Sprint Corp. launched its PCS Data Link high-speed wireless connectivity solution, which the company said was designed to provide mobile employees with secure, remote access to critical corporate resources and replace current CDPD and private radio networks.
A number of carriers currently operating CDPD networks, including AT&T Wireless Services Inc. and Verizon Wireless, have announced plans to shutter those networks over the next several years in favor of next-generation network access.
Sprint said the service uses a PCS Connection Card with a laptop computer or personal digital assistant over Sprint PCS’ nationwide network and will provide average data throughput of between 50 and 70 kilobits per second compared with the approximately 10 kbps available through CDPD networks.
The service will include two offerings including Sprint Frame Relay PVC, which allows enterprises to connect their corporate networks and Sprint PCS’ network using a Frame Relay Permanent Virtual Circuit leveraging Sprint’s Global Frame Relay Network, or an IP-based Virtual Private Network that allows enterprises to connect to Sprint PCS’ network through Sprint’s Tier 1 IP backbone or through non-Sprint IP access.
Sprint said it will offer special deals for current CDPD users designed to offset the cost associated with migrating to its CDMA-based network, including service credits and agreements with NetMotion Wireless and Padcom Inc. to offer free client and server software for customers requiring 128-bit encryption or static IP addressing.
