CHICAGO-Sprint Cellular announced Cellular Digital Packet Data trial systems now are available in four of its markets. Trial sites include Norfolk, Va., Raleigh and Greensboro, N.C., and Las Vegas, Nev.
The systems enable Sprint’s customers to use CDPD technology, which allows packets of information to be transmitted over unused portions of the current cellular voice network at speeds up to 19 kilobytes per second.
The trial site installations follow a successful commercial CDPD system implementation in Farmington, N.M., the company said.
Sprint also introduced a new billing structure for the service. The company said customers will be given a choice of four monthly rate plans with monthly minimums ranging from $9.95 to $69, based on usage. The price is determined by data transmitted per kilobyte and varies depending on the time of day. Multiline and volume discounts will apply, the company said.
Two Sprint customers are up and running with CDPD service in Farmington. Both are oil and gas companies that are using the technology to monitor remote well heads and pipelines. Each began commercial service after a year-long test.
Along with the expansion of its wireless services, Sprint announced it is continuing its relationship with Motorola Inc. by signing a $12 million agreement to provide the necessary infrastructure for its CDPD systems.
