June 22, 2006

Sprint Nextel just reported two international data roaming deals.

This opens up Canada and Mexico for its data customers as part of what the carrier calls an aggressive expansion by the U.S. wireless data provider throughout 2006 and beyond.

Under the reciprocal agreements, Sprint Nextel data subscribers will be able to roam using the networks of Bell Canada and Iusacell in Mexico.

“We’re meeting mobility and access needs by increasing our portfolio of international services,” said Danny Bowman, vice president of product at Sprint Nextel.

CDMA 2000 1x EV-DO data roaming services in Canada are available in the greater Toronto and Montreal areas, as well as in Quebec City, Mt. Tremblant, Ottawa, Hamilton, Charlottetown, Oakville, Muskoka, Halifax, St. John’s, Charlottetown, Moncton and Fredericton using Bell Canada’s network.

In Mexico, 1x data roaming is now available in parts of Acapulco, Tecate and Vera Cruz, with higher-speed EV-DO capabilities in areas such as Mexico City, Cancun, Cabo San Lucas, Cozumel and Guadalajara.

Customers must have a data subscription, but do not need to add any additional features or permissions to their account.

Sprint Nextel is offering an unlimited data plan covering the U.S., Canada and Mexico for $130 per month with a one-year contract, or a promotional price of $100 per month with a voice plan and two-year contract.

Sprint Nextel recently expanded its domestic data and voice roaming capabilities through a contract with Alltel Corp.

Source: RCR News