Sprint says some of its customers will be able to get WiMAX service in Jamaica and Taiwan.
The company has launched WiMAX roaming with Digicel in Jamaica and Global Mobile in Taiwan. Customers using devices equipped with Sprint’s SmartView Connection Manager will be able to get a day’s worth of unlimited WiMAX roaming service for $14.99.
“Over the years, we’ve built a robust ecosystem of partners that dwarves any other 4G ecosystem available today and as the first U.S. wireless carrier to launch international 4G roaming, we’ve clearly demonstrated our leadership,” said Todd Rowley, vice president of Sprint 4G, in a press release.
Sprint’s website indicates the service will be available on all of its WiMAX USB dongles, which can be equipped with the SmartView software, but not on its personal WiMAX hot spots, which don’t list the SmartView software as an optional download.
Sprint says it is the first national U.S. carrier to offer international roaming for its next-generation mobile broadband network. Clearwire currently offers its customers with WiMAX-equipped Intel laptops roaming service with UQ Communications in Japan.
Sprint announced its deal with Digicel and Global Mobile in December 2010 but did not say at the time when the service would launch.