“Our progress on deploying Network Vision enables Sprint to extend our 4G leadership and improve the experience for 3G customers. Our next-generation network and cutting-edge device line-up combined with the industry’s best pricing plans give Sprint customers the best experience in wireless.”
About a year ago, Sprint told you about Network Vision, our 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.
Today we are telling you about our progress. It’s going well. As a result of the success and the progress made so far, Sprint now is targeting completion of Network Vision deployment by the end of 2013—two years sooner than originally scheduled.
Sprint also announced a rapid national roll-out of LTE. Sprint plans to launch 4G LTE on its 1900 MHz spectrum by midyear 2012 and complete the network build-out by the end of 2013. By the end of 2013, Sprint’s 4G coverage footprint is expected to cover more than 250 million people.
Dan Hesse, chief executive officer of Sprint, and other Sprint executives presented this information on Oct. 7 during a 4G Strategy/Network Vision Update event in New York.
What does this mean for Sprint customers? Many things. But here are a couple key points:
• 3G Network Improvement: Sprint expects an improvement in customers’ 3G network experience, including expanded coverage, improved network reliability, better voice quality, and faster 3G data speeds. Based on forecasts of data demand, Sprint is confident its 3G network will meet customers’ growing data demands.
• LTE deployment expected to reach 250 million people by 2013: 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 devices, such as the award-winning HTC EVO 4G, Samsung Epic 4G and Nexus S 4G, will continue to be sold throughout 2012.
Introduction to Sprint Network Vision
Joe Euteneuer, Chief Financial Officer of Sprint
“Network Vision creates a platform for growth and competitive advantage and delivers significant upside potential. Over the long-term, continued execution on Network Vision as well as other improvements to our core operations are expected to result in overall margin expansion, improved return on invested capital and ultimately, increased value for our shareholders.”
The 4G Strategy/Network Vision update also addressed several other topics, including Sprint’s introduction of a spectrum hosting business and significant economic benefits that Network Vision brings to Sprint.
