Sprint announced today that is has signed a deal with 2Wire under which the telcos will offer 2Wire’s HomePortal residential gateway to its high-speed Internet access customers.

The deal marks the second major independent telco that 2Wire has landed as a customer. Previously, the company had announced a distribution deal with CenturyTel. It also is providing the HomePortal as part of SBC’s bundle of voice, data and satellite TV.

The gateway allows users to create in-home networks where multiple PCs can share a broadband connection. As part of the agreement with Sprint, the carrier also will offer 2Wire’s Firewall Monitor and Web Remote Access broadband applications. Firewall Monitor is used to protect the home network against hacker attacks, while Web Remote Access allows users to access and download files stored on their home networks from any location, at any time, using a standard Web browser.

The HomePortal demonstrated superior performance, features, and quality, when compared to competitive products,” Jeff Hohman, director of product management for Sprint’s local group, said in a statement. “Its plug and play functionality, extended wireless reach, business class firewall, and Web Remote Access are just a few of the qualities that impressed us. We think our subscribers will be equally impressed.”

Sprint will offer the gateway to new subscribers for $49.99 with a one-year contract. Existing subscribers will have the option of upgrading to the HomePortal for $149.99.