After making the announcement earlier that it has an agreement for international WiMAX roaming in place, Sprint Corp. said on Monday that the deal is now commercial: Its customers traveling abroad now have roaming access to 4G networks offered by Digicel in Jamaica and Global Mobile in Taiwan.
Sprint 4G devices that operate with the Sprint SmartView Connection Manager will automatically detect the Digicel and Global Mobile networks, giving customers the option to connect and roam with an unlimited, 24-hour daypass for $14.99, excluding surcharges and taxes.
The announcement comes as the need for WiMAX roaming has become critical. WiMAX networks are finding themselves to be geographic islands – a reality that hampers 3G-like global uptake.
“Sprint has partnered with Digicel and Global Mobile to further enhance the global 4G ecosystem with services that empower travelers on the go," said Todd Rowley, vice president of Sprint 4G, in a statement. “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."
Digicel has the only 4G network in Jamaica, while Global Mobile is focused on providing innovative service such as carrier-grade VoIP and mobile TV to customers.
