14 DAY TRIAL // Next year, Sprint will begin the transition to a new 4G standard, Long Term Evolution (LTE), the company has just unveiled to the world.
In mid-2012, the wireless carrier should fire up its new LTE network, and also expects to have the first devices available for purchase for its customers.
Just as previously reported, the carrier plans on adopting a rapid-release approach with LTE, and says that the footprint will cover over 250 million people before the end of 2013. The carrier will deploy the 4G LTE network on its 1900 MHz spectrum.
Starting with the next year, however, the carrier will also launch LTE-capable devices, and at least 15 of them will become available before the end of the next year.
CDMA-WiMAX devices, including the HTC EVO 4G, Samsung Epic 4G and Nexus S 4G, will continue to be sold throughout 2012, the carrier also announced.
The 3G network that Sprint operates at the moment will also be enhanced, the wireless carrier announced.
“Our progress on deploying Network Vision enables Sprint to extend our 4G leadership and improve the experience for 3G customers,” Dan Hesse, chief executive officer of Sprint, commented.
“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.”
The wireless carrier also explained that the new network deployment plans are in line with the Network Vision they unveiled to the world last year, which was aimed at increasing efficiency and enhancing the network coverage.
“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,” the company notes.
Joe Euteneuer, chief financial officer of Sprint, commented, “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.”
