Sprint and Novatel Wireless have debuted an EV-DO revision A card, in anticipation of Sprint beginning to upgrade its EV-DO network in the fourth quarter.

At about the same time, or shortly thereafter, Sprint will begin to offer cellular service through its joint venture with several major cable operators.

EV-DO Revision A ups the data transmission rates of wireless EV-DO networks to theoretical maximums of 3.1 Mbps downstream and 1.8 Mbps upstream.

The Novatel Wireless S720 Sprint Mobile Broadband Card will provide downstream rates in the 450 to 850 kbps range and upstream in the 300 to 400 kbps range. Until Sprint’s new network is built, the card will provide connectivity to Sprint’s existing network. 

The card is designed for operation with compatible laptops as well as the upcoming Linksys Wireless G-Router for Mobile Broadband, the Merlin S720, which will allow customers to connect to the Sprint Power Vision Network and remotely access audio, video and data applications at DSL-like speeds.

The Merlin S720 will initially be sold through Sprint indirect and business sales channels and online at a suggested retail price of $249.99 and as low as $99.99 with a two-year subscriber agreement. Service plans for the card currently range from $39.99 per month for 40 MB to $79.99 per month for unlimited data usage.