Sprint, based in Overland Park, Kan., plans to launch the Novatel Wireless MiFi 2200 intelligent mobile hotspot device for $99.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate with a new two-year service agreement (excluding taxes). The MiFi 2200, available in the first week of June on www.sprint.com, in Sprint retail stores, and other select channels, will allow users to connect to the Internet by bridging WiFi-enabled devices like laptops, MP3 players, and gaming devices to a 3G network–the EVDO Rev A Sprint Mobile Broadband Network. Sprint will launch the service under the Sprint Mobile Hotspot name, and it will be the first in the U.S. to support MiFi’s GPS capabilities, enabling users to take advantage of select location and mapping applications.

“You can hold the MiFi 2200 in the palm of your hand, slip it in your pocket, even place it on a beach towel if you’re lying under the sun and wirelessly connect your laptop, MP3 player, and gaming device to the Internet all at once,” says Steve Elfman, president of network, wholesale and product, Sprint. “Now customers will be able to use one mobile broadband device–the MiFi 2200–to connect multiple personal devices or multiple users. If I have a WiFi-enabled device, I don’t need to find a WiFi hotspot. The MiFi 2200 creates one for me.”

Business and consumer customers may choose from the following service plans for the MiFi 2200: $59.99 per month mobile broadband only plan (excluding taxes and surcharges) or $149.99 per month Simply Everything Plan Mobile Broadband (phone plus device connectivity–excluding taxes and surcharges). Both plans include up to 5 GB per month and 5 cents per megabyte overage for the MiFi 2200.

The Simply Everything Plan Mobile Broadband was introduced this February to give customers the benefits of the Now Network on their phone and laptop for one price. The plan includes unlimited text, picture, and video messaging, GPS navigation, email and Web surfing on their phone, plus 5 GB of blazing Internet access on their mobile broadband device.

Key Features of the Novatel Wireless MiFi 2200 Intelligent Mobile Hotspot:

Measures 3.50″ x 2.32″ x 0.35″ and weights 2.05 oz.
Provides mobile broadband Rev A Internet access wirelessly
Supports up to five WiFi-enabled devices
Hands-Free Activation (OMA-DM) means no software installation required
Universal Wi-Fi compatibility
Security through WPA2-PSK, WEP, and SPI Firewall
MiFi GPS capabilities to take advantage of select location and mapping applications, such as getting driving or walking directions or finding the best restaurant nearby
Battery provides four hours of user time, 40 hours standby on single charge

Soon after its retail launch, Sprint Wholesale will also be offering a version of the Novatel MiFi 2200 to wholesale wireless partners.

“Supporting more than one WiFi-enabled device, businesses can enable their employees to cost-effectively share a connection when mobile with other employees, vendors or customers,” Elfman notes. “Now business professionals like claims adjusters, mobile professionals, retail employees and field service technicians can easily perform multiple functions using various WiFi devices, all over one connection.”