At its 4G Strategy/Network Vision Update event today in New York, Sprint Nextel 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.
HIGHLIGHTS
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 EVO 4G, Samsung Epic 4G Touch and Nexus S 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.
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