Data Optimized, wireless network and is the first phone to use the Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 operating system.
In addition to accessing the Web through Sprint’s network, the Starcom PPC-6700 is the first Sprint phone that also can access Wi-Fi networks.
“With Wi-Fi, 3G and EV-DO high-speed wireless data, our customers now have more choices for staying productive while on the go,” said Vicki Walker, vice president of marketing and product for Sprint.
Sprint launched high-speed wireless service for business customers in July. The so-called third generation, or 3G, service allows mobile workers to access the Web with notebook computers equipped with a wireless card.
The Starcom phone extends that service to a handset for the first time, and is the first volley in an expected high-speed shootout as Sprint, Verizon Wireless and Cingular Wireless compete for consumers who want to use their phones for more than talk.
Verizon has been advertising its consumer-oriented high-speed V-Cast service heavily this month, using an ad campaign featuring actress Pamela Anderson, singer Shakira, basketball star Shaquille O’Neal and Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones.
Sprint is expected to launch its consumer high-speed service this fall. The company’s EV-DO service is now available in 75 markets and more than 100 airports, the company said Friday.
V-Cast is available in 61 markets.
Both Sprint and Verizon use EV-DO technology.
The services allow subscribers to surf the Web at speeds of 400 to 700 kilobits per second, with a top speed of 2 megabits per second. That makes them more or less comparable to digital subscriber line, or DSL, services available to consumers at home.
High-speed service through the new Sprint handset is available in three plans ranging from $15 to $25 a month, in addition to regular wireless service.
The PPC-6700 offers a laundry list of other features. It has a slide-out QWERTY keyboard and a 1.3-megapixel digital snapshot and video camera, and is Bluetooth-enabled to connect with wireless headsets and car kits.
The Windows Mobile 5.0 operating system gives users access to Outlook Mobile, PowerPoint Mobile and Excel Mobile, and allows Sprint business subscribers to synchronize their e-mail and calendar remotely.
The phone has a slot for a memory card to transfer music, photos and video from desktop computers.
“We believe the PPC-6700 really is the next-generation mobile device,” said Philip Christopher, Starcom’s president. The phone is “designed to enable professionals to virtually carry office capabilities in their pocket,” he said.
Targeted for business users, the PPC-6700, at just over 6 ounces, will be available in Sprint stores next week for a retail price of $630 before rebates and discounts.
Sprint shares closed Friday at $25.38, up 48 cents.
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