Sprint Nextel has just announced that it will start selling dual-mode 3G/4G wireless broadband modems for laptops starting on Sunday. This new device will allow users to access both Sprint's 3G cellular data network and the new 4G WiMax wireless network the company is currently building. The modem is known as Sprint 3G/4G USB Modem U300 and it will use the new 4G Clearwire network with download speeds between 2 Mbps and 4Mbps where that network is available. However, if users can't access the 4G network, the will automatically be able to access the 3G one, which offers average downloads of between 600 Kbps and 1.4 Mbps.

 

The company launched the 4G WiMax network called Xohm in Baltimore in October, just months before it officially merged its WiMax network with Clearwire's network. The service will be launched in other markets across the country throughout 2009. However, it will take a while for the new 4G network to be built ubiquitously, as there's a large area to cover.

 

The new wireless modem connects via a standard USB port and costs $149.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate and with a two year subscription to the wireless data service. Customers can find the wireless modem at Sprint's direct business sales force and at most Baltimore-area Sprint stores and select Baltimore-area retailers. It really looks like it's an excellent service, one which offers the best coverage at the best price. In addition, several notebook manufacturers, such as Acer or Toshiba, are including Intel's WiMax/Wi-Fi module in new laptops, so users can access the 4G WiMax network. Prior to FCC's approval of Sprint's merge with Clearwire, the second company told the media it hoped to introduce commercial WiMax services in several US cities during 2009, such as Portland or Las Vegas.