Sprint’s LTE build out already underway, new 4G network to launch first half 2012?

At this point, it’s well-nigh an open secret that Sprint must hitch its ride to LTE to stick within the wireless game. CNET caught wind of the operator’s intended 4G plans prior to its scheduled October strategy announcement — an event at which many within the industry expect Sprint to put out its LTE cards. Based on the report, the Hesse-led network’s been hard at work installing the required infrastructure to transform to its towers to FD-LTE, that is the identical flavor of LTE as Verizon and future partner LightSquared. Using the iDEN spectrum it acquired from its Nextel purchase, Sprint reportedly plans to establish 4G shop on those radio waves, and employ current WiMAX provider Clearwire’s proposed switch to TD-LTE by incorporating chipsets in future phones that accommodate both frequencies. The network changeover, rumored to price Sprint somewhere within the range of $4 – $5 billion, should get conducted over the following five years, laying the groundwork for a real three-way 4G race .

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This post is tagged: groundwork, necessary infrastructure, next five years, radio waves, strategy announcement, wireless game