Sprint launches EVDO Rev. A card and service
updated 10:40 am EDT, Tue August 29, 2006
Sprint EVDO Rev A Cards
Upstream bandwidth is a major limiting factor on most broadband connections. This is doubly true for mobile broadband services, as their relatively low speeds make them especially sensitive to latency or anything which depends upon consistent connection speed, such as video conferencing. Subscribers to Sprint's EVDO service should therefore appreciate the provider's newly announced upgrade to EVDO Rev. A on its network. While download speeds have only seen a relatively modest increase to as much as 800 Kbps on average, Rev. A brings the upload speeds to a level more closely associated with cable and DSL, averaging between 300 and 400 Kbps. Over 40 million people will be within range of the enhanced service by the end of 2006, says Sprint, and the entire network is expected to see the upgrade by Summer 2007. The carrier further announced its first card for the new service, the Novatel Merlin S720 PC Card adapter, which should be released this Fall. ExpressCard and USB adapters for more recent computers will arrive by January 2007.
