Businessweek

Sprint Nextel Corp. announced the planned summer launch of a trio of mobile broadband devices that will take advantage of three bands of 4G LTE wireless spectrum available to Sprint's network. These devices are expected to bring customers improved network performance and stronger in-building coverage as LTE is deployed on each of these bands. With the ability to leverage Sprint's 4G LTE network at 1.9GHz and 800MHz as well as Clearwire's LTE network at 2.5GHz, these new devices offer Sprint customers ideal solutions to easily stay connected on the go. The first tri-band Sprint 4G LTE-capable mobile broadband devices will be the sleek MiFi(R) 500 LTE by Novatel Wireless(TM), international-capable NETGEAR(R) Zing Mobile Hotspot(TM) and the plug-in NETGEAR(R) 341U USB Modem. Pricing and exact availability dates for the three devices will be provided at a later date. The three bands of spectrum accessible on these devices will provide Sprint customers a high-quality, consistently fast 4G LTE network experience, whether they are sitting at their desks, catching up with friends at a coffee shop, or riding in a cab in a crowded city: The 800MHz spectrum that is being added to Sprint's LTE network beginning later this year excels at in-building coverage; Using 1.9GHz spectrum as its primary band for 4G nationwide coverage, Sprint is making substantial progress with deployment of its new 4G LTE network. Sprint now offers service in 88 markets nationwide, including Los Angeles, Charlotte, Boston and Dallas; Clearwire's 2.5GHz spectrum for its LTE network, which excels at broad-based, high speed coverage, is expected to provide Sprint customers with increased speeds and capacity in densely populated cities. The launch of devices that can operate on three spectrum bands is another milestone in Sprint's rollout of Network Vision. Network Vision represents a nationwide update of the Sprint network using the newest, most-advanced equipment in the industry. Sprint plans to consolidate multiple network technologies into one seamless network with the goal of enhancing network coverage, improving call quality and increasing data speeds for customers. It will also offer financial benefits for Sprint shareholders.

Sprint Nextel Corp., Boost Mobile, LLC and Kyocera Communications, Inc. announced the upcoming availability of the Kyocera Hydro Edge smartphone. Whether it's dropped in water or run through the sprinkler, Hydro Edge is built to withstand sprayed water or submersion in up to 3.28 feet of fresh water for 30 minutes. Building on the success of the original Kyocera Hydro, which launched at Boost Mobile in 2012, Hydro Edge will be available this summer from both Sprint and Boost Mobile, one of Sprint's no-contract brands. Hydro Edge boasts many enhancements to its predecessor, including a dual-core processor, 4-inch touchscreen, Android 4.1 and Kyocera's Smart Sonic Receiver technology. Exact pricing and launch date will be announced closer to availability. The benefits of Hydro Edge from Sprint include: Upfront savings on the device with a new two-year service agreement or eligible upgrade; Truly UnlimitedSM data, text and calling to any mobile with no metering, no throttling, and no overages, all while on the Sprint network; Sprint is the most improved company in customer satisfaction, across all 47 industries, over the last five years, according to the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI); Sprint customers have access to Sprint's Ready Now service where trained retail associates will work one-on-one with customers to personalize their Kyocera Hydro Edge and set up such features as email, Web and apps before leaving the store; Customers choosing to dip their Hydro Edge into the no-contract pool with Boost Mobile will appreciate: Boost Mobile's no-contract $55 Android Monthly Unlimited plan with unlimited nationwide talk, text and picture messaging, Web, email and calls to 411; Significant savings over the life of their Hydro Edge with Boost Mobile's Shrinking Payments: for every six on-time payments, the cost of Boost Mobile's Monthly Unlimited plan shrinks by $5, eventually getting down to as low as $40 a month. Payments do not need to be consecutive to qualify for the next savings milestone; Boost Mobile's award-winning experience: Boost has been recognized by J.D. Power and Associates as "Highest Satisfaction with the Purchase Experience among Non-Contract Wireless Providers."2. Regardless of how pay for wireless services, Kyocera Hydro Edge on Sprint and Boost includes: Android(TM) 4.1, Jelly Bean; 1GHz dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon(R) processor; Smart Sonic Receiver technology -- improves audio in noisy environments; 4-inch capacitive impact-resistant touchscreen; 5-megapixel camera with LED flash and video camera.

Sprint Nextel Corp. announced that it has closed its deal with U.S. Cellular Corp. (USM) to acquire 20MHz of PCS spectrum in various Midwest markets including Chicago, South Bend, Ind., and Champaign, Ill., and 10MHz of PCS spectrum in the St. Louis market. The additional spectrum will significantly increase Sprint's network capacity and further improve the customer experience in these markets. In addition, the deal includes about 420,000 U.S. Cellular customers.

Sprint Nextel Corp. announced the summer availability of its first 4G LTE BlackBerry(R) smartphone, BlackBerry(R) Q10. Combining BlackBerry's best physical keyboard and a touchscreen with the power of the BlackBerry(R) 10 platform, this dynamic smartphone will benefit from access to the Sprint 4G LTE network and the power to access Truly UnlimitedSM data, text and calling to any mobile with no metering, no throttling, and no overages, all while on the Sprint network. Also this summer, Sprint will begin offering enterprise and government customers BlackBerry Enterprise Service 10 version 10.1. This latest update to BlackBerry's multiplatform Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) solution provides device and application management for Bring Your Own Device programs and corporate-owned BlackBerry, iOS(R) and Android(TM) devices. BlackBerry Enterprise Service 10 version 10.1 brings new Regulated-level Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) controls and settings for enterprise customers in government and other industries that require an advanced level of security, control and logging. The server software is free to download, and existing BlackBerry(R) Enterprise Server 5 customers can trade up their client access licenses for free through 2013. Additional key features include: Wi-Fi(R), 3G/4G LTE mobile hotspot capability, Near Field Communication, Bluetooth, integrated speaker, three microphones with noise reduction. The re-designed, re-engineered and re-invented BlackBerry 10 platform offers a powerful and unique new mobile computing experience.

Sprint Nextel Corp. has received a National Mobile Devices and Services contract award from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The contract calls for the VA to use a wide range of Sprint smartphones, push-to-talk phones, feature phones, tablets, mobile hotspots and cards, M2M solutions, and associated services. The contract provides a streamlined and centralized vehicle for acquisition and management of all handsets and services, per federal government digital strategy requirements. The contract vehicle provides a single source for ordering, reporting, invoicing, and asset management supported by a group of vendors that includes small disadvantaged (SDB), woman-owned (WOSB), veteran owned (VOSB), and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSB).