MVNO FreedomPop Signs Deal with Sprint for Access to its LTE Network

FreedomPop, a company that is working hard to bring a new kind of mobile virtual network operator that is focused only on data, is getting set to launch and when it does it appears it will be launching thanks in large part to Sprint. The two companies have reached an agreement for Sprint to resell its 3G and 4G access. This deal will give FreedomPop the freedom to reach more users as it will be upgrading from Clearwire’s smaller WiMax coverage for what will eventually be almost coast-to-coast in Sprint’s 4G LTE networks.

FreedomPop has taken its sweet time coming to the market, in large part because it seems the company wants to make sure it is doing things the rightway. Higher ups at the startup company say they are still expecting to officially launch later this summer or at the beginning of the fall, boasting WiMAX modems and a device that is being called the WiMAX sleeve.This particular device will slide over an iPhone or iPhone 4S. VP of Marketing, Tony Miller recently told reporters that, “We’re going to launch with Clearwire, but we’ll be live with Sprint by the end of the year.”

When the company makes the move to Sprint, it will be offering what is known as a tri-mode WiMAX, LTE and CDMA modems and sleeves. Part of this particular deal means that as Sprint’s reach begins to grow in the LTE market, FreedomPop will start phasing out the WiMAX part of its networks. While FreedomPop has said it may take a second look at Clearwire, the reaches of the two networks seems to indicate that Sprint will be the better move going forward.

For its part, this move is seen quite surprising for Sprint, merely because most cellular providers are not as quick to adopt MVNOs as they have been. Most companies have played it close to the vest with their newest technologies, but Sprint is apparently willing to take the risk of opening itself up.

FreedomPop has also come up with a different business model, allowing their customers 500 MB of data a month, which they will then allow their customers to trade like currency. The company will be getting some attention if nothing else.

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