Sprint Sells Wireless Net

Sprint Corp. is selling wireless Internet connections that operate 36 times faster than the best phone modems for homes and offices in San Francisco, San Jose, Phoenix, Tucson and Colorado Springs, Colo. The Broadband Direct service, to be sold through retailers and through the Internet, competes with digital subscriber line, an option for high-speed Internet sold by large local phone companies, and with cable service from companies. Service costs include $39.95 a month for individuals, or $89.95 for businesses; an antenna and router for $99 to $299, depending on contract length; and $299 for installation. The antennas, which allow two-way communication, are made by California Amplifier Inc., based in Camarillo. The routers, attached to users’ computers, are made by Hybrid Networks Inc., based in San Jose. Shares of Westwood, Kan.-based Sprint closed off 31 cents at $60.25 on the NYSE.