Get Ready to Experience Two of the First Tri-Band 4G LTE Devices from Sprint - NETGEAR Zing Mobile Hotspot and NETGEAR USB Modem

OVERLAND PARK, Kan., and SAN JOSE, Calif. – July 15, 2013 – Sprint (NYSE:S) and NETGEAR^® Inc. (NASDAQGM: NTGR) today announced July 19 availability of two of the first tri-band 4G LTE devices from Sprint, the NETGEAR^® Zing Mobile Hotspot™ and the NETGEAR^® 341U USB Modem. These devices are designed to bring customers improved network performance and stronger in-building coverage by taking advantage of 4G LTE deployment on  Sprint’s network (at 1.9GHz  800MHzand2.5GHz).

The three bands of spectrum accessible on these devices will provide Sprint customers a high-quality, consistently fast 4G LTE network experience, whether they are sitting at their desks, catching up with friends at a coffee shop, or relaxing on vacation.

• 800MHz spectrum being added to Sprint’s LTE network later this year excels at in-building coverage. This spectrum has been repurposed for LTE as Sprint ceased operations June 30 of the Nextel National Network.
• Sprint’s 1.9GHz spectrum acts as the primary band in its 4G LTE nationwide build-out. Average performance falls in the range of 6-8Mbps, peaking at 25Mbps, for downlink and 2-3Mbps for uplink.
• 2.5GHz spectrum , which excels at broad-based, high-speed coverage, is expected to provide Sprint customers increased speeds and capacity in densely populated cities.

Customers will be able to purchase the NETGEAR Zing Mobile Hotspot for $49.99 (excluding taxes) after a $50 mail-in rebate via reward card² and the NETGEAR 341U USB Modem for $19.99 (excluding taxes) after $50 mail-in rebate via reward card². Pricing for both devices requires a new line or eligible upgrade, a two-year service agreement and can be purchased through www.sprint.com, Sprint retail stores, 1-800-SPRINT1 and Sprint Business Sales.

Sprint mobile broadband data plans for the Zing Mobile Hotspot start at $34.99 per month excluding taxes and fees for 3GB of combined 3G/4G data while on the Sprint network. For both the Zing Mobile Hotspot and the 341U USB device, customers can choose the $49.99 plan with 6GB of combined 3G/4G data or $79.99 plan with 12GB of 3G/4G data.

“The launch of devices like the NETGEAR Zing Mobile Hotspot and the plug-in 341U USB Modem that can operate on three spectrum bands is another milestone in Sprint’s rollout of Network Vision,” said David Owens, vice president-Product Development, Sprint. “These two devices are the perfect choice for customers who need mobile broadband to stay connected when working remotely or while traveling. When combined with one of the Sprint mobile broadband plans, they can save a significant amount of money compared to our competitors’ services.”

Three Network Bands, Two Devices, One Great User Experience

The NETGEAR Zing Mobile Hotspot is the first 4G LTE mobile hotspot from Sprint with international capabilities using GSM roaming. With this versatile device, Sprint customers can extend their experience beyond their laptops to up to 10 Wi-Fi-enabled devices, such as tablets, laptops, cameras, music players, personal media players and portable game consoles.

The device is also the first mobile hotspot from Sprint with a 2.4-inch LCD touchscreen display, offering the ability to drill down into the settings menu with just a tap of the finger to adjust settings like brightness, network settings and Wi-Fi options. It is simple to set up and connect with no software required and users can expect up to 10 hours of battery life with the 2,500mAh battery.

The NETGEAR Zing Mobile Hotspot will be the first mobile hotspot that meets Sprint’s environmental specifications and marks an expansion of Sprint’s sustainability leadership beyond offering phones with eco-friendly attributes. Sprint and NETGEAR worked closely together to extend the device’s environmental attributes, boasting a high recyclability rate (75 percent), minimal use of environmentally sensitive materials, and 100 percent recyclable packaging. Sprint will continue to work with other manufacturers to achieve similar environmental attributes for hotspot products going forward. 

“NETGEAR’s core value is to strive toward making the Internet fast and simple to access,” said Michael Clegg, senior vice president of Service Provider Business at NETGEAR. “This is something that is built into all of our leading-edge wireless products. We are very excited to be working with Sprint to launch these two products, which align with both Sprint’s and NETGEAR’s missions and values. Sprint’s customers can now get the best network connection available to them in any location and continue to enjoy the freedom of mobile broadband.”

For those who prefer a plug-in option, the NETGEAR 341U USB Modem will be the first tri-band 4G LTE-capable USB modem from Sprint. This small yet powerful device features a built-in LCD display to monitor connection status, signal strength and data usage with a quick glance. With no installation CD required or startup delay, the NETGEAR 341U USB Modem makes it easy to stay productive on-the-go without having to constantly hunt for public Wi-Fi.  Other great features include integrated GPS for location-based services, and a unique foldaway USB swivels 180 degrees.

Sprint offers 4G LTE service in 110 markets, including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, Miami and Puerto Rico. Additionally, many customers are discovering Sprint 4G LTE in cities that haven’t yet officially been announced, including Washington, D.C., New York and San Francisco.

 

For the most up-to-date details on Sprint’s 4G LTE portfolio and rollout, visit www.sprint.com/network. For detailed 4G LTE maps, visit www.sprint.com/coverage. Customers are encouraged to check back often because the maps will be updated whenever coverage is enhanced.

About Sprint

Sprint offers a comprehensive range of wireless and wireline communications services bringing the freedom of mobility to consumers, businesses and government users. Sprint served more than 55 million customers at the end of the first quarter of 2013 and is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying innovative technologies, including the first wireless 4G service from a national carrier in the United States; offering industry-leading mobile data services, leading prepaid brands including Virgin Mobile USA, Boost Mobile, and Assurance Wireless; instant national and international push-to-talk capabilities; and a global Tier 1 Internet backbone. The American Customer Satisfaction Index rated Sprint as the most improved company in customer satisfaction, across all 47 industries, during the last five years. Newsweek ranked Sprint No. 3 in both its 2011 and 2012 Green Rankings, listing it as one of the nation’s greenest companies, the highest of any telecommunications company. You can learn more and visit Sprint at www.sprint.com or www.facebook.com/sprint and www.twitter.com/sprint.

 

About NETGEAR Inc. 
NETGEAR (NASDAQGM: NTGR) is a global networking company that delivers innovative products to consumers, businesses and service providers. For consumers, the company makes high-performance, dependable and easy-to-use home networking, storage and digital media products to connect people with the Internet and their content and devices. For businesses, NETGEAR provides networking, storage and security solutions without the cost and complexity of big IT. The company also supplies top service providers with retail-proven, mobile broadband solutions for their customers on the go. NETGEAR products are built on a variety of proven technologies such as wireless, Ethernet and Powerline, with a focus on reliability and ease-of-use. NETGEAR products are sold in approximately 36,000 retail locations around the globe and through approximately 43,000 value-added resellers. The company's headquarters are in San Jose, Calif., with additional offices in over 25 countries. More information is available at www.NETGEAR.com or by calling 408- 907-8000. Connect with NETGEAR at twitter.com/NETGEAR and www.facebook.com/NETGEAR.

Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 for NETGEAR, Inc.: This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Specifically, statements concerning NETGEAR's business and the expected performance characteristics, specifications, reliability, market acceptance, market growth, specific uses, user feedback and market position of NETGEAR's products and technology are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Safe Harbor. These statements are based on management's current expectations and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, the following: the actual price, performance and ease of use of NETGEAR's products may not meet the price, performance and ease of use requirements of customers; product performance may be adversely affected by real world operating conditions; failure of products may under certain circumstances cause permanent loss of end user data; new viruses or Internet threats may develop that challenge the effectiveness of security features in NETGEAR's products; the ability of NETGEAR to market and sell its products and technology; the impact and pricing of competing products; and the introduction of alternative technological solutions. Further information on potential risk factors that could affect NETGEAR and its business are detailed in the Company's periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. NETGEAR undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

©2013 NETGEAR Inc. NETGEAR, the NETGEAR logo, and Zing Mobile Hotspot are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of NETGEAR Inc. and/or its subsidiaries in the United States and/or other countries. Other brand names mentioned herein are for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective holder(s). Information is subject to change without notice. All rights reserved. 

Media Contacts:

Nichole (Cappitelli) Pichardo, Sprint
949-748-3364
nichole.pichardo@sprint.com

Jeff Norris, Weber Shandwick for NETGEAR
408-530-8458
Jnorris2@webershandwick.com

 

²The American Express Prepaid Reward Card (“Card”) provided in connection with this Rebate offer is a prepaid Card that is usable at U.S. merchants that accept American Express Card. Some limitations apply. The Card is not redeemable for cash (except where required by law) and does not provide ATM access. Use of Card constitutes acknowledgement that it is given as a reward and no consideration, value, or money has been paid by the holder to American Express in exchange for this Card. USE OF CARD IS SUBJECT TO THE CARDHOLDER AGREEMENT. SUBJECT TO APPLICABLE LAW, A $3 MONTHLY FEE WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST CARD BALANCE, STARTING SIX MONTHS AFTER CARD ISSUANCE, UNLESS FUNDS ARE EARLIER DEPLETED. For BALANCE, customer service and Cardholder Agreement, visit americanexpress.com/sprint or call 1-866-608-3756. Card issued by American Express Prepaid Card Management Corporation.