Sprint Lines Up Support For Next-Gen Network

Sprint PCS

Sprint said Tuesday at the CTIA wireless conference here that Handspring is developing the Treo for the carrier's forthcoming 2.5G network. The Treo, based on Palm's PDA operating system, combines voice and PIM functionality in one device.

In addition, Sprint unveiled Monday a Pocket PC 2002 Phone Edition device to be manufactured by Audiovox. Sprint is the fourth carrier to support devices equipped with a Microsoft mobile operating system. Voicestream Wireless, Verizon Wireless and Cingular Wireless also said they will support Microsoft OS-based devices.

A Handspring executive said the company has dedicated a team to market the device to the enterprise and is developing programs for VARs and integrators. But he said the Treo, like other Handspring programs, remains primarily a consumer device.

Both products are expected to go on sale midyear. Sprint plans to sell the AudioVox device through its channels and will co-brand and jointly market the Treo with Handspring.