Thursday, March 22, 2007

Sprint Customers Get Industry First: GPS Navigation Bundled in Data Packs

location based services

OVERLAND PARK, Kan.- Sprint (NYSE:S) customers soon will have the power of a new robust GPS-enabled navigation service included at no additional charge in select Sprint data packs. Sprint Navigation powered by TeleNav will give customers the power of a full-featured GPS navigation device right on select Sprint phones, and unlimited use of Sprint Navigation will be included in the new Sprint Power VisionSM Navigation Pack, along with two other existing data packs. In addition, Sprint customers who subscribe to other Sprint data packs will have access to Sprint Navigation for just $2.99 per day. Whether a customer is a frequent traveler needing directions, likes to explore local restaurants and shops, or is looking for the lowest gas prices, Sprint Navigation will give customers the power to do all of these things in the palm of their hands. Sprint Navigation will include the following features:
Voice-guided and on-screen turn-by-turn GPS-enabled driving directions, which speaks street names for each turn
3-D moving maps similar to an in-car navigation system or personal navigation device
Real-time intelligent traffic alerts and one-click rerouting
Local search with more than 10 million points of interest
Lowest price gas finder
Interactive voice response for destination entry by speech instead of text or phone number
Pedestrian mode
Spanish-language option
Pre-trip planning site at www.sprint.com/navigation"Sprint Navigation will provide flexible options for Sprint data customers to easily access the most complete GPS navigation service right on their phone, when and where they want to," said George Ranallo, director of wireless data applications for Sprint. "Whether subscribing to a data pack that offers unlimited access or using the service on a pay-per-day basis, customers will have the power to use Sprint Navigation in the way that best fits their needs."The new Sprint Power Vision Navigation Pack will include unlimited use of Sprint Navigation, along with unlimited data access and Web browsing, Sprint Mobile Email, Sprint Picture Mail, Sprint Radio and Sprint TVSM, all for $20 per month. Unlimited access to Sprint Navigation also will be included in the existing Sprint Power Vision Ultimate Pack and Sprint Power Vision Business Pack, both priced at $25 per month. All other Sprint Vision, Power Vision and PowerSource packs will include pay-per-day access to Sprint Navigation for $2.99 per 24-hour period of use. Sprint Navigation will be available in April on most Power Vision phones, including the popular Motorola RAZR, Motorola KRZR and FUSIC by LG, as well as many Sprint Vision phones. Available Sprint Navigation features will vary by phone. Reporters attending the CTIA WIRELESS trade show March 27-29 can view a demonstration of Sprint Navigation at the Sprint booth, #2987, on the show floor Sprint, which offers the largest voice calling area and a nationwide mobile broadband network, also has the longest history of providing location-based services in the wireless industry, beginning in 2000 with location and mobility services, the first GPS-enabled phone to support E911 services in 2001, the first navigation service on wireless phones with turn-by-turn driving directions in 2003, and the first family location service in 2006. Sprint continues its leadership in location-based services by offering the largest portfolio of wireless mobility solutions for enterprise, general business and consumers. Sprint offers more than a dozen consumer GPS applications, including navigation, local search and specialty applications, such as Sprint Family Locator, BiM Active by Bones in Motion and Smarter Agent Apartments for Rent. Sprint was recognized as Frost & Sullivan's LBS Company of the Year in 2005 and 2006. About Sprint NextelSprint Nextel offers a comprehensive range of wireless and wireline communications services bringing the freedom of mobility to consumers, businesses and government users. Sprint Nextel is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying innovative technologies, including two robust wireless networks serving 53.1 million customers at the end of 2006; industry-leading mobile data services; instant national and international walkie-talkie capabilities; and an award-winning and global Tier 1 Internet backbone. For more information, visit www.sprint.com.

No comments: