Sprint announced today that it has begun the roll out of its own 3G EV-DO service. The new system will not be complete until 2006 even though Verizon is already offering the service.
Sprint is rolling out its EV-DO service initially in business corridors with high wireless-data traffic demands, such as airports and central business districts, followed by broader metropolitan areas. Service will begin during July in major airports and business districts in 34 markets. As the roll-out continues, access will be available to approximately 92 million people in 14 broadly deployed metropolitan areas in the third quarter. By the fourth quarter, another 36 metro areas will be launched, so that service will be available to approximately 143 million people. By early 2006, the high-speed wireless data service will be available on a variety of devices throughout at least 200 urban and suburban markets in approximately 60 metropolitan areas.
"Satisfying and meeting customer needs for mobile data service is all about having the broadest range of connectivity choices and providing the best overall mobile data experience," said Len Lauer, president and chief operating officer - Sprint. "The EV-DO service launch increases the ways Sprint customers can connect when mobile and augments a unique remote access service portfolio consisting of the nationwide PCS 1xRTT network and more than 19,000 Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) access points in prime locations. Through network convergence, customers can get all the access solutions they need by harnessing the benefits of Sprint's diverse wireless networks."
Sprint is rolling out its EV-DO service initially in business corridors with high wireless-data traffic demands, such as airports and central business districts, followed by broader metropolitan areas. Service will begin during July in major airports and business districts in 34 markets. As the roll-out continues, access will be available to approximately 92 million people in 14 broadly deployed metropolitan areas in the third quarter. By the fourth quarter, another 36 metro areas will be launched, so that service will be available to approximately 143 million people. By early 2006, the high-speed wireless data service will be available on a variety of devices throughout at least 200 urban and suburban markets in approximately 60 metropolitan areas.
"Satisfying and meeting customer needs for mobile data service is all about having the broadest range of connectivity choices and providing the best overall mobile data experience," said Len Lauer, president and chief operating officer - Sprint. "The EV-DO service launch increases the ways Sprint customers can connect when mobile and augments a unique remote access service portfolio consisting of the nationwide PCS 1xRTT network and more than 19,000 Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) access points in prime locations. Through network convergence, customers can get all the access solutions they need by harnessing the benefits of Sprint's diverse wireless networks."
