Telecom Lead America: In a move to decommission its iDEN
network, Sprint has signed agreements with Goodman Networks, Overland
Contracting, Pyramid Network Services and WesTower Communications.
As a part of Sprint Network Vision plan, the company will
stop service on the iDEN Nextel National Network. Sprint is scrapping the
Nextel network to make room on the airwaves for a new 4G data network.
As per the agreement terms, these suppliers will
negotiate lease termination agreements, restore cell site compounds and remove
Sprint network equipment for re-use or recycling.
After a thorough RFP process, Sprint has selected the
best suppliers to cost-effectively hit our milestones for site shutdown,
enabling the company to exit from those locations at a minimum cost. In
addition, we have taken extra care in selecting these suppliers to ensure our
industry-leading green standards are maintained,” said John Harrison, vice
president-Network Supplier Performance Management.
Sprint scraps Nextel network, prepares for new 4G network
The company expects to shut down a total of 9,600 iDEN
sites before the end of the third quarter 2012 to begin preparing for the
healthier network consolidation.
Currently, the company is facilitating migration of iDEN
customers to Sprint Direct Connect service.
Sprint now transitioning Nextel subscribers the Sprint
network and has added phones with a walkie-talkie-like “push-to-talk’ feature
as part of the pitch.
Sprint Direct Connect, the industry’s newest push-to-talk
(PTT) gold standard, was announced in October 2011. The service provides
broadband data capabilities, familiar push-to-talk features, and rugged and
reliable handset options. Sprint Direct Connect coverage is expected to broaden
throughout 2012.
Sprint announced four rugged Sprint Direct Connect
handsets over the past eight months that cater to push-to-talk users.
