Sprint Directs Attention on Expanding 4G LTE Network

In a new twist, wireless network operator Sprint Nextel has decided to move away from 4G WiMAX connectivity and instead focus on building its 4G LTE network and releasing new devices that run on the LTE network.

Consequently, Sprint will also stop releasing new smartphones, tablets, mobile hotspots, and other consumer devices that utilize the operator’s 4G WiMax network connectivity, according to mobile news and reviews site GottaBe Mobile.

Although Sprint was the first carrier to launch a 4G service through WiMax technology, supported by HTC EVO 4G smartphone, Sprint’s WiMAX network is now slower than rival carriers using other forms of 4G technology, wrote GottaBe Mobile Reporter Chuong Nguyen. In order to be more competitive in the market, Sprint’s network vision strategy is to convert its network to 4G LTE to offer competitive download and upload speeds.

The operator recently told PC Mag in an interview that it is done with WiMax for now.

Meanwhile, as part of its LTE strategy, Sprint released three new devices at the Consumer Electronics Show that will operate on the LTE network. However, despite releasing new devices and expanding the LTE footprint, the LTE build-out will be slow, wrote Nguyen.

By comparison to Verizon’s network, which was launched over a year ago, or AT&T’s emerging LTE footprint, Sprint’s tri-city launch is much smaller, according to GottaBe Mobile report. Though unlimited data plans are still being examined by Sprint, the report shows that the operator has no definite plans to offer unlimited data as part of its LTE strategy, even though the company’s Galaxy Nexus smartphone is designed to work with an unlimited data plan.

Due to GPS interference, Sprint’s partnership deal with LightSquared is still pending regulatory approvals, wrote Nguyen.

To find out more about Sprint, visit the company at ITEXPO East 2012. To be held Jan. 31- Feb. 3 at the Miami Beach Convention Center in Miami, Fla.  ITEXPO is the world’s premier IP communications event. Paget Alves of Sprint will be delivering a keynote address at ITEXPO. For more information on ITEXPO registration click here.