SprintNextel today launched an upgraded wireless high-speed Internet service statewide.

Sprint joins Verizon Wireless in offering local residents a faster, next-generation version of Evolution Data Optimized, or EV-DO wireless technology. The technology offers faster data speeds and high-speed video telephony, music-on-demand, video messaging and large file uploads.

The price for Sprint's new service ranges from $39.99 a month with a 40-megabyte download limit, to $79.99 for unlimited service with a one-year subscriber agreement. Customers signing a two-year Sprint subscriber agreement may be eligible to receive unlimited data usage for $59.99 a month.

With download speeds of 600 kilobits per second to 1.4 megabits per second, Sprint's new service gives consumers another alternative to tethered cable and telephone-line-based broadband Internet services.

But with an entry price of $39.99 a month, the new service faces competition from lower-priced alternatives from Clearwire Corp, which offers a wireless, high-speed Internet service on O'ahu and Maui.

In addition, Verizon Wireless launched a comparable EV-DO service in Hawai'i in November.

Sprint's wireless broadband service is meant for consumers who need Internet access on the fly.

"The network upgrade ... is part of an ongoing effort by Sprint to empower customers with the best capabilities and to provide them greater mobility — at home, work or on the go," said Nonie Toledo, general manager for Sprint.

Sprint's service is available on all of O'ahu, all of Maui, and parts of the Big Island and Kaua'i. Plans are in place to offer the service on Lana'i, Moloka'i and all of Kaua'i and the Big Island by year's end.

Both Sprint and Verizon Wireless tout the mobility of their services.

Clearwire's service, while portable, is meant mainly for use from a fixed location.

Reach Sean Hao at shao@honoluluadvertiser.com.