14 DAY TRIAL // Today, mobile phone carrier Sprint announced officially plans to deploy a cost-effective, innovative network that would offer users better services, including improved voice quality or faster data speeds.
At the same time, the wireless carrier announced that the new Sprint Network Vision is set to put multiple network technologies into a single, seamless network.
The wireless services provider has partnered with Alcatel-Lucent, Ericsson and Samsung to make Network Vision a real thing.
The process will include the implementation of multimode technology so as to provide better services (enhanced coverage, quality and speed), and to improve the flexibility of the network, while also reducing operating costs and improve environmental sustainability.
The vendors will provide hardware, software and services, while also being set to deploy state-of-the-art technology that would offer an improved experience to Sprint's customers.
“Improving the customer experience – business and consumer – is the motivating force behind these network improvements,” said Dan Hesse, Sprint CEO.
“We are very pleased with the results of our process which selected these three world-class partners. Each company realized the network proposal process was highly competitive, and each responded with innovative, cost-effective solutions..
Sprint is currently using separate equipment for offering services on the 800MHz spectrum, 1.9GHz spectrum and the 2.5GHz spectrum (through the relationship with Clearwire).
Alcatel-Lucent, Ericsson and Samsung will have to provide new network equipment and software that would put together the multiple spectrum bands in a single, multimode base station.
The implementation schedule, as well as the first stages of deployment should be completed in 2011. The entire Network Vision should be completed in about three to five years.
“Network Vision builds on our legacy of wireless innovation and represents the next step in the evolution of our networks to best meet unprecedented growth in mobility services,” Dan Hesse continued.
The implementation of multimode technology on Sprint's network should:
- Enhance service – Improve quality and data speed; improve in-building coverage and coverage within the network footprint - Create network flexibility – Ensure the most effective expansion of 4G - Reduce operating costs by delivering capital efficiency, lease reductions, roaming savings and backhaul efficiencies - Improve environmental sustainability by reducing carbon footprint and energy consumption needs