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Sprint touts 4G's 'halo effect' on mobile data services
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CHICAGO--Joking he would not comment on rumors of a possible acquisition by Deutsche Telekom or CEO Dan Hesse's budding acting career, Sprint Nextel's Keith Cowan instead focused on the operator's 4G efforts during his keynote appearance here at 4G World. Cowan, the carrier's president of strategic planning, corporate initiatives and CDMA, supplied little new information or insight into Sprint's 4G push, instead reiterating the operator's lead in deploying 4G services. He said Sprint would launch in New York, Boston, San Francisco, Washington, D.C., and elsewhere next year.
"We're finding that 4G has a huge halo effect on our existing 3G business in terms of attracting new and existing customers," Cowan said. "Many of our 3G customers are upgrading to 4G plans. We're also seeing a lower churn rate on our dual 3G/4G customers than on our standalone 3G customers."
According to Cowan, Sprint is enjoying additional benefits from 4G: "Carrying data on 4G is less expensive than on 3G--over time, the cost of transmitting a gigabyte of data over 4G will ultimately be one-fifth the cost of transmitting a gig of data over 3G."
Cowan also addressed Sprint's role in Clearwire--the operator owns a 51. 1 percent stake in the wireless broadband Internet service provider, joined by cable firms Time Warner and Comcast (13.8 percent), Intel (13.2 percent), Google (4.1 percent) and other shareholders (17.8 percent). He said all the partners play a vital role in Clearwire's efforts: "Clearwire is a shared network company--it allows Sprint and our partners to focus on our core business of serving customers, while bringing to market 4G products and services."
Looking ahead, Cowan said 2010 should see the introduction of new embedded consumer electronics products, tri-mode devices and access solutions.
"This technology isn't vaporware," Cowan said. "It's reality."
Although Sprint, through Clearwire, is clearly ahead on the next-generation front, it won't be for long. AT&T Mobility and T-Mobile USA have both detailed plans to upgrade their networks to faster speeds (via HSPA 7.2 technology), while Verizon Wireless is in the midst of rolling out its initial LTE efforts.
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Comments
Posted by Anonymous | September 17, 2009 - 2:56pm
I guess the Sprint execs forgot about the 7 consecutive quarters with an average of 1 million subscribers per quarter that have "flushed" their Sprint phone for another wireless carrier.
Friends dont let friends use Sprint wireless.
Worst network
Worst customer service
Worst selection of devices
Worst place to work in telco and Kansas Shity
All the above and yet Sprint has two CEOs on their payroll and the industry's highest paid executives.
Did mention the cheap Indian labor?
Posted by Anonymous | September 17, 2009 - 5:48pm
WOW - WHO IS THAT PERSON THAT POSTS THIS GARBAGE??? SAME STUFF OVER AND OVER AGAIN. FRIENDS DON'T LET FRIENDS USE HIGH PRICED AT&T AND VERIZON...
Posted by Anonymous | September 17, 2009 - 6:25pm
It's called perception!!! This person wants you to believe Sprint is in turmoil so that their potential customers will go with another carrier. You can help Sprint by adding a line, buying a ringtone or song, getting Wimax service, buying a new device or plan. Thanks Boostmobile customers for all the new adds and keeping the company afloat. Can't wait for the HTC HERO, THE INSTINCTHD AND INSTINCT Q. We definately do not need these kind of people running our company in the ground. Thank you for the above comments but we will be the judge of that. WE DID NOT SAY THAT SPRINT WAS THE MOST RELIABLE 3G NETWORK IN AMERICA. INDEPENDANT TESTERS DID!!!
Posted by Anonymous | September 29, 2009 - 4:52am
I have been a Sprint customer since 1999. I have always maintained more than one account on high end equipment. I work offshore and international. I am certain I can comment on Sprint and their service as I have experienced just about every variation.
The first commentor provided nothing but opinion and emotional comment. True, Sprint has suffered from very poor customer service ratings but has come a very long way.
I continue to have very serious problems with Sprint but have found that the service representatives will spend any amount of time necessary to attempt to resolve the matter.
All of our major service providers have good points and bad points. The bottom line should be what works best for you and where you are. I have examined many of our providers offerings for international travelers and found that Sprint exceeded every other provider in very significant levels of services offered and pricing.
In addition, I have found that all of our providers (especially Sprint) have the best possible service offerings and pricing of any provider I have experienced in my travels.
Be thankful we are in America and have such choices. Why waste time demeaning any of our companies when in the end it serves nobody. We do have choices. If you experience a problem, maybe try to resolve it first.
I do not work for Sprint in any capacity and have no interest other than being a customer. I consider myself part of the "family" so to speak and I have many criticisms, but I choose to remain because it would not serve me to change.
Hope that helps.
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