Sprint tries ‘ Magic Box’ to boost cell speeds

Carrier aims new ‘ LTE small cell’ at business customers

NEW YORK Sprint hasn’t enjoyed the best reputation when it comes to its wireless network and reach, though the nation’s fourth- largest carrier has made strides to strengthen coverage. On Wednesday, Sprint announced a new product that is meant to improve the indoor cellular experience for its customers.

That would be the Sprint Magic Box, a shoebox- sized, plug- and- play, wireless “LTE small cell” targeted at business users and consumers. Sprint claims it can amplify LTE data and boost upload and download speeds by 200% on average.

Magic Box itself is free, and you don’t need a rate plan to use it. Nor is a Wi- Fi router required. But you must be a “qualifying” customer to get one, with businesses first in line. According to Sprint, the qualification is based on your location and need — simply, “Is it going to improve service?” You can apply for one at Sprint’s website.

Magic Box has already been deployed in trials in New York City, San Francisco, Chicago, Denver and Indianapolis.

You plug Magic Box into the wall and place it by a window, where it effectively functions as a cellular signal booster to connect to the nearest Sprint cell site. Sprint says a single Magic Box can provide coverage of 30,000 square feet indoors and extend about 100 meters outside, including into adjacent buildings. That means your colleagues or neighbors who are Sprint customers might also experience better performance.

SPRINT The Magic Box is placed near a window.