Sprint Stores Open Early for Samsung Epic 4G Launch
Sprint phone stores across the US opened early today to help launch the much anticipated Samsung Epic 4G.
The new Epic 4G is the latest Samsung 4G phone in its Galaxy S series. It comes with a 1 GHz processor, 4 inch Super AMOLED display and a slide out QWERTY keyboard.
Phone users can pick up the Samsung Epic 4G from Sprint for $249.99 on a two-year contract.
Boston Gets 4 x 4G Networks
Mobile phone users in Boston are getting ready to become the most 4G city in the US so far.
Starting next month, Boston will be see 4G phone coverage from four networks – two using WiMAX technology (Clearwire & Sprint) and two using LTE technology (MetroPCS & Verizon). Sprint and Clearwire share the same WiMAX network. Sprint CEO Dan Hasse confirmed last month the Boston launch would be “sometime in September”. Sprint is already selling the HTC EVO 4G phone and is launching the second of its 4G phones, the Samsung Epic 4G any day now.
Clearwire is set to offer data plans for modems starting form $30 a month. Verizon will also offer data services rather than phones, while MetroPCS is set to launch with another Samsung 4G phone, named the Craft.
Sprint – New 4G Data Plans
Sprint has started trialling two new 4G only mobile broadband plans for customers in some of its sixty-nine 4G phone markets.
Sprint’s 4G Mobile Broadband Connect data plan costs $50 per month which is $10 less than its regular combined 3G / 4G monthly data plan. The plan can be used with the Sprint U1901 USB modem in Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Greensboro, N.C., Houston, Kansas City, Philadelphia, Salt Lake City and Seattle.
There’s also a 4G Desktop Modem Connection Plan – meant as a replacement for fixed line broadband connections – for $45 per month. Users can also share their 4G connection throughout their home or office by using the CPEi25150 desktop modem as a broadband router.
Pre-Order Epic 4G Now
The latest of Sprint’s 4G phones – the Samsung Epic 4G – has a confirmed release date of August 31st.
The price for the upcoming QWERTY / WiMAX 4G phone will have a retail price of $249.99 with a Sprint contract, an instant rebate of $150 and a mail-in rebate of $100. Pre-orders and reservations taken via the Sprint website are due to go live today.
Pre-orders for the Samsung Epic 4G are also being taken at Radio Shack.
Sprint Samsung Epic 4G Phone Giveaway
Just like with the Evo, Sprint has announced a giveaway to surround the launch of its upcoming 4G phone the Samsung Epic.
Ten first prize winners will receive a free Samsung Epic 4G while one grand prize winner will be flown to the destination of their choice for a four day getaway with $1000 spending money – maybe you’re meant to spend it on a Sprint mobile data plan :)
The contest ties in with the new Going the Distance movie which opens on August 27 so it’s likely the official launch date of the Epic 4G will be a day or two after that.
Sprint 4G Increases Coverage Area
Sprint 4G has once again extended the coverage area of its 4G phone network – this time to densely populated areas of California, Delaware, Florida and Michigan.
Sprint’s latest 4G markets are Modesto and Stockton in California, Jacksonville, Florida, Wilmington, Delaware and Grand Rapids, Michigan.
The total number of cities and markets that Sprint 4G is available is now 48, with more launches planned for later this year.
Sprint 4G in Salt Lake City & St. Louis
Sprint has added to its list of cities and markets with 4G phone coverage by launching their 4G network in Salt Lake City and St. Louis.
Sprint is also due to launch 4G in a number of other markets in the near future.
The list of upcoming 4G rollouts include Los Angeles, San Francisco and Boston.
Sprint – Second 4G Phone Will Be Samsung Epic 4G
After the runaway success of the HTC EVO 4G, Sprint is getting ready to launch its second 4G phone.
The Samsung Epic 4G will be the first 4G phone with a full landscape sliding QWERTY keyboard. It’ll be a touchscreen phone running Android 2.1. You’ll also be able to use use the Samsung Epic 4G phone as a WiFi hotspot for up to 5 additional devices. Other goodies include a 5 megapixel camera with autofocus and flash.
Pricing and release date info is still to be announced by Sprint & Samsung.
