Today Ting, a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) that resells Sprint's network, launched a private beta that lets prospective customers sign up for Ting's service using their previously purchased Sprint phones.
For now, just seven devices make the cut:
- HTC Evo 4G (A9292)
- HTC Evo 3D (X515C)
- HTC Evo Shift 4G (A7373)
- Samsung Galaxy S II Epic 4G Touch (SPHD710)
- Samsung Epic 4G (SPH-D700)
- LG Optimus S (LS670)
- Motorola Photon 4G (MB855)
Ting says that it has thoroughly tested these handsets to ensure that the hardware transitions smoothly to Ting's MVNO. More than just these smartphones work with Ting, though. Customers are also welcome to purchase compatible phones directly from the company's Web site.
BlackBerry, iPhone, LTE, and push-to-talk devices don't make the cut, and handsets from Sprint's prepaid brands, Virgin Mobile and Boost Mobile, are also incompatible.
Ting first announced its intention to open the door to Sprint-bought devices back in August. The company's business model centers around a mix-and-match approach to buying buckets of texts, voice minutes, and data.