Just a few days ago, Sprint announced its plans to release a ton of new and exciting handsets which included WiMax-capable devices. Our initial thoughts were, “Who’s gonna use these? And outside of a few cities, where is WiMax even available?” But it looks like Sprint has a plan and is sticking to it as Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth and a few other cities are going to be lit up with 4G goodness.

Sprint says, “To use Sprint 4G service, all you will need is a 4G plan and the Sprint 3G/4G USB Modem U300. Just plug in the device and start downloading mammoth attachments, uploading huge files and video-conferencing with no lag.” In case you were wondering, WiMax hits max speeds of about 10Mbps, which is faster than what some people have wired at home, and averages between 3Mbps – 6Mbps. We’re just hoping that the 4G plans are set at the right price points.Read

As is well known, Sprint and Clearwire are slowly pushing forward on their ever expanding 4G network. Mirroring a report from back in June of this year, Sprint is once again said to be working on a WiMAX-enabled smartphone that will support both 4G and 3G connectivity. Just as current CDMA mobile phones switch switch between 1xRTT and EV-DO, the new handset will manage WiMAX and EV-DO signals in a similar manner. The big question is not whether or not Sprint will make such a smartphone, but which OS will this new handset run? Analysts suggest that Android will the platform of choice with Samsung as the manufacturer supplying the necessary hardware. This rumored 4G/3G smartphone will reportedly launch when Clearwire reaches the 100 million subscriber mark in the US, a goal expected to be achieved towards the end of 2010.

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As the line between Clearwire and Sprint’s 4G services continues to get more confusing with each passing day, we can at least take solace in knowing that WiMAX is progressing somewhere in the country. Corny and redundant press release titles aside, Sprint announced yesterday that its 4G services are now live and ready to rock in three “new” markets: Las Vegas, NV; Portland, OR and Atlanta, GA. The announcement comes two days later than the leaked WiMAX roadmap indicated earlier this month but we’d say it’s now safe to assume the rest of the list will pan out as it suggests — provided Sprint stays on schedule, of course. In terms of pricing, Sprint’s mobile broadband plan with a 4G cherry on top will run you $69.99 per month for unlimited 4G (includes 5GB of 3G data) and $10 day passes are available.

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Sprint announced a pair of wireless routers this morning that will surely grab the attention of subscribers who frequent various WiMAX-covered regions, both present and forthcoming. The Personal Hotspot PHS300S (pictured above, left) and the Cradlepoint MBR-1000 each support 3G (EV-DO Rev. A) and 4G (WiMAX) connectivity and combine to cover consumer and enterprise markets. The PHS300S is a 3G/4G portable hotspot that supports up to 4 simultaneous WiFi connections. Think of the MiFi as Barry Bonds before steroids and the PHS300S as Barry Bonds after steroids. The MBR-1000 on the other hand, is designed for enterprise use and is more of a stationary solution. It too supports 3G and 4G, and it allows up to 32 simultaneous connections. The Personal Hotspot PHS300S goes for $159.99 via telesales, online and in retails stores while the Cradlepoint MBR-1000 costs $249.99 via business channels. Both are available immediately and require a 3G or 4G data plan ranging from $39.99 to $79.99 per month.

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With LTE getting closer to becoming a reality in the US each day, Sprint knows it has to kick things into high gear as far as WiMAX is concerned — love Sprint’s decision to back WiMAX or hate it, there’s no turning back now. Sprint is steering clear of specifics when discussing its official plans, especially with regards to timing. Unofficially however, a possible roadmap has just leaked and it may shine some light on what early adopters have to look forward to for the remainder of 2009. While not all of the regions listed above are cause for celebration, there are definitely some major markets on the sheet that had previously been unmentioned. And yes, the roadmap shows Baltimore getting more attention via some kind of service update before New York, LA, or San Fransisco launch. Sweet.

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Now before you get too excited about this, Sprint subscribers, know that we have to throw some annoying words/phrases at it first. Rumor, possible, unconfirmed, skeptical, grain of salt and so on. Right then… According to PhoneNews.com, Sprint finally has Android positioned squarely in its sights. First up, the company is allegedly in the midst of testing the HTC Hero with a planned release toward the end of this year. While we haven’t yet heard any rumblings of a CDMA version in the works, it’s certainly feasible and tough to completely count out. Secondly, the blog reports that Sprint is currently testing an Android-powered handset from Samsung as well — the key here being this little guy reportedly sports WiMAX and CDMA. Could this secret Sammy be the tri-mode WiMAX/WiFi/CDMA handset we heard about earlier this month? We sure hope so.

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Oh hi, 4G. Despite already having been live for over a month now, Clearwire has just made WiMAX’s presence in Atlanta, Georgia official. One of over 15 cities that are covered or will be covered between now and the end of 2010, Atlanta might be considered the biggest launch to date. With 1,200 square miles and approximately 3 million people now covered in Atlanta, the city is also a major hub for air travel in the US. In fact, this WiMAX launch is made even more significant by the fact Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is constantly plagued with massive delays. Got eight hours before your connecting flight will actually take off and don’t feel like rewarding the airport by paying for Wi-Fi while it makes you wait? WiMAX subscribers are good to go. As far as pricing goes, Atlanta lines up with other WiMAX-covered territories; home Internet plans start at $20 per month, mobile plans start at $40 per month and day passes are available for $10.

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With rumors of a Sprint-bound tri-mode CDMA/WiFi/WiMAX handset gaining traction, we thought it might be a good time to talk about what is as opposed to what could be. Sure, a tri-mode handset would be amazing but without official word from Sprint it’s still just speculation. 3G is so 2000 and late, Sprint is the only carrier with a live 4G network here in the US… So what’s up? Hit the jump for a full assessment of where Sprint 4G is at right now and where it’s confirmed to be going in the near future.

The following markets are live or will be live before 2009 is out, according to Sprint (alphabetical order):

• Atlanta
• Baltimore
• Chicago
• Charlotte
• Dallas/Ft. Worth
• Honolulu
• Las Vegas
• Philadelphia
• Portland
• Seattle

At least the following markets will launch in 2010, according to Sprint:

• New York
• Boston
• Washington, DC
• Houston
• San Francisco Bay Area

As far as hardware goes, the dual mode U300 is currently available and it supports both 3G and 4G. Other devices Sprint has stated will reach market throughout 2009 and 2010 include a single-mode 4G data card, embedded laptops, “Small-office-home-office devices”, 4G personal hotspot devices and a 4G phone. In other words, things have most definitely been slow going but Sprint finally appears to be kicking things into high gear. In fact, the company is poised to have a substantial 4G network in place with a respectable portfolio of devices before the competition even gets its feet off the ground. 4G personal hotspot? Yes, please.