This morning Sprint Nextel officially launched the Novatel Wireless S720 air card. The first EVDO rev A capable device in the U.S.
Expected average speeds will be 450kbps-800kbps download, and 300kbps-400kbps upload. These speeds are not “peak data transfer rates”, and many Sprint Nextel EVDO rev O. customers currently enjoy speeds much higher than speeds stated as expected average. Peak data rates for EVDO rev A. are 3.1 mbps download and 1.8 mbps upload respectively. Actual data transfer rates will most likely fall in the middle of expected average rates and peak rates, dependant on network congestion of course.The EVDO rev A network upgrades will begin by the end of the year.
The Merlin S720 will initially be sold through Sprint indirect and business sales channels and online for a suggested retail price of $249.99 and as low as $99.99 with a two-year subscriber agreement. Service plans for the card currently range from $39.99 per month for 40 MB to $79.99 per month for unlimited data usage. By signing a two-year subscriber agreement you will be eligible to receive unlimited data plan for $59.99 per month without a separate voice plan.
