Sprint recently announced that it would start selling two 5G-capable devices on its retail outlets in areas served by its 5G network beginning May 31st.
The two 5G devices that Sprint will sell on its stores are the LG V50 ThinQ 5G, and the HTC 5G Hub. On the launch date, interested consumers may purchase these devices from stores located in Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, and Kansas City, and it will also become available in outlets located in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City, Phoenix, and Washington DC in the coming weeks.
The service provider is also offering limited-time pricing along with the launch of its first 5G devices. Consumers who will purchase the V50 ThinQ 5G through the Sprint Flex Lease program may obtain the device for $24 per month, which lowers the lease price of the smartphone by 50-percent.
Sprint is also offering a 50-percent reduction in the price of the HTC 5G Hub, and subscribers may purchase the mobile hotspot for $12.50 per month. However, users will have to activate the 5G Hub by subscribing to a $60 per month plan, which comes with a 100GB monthly data allocation.
Even though the two devices will become officially available by the end of the month, Sprint subscribers have the option to pre-order the devices through its official website starting May 17th.
Aside from offering new devices, Sprint is also providing services that let users take advantage of the carrier’s next-generation network. The company recently collaborated with Hatch, a company that offers a pioneering mobile cloud gaming service.
In addition to gaining access to more than 100 different games on its content library, Hatch offers features including competitive leaderboards, shared gameplay sessions, and a safe gaming place for children. A free three-month subscription to Hatch’s gaming service comes free with every 5G device sold on Sprint’s stores.
In the face of growing uncertainties related to its pending merger with competitor T-Mobile, Sprint continues to invest in its infrastructure, with the carrier continuing to expand and improve its existing LTE network as well as installing 5G network equipment in select locations across the United States. The company’s next-generation network will first become available in nine cities in the country, and its coverage will likely expand as time progresses.
Despite launching its 5G network considerably later than its larger rivals AT&T and Verizon, the carrier claims that it may have a better 5G debut than its competition through its slow but steady approach in deploying 5G infrastructure.
Sprint also has the advantage of holding vast 2.5GHz spectrum portfolio across the United States, which the carrier could use for its 5G network. While it may not offer as much bandwidth as the mmWave frequencies utilized by its competition, using sub-6GHz bands allow carriers to provide 5G services across wider areas and inside buildings.
Recently, the carrier showcased the capabilities of its 5G network in a test conducted at the recent Google I/O event. The network operator used networking equipment from Ericsson, 40MHz of its 2.5GHz spectrum holdings, and the V50 ThinQ 5G. The company demonstrated in the event how users would benefit from 5G, including streaming 4K video, gaming, and use of in-air gesture commands.