Sprint talks LTE; to roll-out network in 2012

OVERLAND PARK, USA: At its 4G Strategy/Network Vision Update event in New York recently, telecom service provider Sprint Nextel announced it plans to accelerate deployment of Network Vision and roll out 4G LTE on its licensed spectrum.

Sprint plans to launch 4G LTE on its 1900MHz spectrum by midyear 2012 and complete the network build-out by the end of 2013. Sprint's 4G coverage footprint is expected to cover more than 250 million people by the end of 2013.

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Sprint expects to launch CDMA-LTE devices by mid-2012, with approximately 15 devices coming throughout the year -- including handsets, tablets and data cards. Moreover, CDMA-WiMAX 4G devices, such as HTC EVO 4G, Samsung Epic 4G Touch and Nexus S 4G, will continue to be sold throughout 2012.

Dan Hesse, Sprint CEO, said, "Our progress deploying Network Vision enables Sprint to extend and evolve our 4G leadership and to improve the experience for 3G customers. Our next-generation network and cutting-edge device lineup, combined with the industry's best pricing plans, give Sprint customers the best experience in wireless."

Network Vision, originally announced in December 2010, is Sprint's plan to consolidate multiple network technologies into one network.

The company plans to complete Network Vision deployment by the end of 2013 -- two years sooner than originally scheduled, claims the company in a release.

As declared last December, Network Vision is expected to cost an incremental $4 billion to $5 billion and deliver $10 billion to $11 billion in net economic value to the company between 2011 and 2017.