Sprint debuts international handset

Sprint this week introduced its first digital quad-band handset, the Samsung-produced Sprint PCS International Phone IP-A790. The device will enable Sprint subscribers to make voice calls across both CDMA and GSM networks in more than 130 countries where the carrier has established roaming agreements.

Expected to hit Sprint’s retail outlets and Web store in March, the IP-A790 features a 262K-color main display, an MPEG4 video screen saver, an internal phone book that stores up to 500 contacts and advanced voice-recognition capabilities. The phone—first made available by fellow CDMA carrier Verizon Wireless last year—will sell for a suggested retail price of $549.99.

Sprint will target the IP-A790 to business users who travel abroad. Overseas calls on GSM networks will cost subscribers $1.50 a minute, while foreign calls in countries with CDMA coverage will cost 50 cents to 99 cents a minute in addition to long-distance charges.