Sprint Nextel ‘grenade:’ unlimited voice, messaging and data

Sprint Nextel Corp. has thrown down a gauntlet in the form of two new unlimited voice and data plans offered in the San Francisco market, home of a high-tech populace.
Sprint Nextel’s two Unlimited Access Pack plans include a $120-per-month plan that includes unlimited voice calling, messaging and mobile Web access, and a $150-per-month plan that bundles all of those options plus unlimited Internet access for a personal computer.
Wireless Internet access for a computer typically costs $60 per month.
Current Analysis analyst William Ho said in a research note that the trial plans “have the effect of a grenade blast, damaging not only wireless competitors but also landline carriers (both traditional wireline and cable) with an attractive wireline substitution story (both voice and data).”
However, Ho went on to note that “although Sprint is the first national carrier to offer unlimited voice, messaging and Web access, it’s still a trial with limited availability.”
Sprint Nextel was not immediately available for comment on whether it will expand the trial or make the plans a part of its nationwide offering.
The San Francisco area is also home to regional wireless operator MetroPCS Communications Inc., which offers an unlimited calling service beginning at $30.
In other Sprint Nextel news, the carrier’s Web site coverage maps also now include an option to show cell sites added to the network within the last 90 days, and cell sites that the carrier expects to add within the next three months.