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Tri-band devices expect to bring Sprint customers an improved 4G LTE network experience and stronger coverage indoors promised by the Sprint Network Vision build-out.

OVERLAND PARK, Kan., and SAN JOSE, Calif. -- July 15, 2013 -- Sprint (NYSE:S) and NETGEAR® Inc. (NASDAQGM: NTGR) today announced July 19 availability of two of the first tri-band 4G LTE devices from Sprint, the NETGEAR® Zing Mobile Hotspot™ and the NETGEAR® 341U USB Modem. These devices are designed to bring customers improved network performance and stronger in-building coverage by taking advantage of 4G LTE deployment on Sprint’s network (at 1.9GHz 800MHzand2.5GHz).

The three bands of spectrum accessible on these devices will provide Sprint customers a high-quality, consistently fast 4G LTE network experience, whether they are sitting at their desks, catching up with friends at a coffee shop, or relaxing on vacation.

• 800MHz spectrum being added to Sprint’s LTE network later this year excels at in-building coverage. This spectrum has been repurposed for LTE as Sprint ceased operations June 30 of the Nextel National Network.
• Sprint’s 1.9GHz spectrum acts as the primary band in its 4G LTE nationwide build-out. Average performance falls in the range of 6-8Mbps, peaking at 25Mbps, for downlink and 2-3Mbps for uplink.
• 2.5GHz spectrum , which excels at broad-based, high-speed coverage, is expected to provide Sprint customers increased speeds and capacity in densely populated cities.

Customers will be able to purchase the NETGEAR Zing Mobile Hotspot for $49.99 (excluding taxes) after a $50 mail-in rebate via reward card2 and the NETGEAR 341U USB Modem for $19.99 (excluding taxes) after $50 mail-in rebate via reward card2. Pricing for both devices requires a new line or eligible upgrade, a two-year service agreement and can be purchased through www.sprint.com, Sprint retail stores, 1-800-SPRINT1 and Sprint Business Sales.

Sprint mobile broadband data plans for the Zing Mobile Hotspot start at $34.99 per month excluding taxes and fees for 3GB of combined 3G/4G data while on the Sprint network. For both the Zing Mobile Hotspot and the 341U USB device, customers can choose the $49.99 plan with 6GB of combined 3G/4G data or $79.99 plan with 12GB of 3G/4G data.

“The launch of devices like the NETGEAR Zing Mobile Hotspot and the plug-in 341U USB Modem that can operate on three spectrum bands is another milestone in Sprint’s rollout of Network Vision,” said David Owens, vice president-Product Development, Sprint. “These two devices are the perfect choice for customers who need mobile broadband to stay connected when working remotely or while traveling. When combined with one of the Sprint mobile broadband plans, they can save a significant amount of money compared to our competitors’ services.”

Three Network Bands, Two Devices, One Great User Experience

The NETGEAR Zing Mobile Hotspot is the first 4G LTE mobile hotspot from Sprint with international capabilities using GSM roaming. With this versatile device, Sprint customers can extend their experience beyond their laptops to up to 10 Wi-Fi-enabled devices, such as tablets, laptops, cameras, music players, personal media players and portable game consoles.

The device is also the first mobile hotspot from Sprint with a 2.4-inch LCD touchscreen display, offering the ability to drill down into the settings menu with just a tap of the finger to adjust settings like brightness, network settings and Wi-Fi options. It is simple to set up and connect with no software required and users can expect up to 10 hours of battery life with the 2,500mAh battery.

The NETGEAR Zing Mobile Hotspot will be the first mobile hotspot that meets Sprint’s environmental specifications and marks an expansion of Sprint’s sustainability leadership beyond offering phones with eco-friendly attributes. Sprint and NETGEAR worked closely together to extend the device’s environmental attributes, boasting a high recyclability rate (75 percent), minimal use of environmentally sensitive materials, and 100 percent recyclable packaging. Sprint will continue to work with other manufacturers to achieve similar environmental attributes for hotspot products going forward.

“NETGEAR’s core value is to strive toward making the Internet fast and simple to access,” said Michael Clegg, senior vice president of Service Provider Business at NETGEAR. “This is something that is built into all of our leading-edge wireless products. We are very excited to be working with Sprint to launch these two products, which align with both Sprint’s and NETGEAR’s missions and values. Sprint’s customers can now get the best network connection available to them in any location and continue to enjoy the freedom of mobile broadband.”

For those who prefer a plug-in option, the NETGEAR 341U USB Modem will be the first tri-band 4G LTE-capable USB modem from Sprint. This small yet powerful device features a built-in LCD display to monitor connection status, signal strength and data usage with a quick glance. With no installation CD required or startup delay, the NETGEAR 341U USB Modem makes it easy to stay productive on-the-go without having to constantly hunt for public Wi-Fi. Other great features include integrated GPS for location-based services, and a unique foldaway USB swivels 180 degrees.

Sprint offers 4G LTE service in 110 markets, including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, Miami and Puerto Rico. Additionally, many customers are discovering Sprint 4G LTE in cities that haven’t yet officially been announced, including Washington, D.C., New York and San Francisco.