How the iPad is benefiting Sprint's mobile broadband sales

Sprint recently noticed an increase in sales of its Overdrive (3g/4g) MiFi wireless hotspot, and it seems the iPad is behind it all. In an interview with GigaOM, Sprint's chief executive officer, Dan Hesse, noted that most iPads sold are Wi-Fi only. Since their introduction, his company has seen an increase in sales of the Overdrive.

When asked about the iPhone, Hess refused comment, stating that Sprint policy is to refrain from commenting on its relationship with vendors. He also noted that Sprint is banking its future on great customer experience, a simple value proposition and finally the actual devices (in that order). Currently, Sprint is carrying BlackBerry and Android phones, while arch-rival Verizon is almost a lock to be selling the iPhone next year.

Meanwhile, Verizon is addressing the iPad-plus-hotspot trend directly by offering iPad/MiFi bundles in its retail stores. For those who want to support an iPad in addition to a few other devices, it's not a bad way to go.

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Source: http://gigaom.com/2010/10/29/sprint-ceo-dan-hess/?utm_source…

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Sprint recently noticed an increase in sales of its Overdrive (3g/4g) MiFi wireless hotspot, and it seems the iPad is behind it all. In an...

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Steve

By the way if anyone is interested in pay monthly laptop deals, check out: http://www.uk-mobile-broadband-deals.com/free-laptop.php

November 04 2010 at 5:35 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Steve

Definitely the same thing is happenning in the UK, mobile wifi sales have gone through the roof since the iPad launched. However I still the believe the iPad and other tablets are too expensive for mass market appeal. Over here you can get deals on pay monthly laptops where you essentially get a free netbook or fairly basic laptop with a mobile broadband contract. Some of the deals work out at about $30 a month or less including the free laptop but tablets are hundreds of dollars with the mobile broadband to be paid for on top. Until carriers start subsidising tablet they're going to have a hard time brekaing out of the niche market.

November 04 2010 at 5:32 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Zach Hudson

Maybe Sprint will be carrying the iPhone next year? I'm really hoping, I would love to have an iPhone on Sprint.

October 29 2010 at 9:28 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Roberto

The spotty coverage is ridiculous, and the $60+fees every single month is even more ridiculous.

October 29 2010 at 2:21 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Roberto

I think that the point of selling an unlocked iPad was that I could insert a GSM SIM card from another data provider.

Could it be that CEOs know that the iPad 2 will be locked?

October 29 2010 at 2:09 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

kwjayhawk

Just got a Palm Pre on Verizon that comes with a mobile hotspot and saved a buck. Works great with my iPad. The laptop now stays home!

October 29 2010 at 1:33 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

NERV

I used to use an iPhone but when I found out I wouldn't be able to tether with my iPad I changed to an Evo 4G. I'm loving it!

October 29 2010 at 1:28 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

2 replies to NERV's comment

darbronnoco420

mywi.... done

October 29 2010 at 1:51 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

redcard

Shame you didn't find out about jailbreaking!

October 29 2010 at 2:12 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Seth

As of this week, I've gotten 4G speeds near Grand Central from 7-10 (!) Mbps with my Sprint EVO, and with the Seido 3500 MhA battery I can run it on 4G as a hotspot with my iPad for about 4 hours.

From what I understand, the Mifi only gets 1-2 hours and is 3G only, and its a third device to carry around. The iPad battery can last up to 11 hours.

October 29 2010 at 1:28 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply