Sprint has released an upgrade to the HTC Mogul that enables it to use the speedy EV-Do Rev. A networks. The HTC Mogul is the first handset to connect to the data network, formerly limited to mobile broadband through notebook wireless data cards.
Speeds will be 8x faster for downloads and 2x faster for uploads. Downloads speeds should be 600 kilobits per second to 1,400 kbps with
uploads of 350 to 500 kbps.
Previously, Sprint phones were using the EV-DO Rev. 0; downloading at 400 kbps to 700 kbps and uploading at 50 kbps to 70 kbps.
The HTC Mogul is a Windows smartphone that can be used as a modem for a laptop. It costs $199.99 with a two-year contract has been sold since June 2007.
The Rom upgrade enhances the HTC Mogul and:
- Adds EV-DO Rev.A functionality for faster download and upload speeds when transmitting data wherever EV-DO Rev. A coverage is available.
- Adds advanced GPS functionality including the software for Sprint Navigation.
- Adds a Task Manager to the Today screen for easier access and management of Running Programs.
- Improves Bluetooth performance including usage with Phone As Modem and wireless stereo headsets.
- Corrects an issue where Windows Live Messenger content may be erased when the device power cycles.
The upgrade can be downloaded at the HTC website.
Verizon Wireless also has an EV-DO Rev. A network, which is currently only being used for notebook data cards.