Network operator Sprint and wireless solutions specialist Novatel announced the launch of Novatel’s latest MiFi wireless hotspot, the MiFi 500 Long Term Evolution (LTE), among the first tri-band devices to join Sprint’s family of mobile broadband devices providing access to the company’s 4G LTE network at 800MHz, 1.9GHz and 2.5GHz.
The MiFi 500 LTE will be available on July 19 for $49.99 (excluding taxes) with a new line or eligible upgrade, two-year service agreement and $50 mail-in rebate through a reward card. Plan monthly prices, excluding taxes and fees, start at $34.99 for 3GB of combined 3G/4G data while on the Sprint network. Customers also can choose the $49.99 plan with 6GB of combined 3G/4G data, or $79.99 for 12GB of 3G/4G data.
The MiFi 500 LTE features include advanced security battery life averaging 10 hours of use on a single charge, a compact design, a user-friendly, intuitive device menu, GPS over Wi-Fi capability makes connecting to GPS applications easier, WiFi Protected Setup (WPS) designed to make connecting to certain devices smoother, the ability to connect up to 10 WiFi enabled devices, including laptops, mobile gaming devices and tablets, and the ability to accurately check data usage from the Web interface.
“Sprint is thrilled to partner with Novatel Wireless to bring our customers the latest MiFi device that takes advantage of Sprint’s cutting-edge Network Vision technology,” David Owens, vice president of product development at Sprint, said in a statement. “Whether it’s streaming music or video on multiple devices, browsing the Web, online gaming or just catching up on email, the MiFi 500 LTE gives customers a secure, fast connection while providing access to all three of Sprint’s 4G LTE network bands.”
The MiFi 500 LTE includes Novatel software enhancements to the MiFi Technology Platform that extend usage time through more efficient use of battery capacity. MiFi users on platforms with the enhanced software features will also be able to download files over the Internet faster with MiFi models enhanced with Novatel’s software for Content Delivery Optimization (CDO). By utilizing optimized firmware on the MiFi technology platform, CDO can accelerate download speeds by as much as 30 percent beyond the 4G LTE capabilities of MiFi products.
“Effectively, we’re able to extend the usage time on a standard MiFi 2 battery from roughly eleven hours of usage time to well over 16 hours,” Slim Souissi, CTO of Novatel, said in a statement. “As a result, when these enhancements are deployed, we expect that users will be able to stay connected for up to two full business days without having to worry about recharging.
“The launch of devices like the MiFi 500 LTE, which can operate on three spectrum bands, represents another milestone in Sprint’s rollout of Network Vision, which represents a nationwide update of the Sprint network leveraging the 800MHz, 1.9GHz and 2.5GHz spectrum bands.”
Sprint 4G LTE currently reaches 110 markets, and the company said it plans to consolidate multiple network technologies into one seamless network with the goal of enhancing network coverage, improving call quality and increasing data speeds for customers.
“Built on the Novatel Wireless patented MiFi technology with a legacy of best-in-class performance and security features, we’re excited to introduce the MiFi 500 LTE and support Sprint’s Network Vision roll-out with this tri-band 4G LTE device,” Rob Hadley, chief marketing officer for Novatel Wireless, said in a statement.