Sprint Nextel today updated the financial community on its plans to accelerate deployment of Network Vision and its plans to roll out 4G LTE on its licensed spectrum.
Network Vision, originally announced in December 2010, is Sprint's plan to consolidate multiple network technologies into one seamless network with the goal of increasing efficiency and enhancing network coverage, call quality and data speeds for customers across the United States.
Dan Hesse, Sprint CEO, said, "Our progress deploying Network Vision enables Sprint to extend and evolve our 4G leadership and to improve the experience for 3G customers. Our next-generation network and cutting-edge device lineup, combined with the industry?s best pricing plans, give Sprint customers the best experience in wireless."
The company's presentation today highlighted the following:
- Sprint making progress on Network Vision deployment. Sprint reviewed progress to date in deploying Network Vision, including the rollout and successful testing and trialing of multimode technology, the launch of Sprint Direct Connect on the CDMA network and the new devices launching in the fourth quarter. The No. 3 U.S. mobile service is now targeting completion of Network Vision deployment by the end of 2013 - two years sooner than originally scheduled.
- Sprint will begin a U.S.rollout of LTE on its 1900MHz spectrum. Sprint plans to launch 4G LTE on its 1900MHz spectrum by midyear 2012 and complete the network build-out by the end of 2013. By the conclusion of 2013, Sprint's 4G coverage footprint is expected to cover more than 250 million people.
- Sprint expects to launch CDMA-LTE devices by mid-2012, with approximately 15 devices coming throughout the year - including handsets, tablets and data cards. Additionally, CDMA-WiMAX 4G devices, like the HTC EVO 4G, Samsung Epic 4G Touch and Nexus S 4G, will continue to be sold throughout 2012.
- Sprint introduces spectrum-hosting business. Management described Sprint's ability to host third-party spectrum and how it?s made possible through the Network Vision multimode base stations. The spectrum-hosting opportunity capitalizes on Sprint's Network Vision platform and uses its flexible, open technology architecture.