Sprint Nextel didn't reveal what technology the operator plans to use in the 2.5 GHz band but gave a few more details about what services it might offer in the band. Its goal is to roll out a network for media services such as mobile TV and music, delivering 1 GB of data for $20 to $40 per month by 2008. Sprint plans to use its joint venture with cable companies as leverage for exclusive content.
That means Sprint has no plans to use QUALCOMM's MediaFlo or Modeo to deliver mobile TV services--unless its existing mobile TV clogs up its network before 2008. We'll have to wait and see how quickly other operators (like Verizon) transition TV off of their networks and onto networks such as MediaFlo. But with its cable partnerships, its vast spectrum holdings and deep pockets, Sprint Nextel looks like it has a solid position in the burgeoning mobile media space.
To read more about Sprint's 2.5 GHz plans:
- look at this article in Red Herring