Free Newsletter
Sprint's 4G agenda
Free newsletter via e-mail
Tools
Sprint Nextel is not the first player that comes to my mind when we discuss the race to 4G in the U.S. (be it the mobile WiMAX or LTE variety). Instead of building its own WiMAX network, Sprint, which is a major investor in Clearwire (the company owns 51.1 percent of Clearwire), is a wholesale partner and will use Clearwire's mobile WiMAX network to deliver 4G services to its customers. Sprint has launched WiMAX service in several markets and plans to have 120 million POPs in 80 markets in the U.S. by the end of 2010..
In a 4G world, is it important to distinguish between a network operator and a wholesaler? Perhaps because of my history in covering traditional wireless carrier MVNOs and resellers (such as Virgin Mobile USA, Amp'd Mobile, Helio and others), I think it is. However, Sprint and others argue that I shouldn't be making that comparison because Sprint has its own devices, price plans and relationship with the customer.
If you'd like to hear more about Sprint's 4G agenda, tune in to tomorrow's keynote address during our second annual "The Path to 4G: A Reality Check" virtual conference. Teresa Kellett, director of 4G for Sprint, will be discussing the company's 4G plans and more. To view the entire agenda and register (attendance is free!), click here. --Sue
Comments
Posted by Anonymous | October 27, 2009 - 3:18pm
As I understand it the plan is for 80+ markets and 120M POP covered by the end of 2010. And since Sprint owns a majority of Clearwire and is marketing it through both the business and retails channels how can you not think of Sprint in terms of 4G in the US? Stop all the negativity toward Sprint Ms. Marek!
Posted by Anonymous | October 27, 2009 - 3:45pm
I agree - Sue obviously has a gripe with Sprint. I wonder why.
Posted by Anonymous | October 28, 2009 - 6:50am
I quit reading most of Susie's stuff a long time ago. However, this one caught my eye since it is about 4G and I thought she might finally be forced to admit Sprint has a good thing going on. Then I read the first line and it sounded like something the obama admin would put out. Some how Susie took a great thing and found meanlingless way to divert attention away from Sprint. Sprint's 4G is here, it works great and no one else has it, not even your beloved v.
Posted by Anonymous | October 28, 2009 - 2:09pm
Agree that she didn't need to make the comment about Sprint. It was irrelevant to the points being presented.
Let's just see what the announcement becomes.
Posted by Anonymous | October 28, 2009 - 2:52pm
If Sprint Nextel is not the first player that comes to her mind when we discuss the race to 4G in the U.S. Then who is?
Posted by WilliamC | October 28, 2009 - 5:13pm
Why would she not have a peeve against Sprint/Nextel - AT&T and Verizon are stealing all their customers. I told you in the past - that Sprint would have to make some acquisitions to stay afloat. They had no choice but to purchase Vigin Mobile and IPCS. This may not be enough. The FCC keeps letting the two get bigger and bigger. What else can they buy??? Then Sprint waits to report their quarterly earnings after those two. I would not wait. Do it before them so that you can show America what those two behemoths are doing. Who has more purchasing power someone who has 49 million customers or a company that has almost 80 and 90 million customers??? Do the math. They new what they were up to when they made all those acquisitions. Did Verizon need to buy Alltel. No!!! But they wanted to better their bottom line because they were about to offer their fancy new services - WHICH ARE NOT CHEAP - AFTER THE GIMMICKS AND SWEETHEART DEAL IS OVER. J.D. POWERS GIVE ME A BREAK....YEAH VERIZON HAS ALOT OF PROMOTIONS - TO GET A CUSTOMER. YOU WILL PAY IN THE END!!! DON'T BE FOOLED BY THIS RATINGS COMPANY. WHAT DO THEY GET BY RATING THESE AND OTHER TECHNOLOGIES??? WHO PAYS THEM??? I KNOW THEY DO NOT RATE THEM OUT OF THE GOODNESS OF THEIR HEART...AMERICA WAIT ON THESE TWO TO BECOME DUOPOLIES...IT WILL TAKE GRUMBLING SENATORS AND HEAT FROM THE SMALLER CARRIERS BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE AND SOMETHING IS DONE ABOUT IT...
Comments (7) | Post a comment