Virgin Mobile and Boost Mobile launching HTC EVO V 4G as first 4G phone

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Coming out of CTIA 2012 today, Virgin Mobile announced it plans to launch the HTC EVO V 4G on May 31 as its first 4G device. Of course, Sprint’s no-contract subsidiary will offer the device without a commitment, which means you will have to hand over $299 and a minimum of $35 per month to get your hands on it.

Virgin also announced today the arrival of the no-contract $35 4G data plans that will go hand-in-hand with the EVO V as outlined in the press release below. Sprint confirmed its EVO V 4G WiMAX variant would come to Boost Mobile also for $300 with data plans as low as $40.

Virgin Mobile USA Introduces 4G with No-Contract Plans
Starting as Low as $35 per Month

First 4G smartphone on Beyond Talk is the HTC EVO™ V 4G,
part of the award-winning EVO family

Overdrive Pro 3G/4G mobile hotspot by Sierra Wireless and
U600 3G/4G USB Stick by Franklin Wireless come to Broadband2Go

WARREN, N.J. – May 8, 2012 – Virgin Mobile USA continues to demonstrate how it’s answering to A Higher Calling with the speed of 4G, by offering customers who prefer a no-contract option the fully loaded HTC EVO™ V 4G on Virgin Mobile Beyond Talk monthly plans. The data-centric offers start at $35 per month for unlimited data and messaging. HTC EVO V 4G will be available for $299.99 beginning May 31.

As Sir Richard Branson states in his video manifesto for A Higher Calling, “Why pay for minutes when it’s unlimited data you really want?” Now customers will be able to enjoy unlimited 4G data where available and messaging on an iconic Android™-powered device, all for just $35/month. Including 2.5GB per month of full-speed data Virgin Mobile USA was recently “Highest Ranked Customer Service Performance among Non-Contract Wireless Providers” by J.D. Power and Associates. Virgin Mobile USA received the highest numerical score among non-contract wireless providers in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2012 Wireless Customer Care Non-Contract StudySM – Vol. 1. Study based on responses from 2,840 consumers measuring six non-contract wireless providers and measures opinions of consumers who contacted customer care within the past year. Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed July-December 2011. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com.

“’Higher Calling’ means we continue to look for ways to give our customers the best products possible at a great price, and we know our hyper-connected Beyond Talk customers will appreciate the real affordability paired with the innovative technology of the HTC EVO,” said Jeff Auman, vice president for Virgin Mobile USA. “You just can’t beat the value of EVO V 4G with plans starting at just $35 per month.”

On the mobile broadband side, Virgin Mobile’s Broadband2Go continues to offer no-contract plans ideal for people who need internet access when they’re out and about. The versatile Overdrive Pro™ 3G/4G mobile hotspot by Sierra Wireless ($149.99) and the powerful U600 3G/4G USB Stick by Franklin Wireless ($99.99) provide customers two ways to stay connected at 4G speeds. “The launch of these two devices demonstrates our commitment to bring 4G speeds and innovation to our Broadband2Go customers who chose to forgo a contract as well,” said Auman.

All three devices will operate on Sprint’s 3G and 4G (WiMAX) network and be available beginning on May 31 at VirginMobileUSA.com. They will then be available in June at major retailers and at select independent dealers nationwide Assortments vary by retailer..

Going Beyond Talk
The HTC EVO V 4G strengthens Virgin Mobile USA’s Android-powered smartphone lineup by adding such features as Android 4.0, Ice Cream Sandwich and HTC Sense 3.6 user interface.

Proving that customers don’t have to sacrifice technology to choose a prepaid smartphone that keeps them connected, HTC EVO V 4G specifications also include:
Mobile hotspot capability – Connect up to five Wi-Fi devices
5MP camera with video and 3D HD imaging, and 1.3MP front-facing camera
4.3-inch qHD touchscreen
1730mAh battery (up to six hours of talk time)
1GB RAM/4GB ROM
External micro SD memory card slot up to 32GB (8GB card included)
HDMI and Bluetooth-capable

HTC EVO V 4G customers will enjoy Virgin Mobile USA Beyond Talk plans starting at just $35 a month for 300 minutes of voice with unlimited messaging and data. 4G (WiMAX) where available. Plans include 2.5GB per month of full-speed data or 3.5GB with purchase of a Hotspot plan. Data limit is a combination of phone and hotspot usage, if applicable. And the mobile hotspot on the HTC EVO V 4G can be added for this device on any Beyond Talk plan for an additional $15 per month.

Pairing Broadband2Go with 4G
Virgin Mobile’s new monthly 3G/4G Broadband2Go plans, combined with these new devices, allow customers to hook up their tablets, laptops, and other wireless devices. Starting at just $35/month, customers can enjoy access to unlimited 4G data. Where 4G coverage is not available, the $35 plan keeps you connected with 2GB of 3G data. For $55/month, customers benefit from unlimited 4G data and a whopping 5GB of 3G data.

The Overdrive Pro 3G/4G mobile hotspot connects up to five Wi-Fi enabled devices, making it ideal for families on-the-go and independent professionals. The compact device has top battery strength and a 1.7-inch LCD screen that makes setting up a cinch. It also offers a microSD slot for up to 32GB of shared network storage.
The U600 3G/4G USB Stick supports Mac OS and Windows, and a rotating connector makes it easy to fit in most laptop configurations.

Setting up your Broadband2Go account is extremely simple, and there are no activation fees. Top-Up can be handled online with a Virgin Mobile Top-Up card, debit or credit card.

Sprint 4G (WiMAX) is currently available to 120 million people in 71 markets across the country with average upload speeds of between 3-6 Mbps, with bursts of more than 10 Mbps.