Sprint's 4G LTE plans

JFB · Oct 11, 2011

Here is Sprint's PR about their 4G LTE plans.....

Sprint Accelerates Deployment of Network Vision and Announces National Rollout of 4G LTE

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (BUSINESS WIRE), October 07, 2011 - At its 4G Strategy/Network Vision Update event today in New York, Sprint Nextel (NYSE: S) updated the financial community on its plans to accelerate deployment of Network Vision and its plans to roll out 4G LTE on its licensed spectrum. Network Vision, originally announced in December 2010, is Sprint’s plan to consolidate multiple network technologies into one seamless network with the goal of increasing efficiency and enhancing network coverage, call quality and data speeds for customers across the United States.
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.”
The company's presentation today, which featured Hesse; Steve Elfman, president-Network Operations and Wholesale; Bob Azzi, senior vice president-Network; Fared Adib, vice president-Product Development; and Joseph Euteneuer, chief financial officer, highlighted the following:
• Sprint making significant progress on Network Vision deployment. Sprint reviewed progress to date in deploying Network Vision, including the rollout and successful testing and trialing of multimode technology, the launch of Sprint® Direct Connect® on the CDMA network and the new devices launching in the fourth quarter. As a result of the success and the progress made so far, the company is now targeting completion of Network Vision deployment by the end of 2013 – two years sooner than originally scheduled.
• Sprint will begin a rapid national rollout of LTE on its 1900MHz 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. By the conclusion of 2013, Sprint’s 4G coverage footprint is expected to cover more than 250 million people.

Sprint expects to launch CDMA-LTE devices by mid-2012, with approximately 15 devices coming throughout the year – including handsets, tablets and data cards. Additionally, CDMA-WiMAX 4G devices, like the award-winning HTC EVOTM 4G, Samsung EpicTM 4G Touch and Nexus STM 4G, will continue to be sold throughout 2012.
• Sprint introduces spectrum-hosting business. Management described Sprint’s unique ability to host third-party spectrum and how it’s made possible through the Network Vision multimode base stations. The spectrum-hosting opportunity capitalizes on Sprint’s Network Vision platform and uses its flexible, open technology architecture. Spectrum hosting is a new revenue opportunity for Sprint and a cost-effective way to gain additional network capacity to better serve Sprint customers.
• Network Vision provides significant economic benefit to Sprint. Sprint reaffirmed the economic benefits associated with Network Vision. 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. Operating Income Before Depreciation and Amortization (OIBDA) margin is expected to improve 400 to 600 basis points or about 4 percent to 6 percent from current levels by 2014. The primary components of value come from a broader footprint (reduced roaming costs), cell-site reduction, the elimination of dual networks, backhaul efficiencies, reduced churn, more efficient use of capital and energy cost savings.

In parallel to the Network Vision initiative, Sprint also stated that it is pursuing improvements in its core operations that could result in an additional 400 to 600 basis points or about 4 percent to 6 percent of OIBDA margin improvement by 2014.
Euteneuer said, “Network Vision creates a platform for growth and competitive advantage and delivers significant profitability 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.”
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crood · Oct 26, 2011

This pretty much moves me from "looking to upgrade" to "wait and see". I live on Long Island, so the closest WiMax area is in Queens and I just don't go into the city enough get much benefit. If I upgrade, I'll be paying the extra $10 Smartphone Data fee, which wasn't in play when I signed up 2 years ago.

If I upgraded now, all I'd be getting is a new phone with more features, but not getting the benefit of faster data speeds and I'd be paying more. I'll reassess once Sprint announces a more concrete rollout plan.

I wonder how many others are postponing their upgrade. The iPhone probably helps them in that regard.

EerieGreenSkies · Nov 18, 2011

I signed up for a 4G plan for myself and wife in March 2011, so our two year contract will take awhile to satisfy. If I'm understanding their newsflash correctly, it sounds like my Samsung Epic 4G won't be able to take advantage of the LTE speeds, but maybe I'm wrong. I think their rollout plan is aggressive as usual and if they meet the deadlines I'll be an Olympic track star, which we all know is never going to happen.

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