Sprint PCS Launches Wireless Service As CDPD Replacement Option

The service offers additional security and persistent roaming capabilities not available on its standard next-generation wireless WAN network, PCS Vision, said Jason Guesman, director of business marketing at Sprint PCS, Overland Park, Kan.

It also adds an option to connect into corporate networks via an IP VPN that terminates at a corporate VPN appliance or virtual frame relay circuit, he said. The VPN option is free, while the frame relay option requires an additional investment the circuit and maintenance changes.

AT&T announced late last year that it plans to shut down its nationwide CDPD network in June 2004. The wireless carrier in March stopped selling CDPD equipment and connection plans.

Mobile integrators were up in arms over the AT&T announcement because their customers in the public-safety vertical have been relying on the CDPD network as a cost-effective way to link remote workers with corporate databases and meet stringent government security standards. At the time, they complained that next-generation wireless networks were too expensive and lacked enhanced security capabilities.

Some of the security enhancements are being provided by NetMotion Wireless, a Seattle mobile ISV. Through NetMotion's software, PCS Datalink customers get access to encryption including AES, Twofish, 3DES and DES, as well as support for RADIUS servers. The software also provides session persistence, so mobile workers don't have to log in again if they lose a network connection or roam outside of a coverage area, according to NetMotion.

Wireless data services are priced the same as PCS Vision, a spokeswoman said. Plans start at $40 per month for 20 Mbytes, and the company also offers an unlimited-use plan for $80 per month for business customers. Discounts for government users are available as well.

These prices are higher than typical plans for CDPD, which is much slower than PCS Vision but costs verticals about $40 per month per user on a flat rate, solution providers said.

In conjunction with its launch, Sprint is offering through its direct-sales force and solution provider partners a special that includes a free PCS Connection Card, a service credit on trunk-mounted or embedded modems, and two months of free service. The discounts are available to customers migrating 100 or more corporate lines from CDPD networks with $40-or-higher wireless service plans and a two-year PCS Advantage Agreement.