Sprint adds intrinsically-safe push-to-talk device to Sprint Direct Connect portfolio

OVERLAND PARK, Kan.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sprint (NYSE: S) today announced the addition of an intrinsically-safe push-to-talk device -- Sonim XP STRIKE IS – to the Sprint® Direct Connect® product portfolio, helping to ensure safe, reliable mobile communications for businesses using electrical equipment in gaseous and potentially explosive atmospheres.

“Customers who demand a device to get the job done in the toughest environments can bet on Sprint Direct Connect and XP STRIKE IS”

XP STRIKE IS is incapable of releasing sufficient electrical or thermal energy to ignite fuel and cause a fire or explosion. It is also safe to use in areas containing flammable gasses, vapors or dust, which makes it a valuable tool for workers in petrochemical, utility, construction and related industries.

XP STRIKE IS is durable, delivers toughness beyond military specifications and comes backed by a comprehensive three-year warranty. Customers can drop the device on concrete from 6.5 feet up or dunk it 6.5 feet deep in water for up to 30 minutes – and it keeps working.

“Customers who demand a device to get the job done in the toughest environments can bet on Sprint Direct Connect and XP STRIKE IS,” said David Owens, vice president-Product Development, Sprint. “It’s rugged and ready with proven resilience, and it’s safe in conditions where safety is an absolute necessity.”

XP STRIKE IS is available now for $599.99 (excludes taxes) with a new line or eligible upgrade and two-year service agreement through direct ship sales channels, including Sprint Stores, Business Sales, Telesales (1-800-SPRINT1) and Web Sales (www.sprint.com).

Late last year, Sprint introduced Sonim XP STRIKE, the first device from Sonim in Sprint’s product portfolio. The XP STRIKE features instant call setup time on domestic push-to-talk calls and international coverage to Latin American countries that most frequently use push-to-talk.

The pioneer in push-to-talk technology, Sprint added more coverage area in 2012 to its Sprint Direct Connect push-to-talk service – creating three times the push-to-talk coverage of its Nextel National Network with the addition of roaming and Sprint 1xRTT coverage areas.

The expansion of the Sprint Direct Connect network also marks another milestone for Network Vision, Sprint’s nationwide network upgrade using the newest, most advanced equipment in the industry. Sprint plans to consolidate multiple network technologies into one seamless network with the goal of increasing efficiency and enhancing network coverage, call quality and data speeds for customers.

Network Vision will bring 4G LTE and improved 3G to customers nationwide, with expected benefits to include better coverage, improved network reliability and voice quality.

For more information:

Sprint Direct Connect, www.sprint.com/sprintdirectconnect
Sprint Direct Connect coverage, www.sprint.com/coverage
Network Vision, www.sprint.com/network

About Sprint Nextel

Sprint Nextel offers a comprehensive range of wireless and wireline communications services bringing the freedom of mobility to consumers, businesses and government users. Sprint Nextel served more than 55 million customers at the end of 2012 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 No. 1 among all national carriers in customer satisfaction and most improved, across all 47 industries, during the last four 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 Sonim Technologies

Sonim Technologies (www.sonimtech.com) is the provider of ultra-rugged, water-submersible mobile phones designed specifically for workers in challenging outdoor and industrial environments. Sonim’s industry-leading three-year comprehensive warranty has redefined customer expectations of rugged technology. Sonim provides a suite of high-performance workforce management solutions that keep workers safe and enhance their productivity, including push-to-talk, lone worker safety services, and NFC proof-of-activity services. The company has headquarters in San Mateo, Calif., and offers its products in more than 50 countries.