How will Sprint move users onto LTE? What will it do with its WiMax service and spectrum? Are there any real differences between vendors of LTE technology?
As European operators grapple with their own plans for LTE, and whine about spectrum harmonisation and availability, spare a thought for this guy. He’s got CDMA users, old iDen customers from Nextel kicking about, a WiMax network serving Clearwire customers, and two strong competitors piling forward with high profile “4G” campaigns.
So Keith Dyer spoke to Sprint’s SVP Networks, Bob Azzi, to find out how the number three US operator is handling a change of direction in its LTE deployment, and how he sees its spectrum management working out. Does Azzi think he’s delivering a network that gives Sprint the best chance to succeed?
Well, yes, he does – although he admits the operator is forced to take a pragmatic approach due to the disparate assets it holds.