Businessweek

n The company’s primary competitors include AT&T, Inc.; Verizon Wireless; T-Mobile; Metro PCS Communications, Inc.; Leap Wireless International, Inc.; and TracFone Wireless. WIRELINE This segment provides a suite of wireline voice and data communications services to other communications companies and targeted business and consumer subscribers. In addition, the company provides voice, data, and IP communication services to its Wireless segment, and IP and other services to cable multiple system operators (MSOs). Cable MSOs resell the company’s local and long distance services and use its back office systems and network assets in support of their telephone service provided through cable facilities primarily to residential end-use subscribers. Services and Products The company’s services and products include domestic and international data communications using various protocols, such as multiprotocol label switching technologies (MPLS), IP, managed network services, voice over IP, session initiated protocol, and traditional voice services. Its IP services could also be combined with wireless services. Such services include its Sprint Mobile Integration service, which enables a wireless handset to operate as part of a subscriber's wireline voice network, and its DataLink service, which uses its wireless networks to connect a subscriber location into their primarily wireline wide-area IP/MPLS data network. In addition to providing services to its business customers, the wireline network is carrying various voice and data traffic for its Wireless segment. The company also provides wholesale voice local and long distance services to cable MSOs, which they offer as part of their bundled service offerings, as well as traditional voice and data services for their enterprise use. The company also provides voice services to residential consumers. This segment markets and sells its services primarily through direct sales representatives. Competition The company’s competitors include AT&T, Inc.; CenturyLink, Inc.; Verizon Communications; and Level 3 Communications, Inc. Legislative and Regulatory Developments The Communications Act of 1934 (Communications Act) preempts states from regulating the rates or entry of commercial mobile radio service providers, such as those in the company’s Wireless segment, and imposes licensing and technical requirements, including provisions related to the acquisition, assignment, or transfer of radio licenses. Patents, Trademarks, and Licenses The company owns various patents, patent applications, service marks, trademarks, and other intellectual property in the United States and other countries, including Sprint, Nextel, Direct Connect, Boost Mobile, and Assurance Wireless. Its services use the intellectual property of others, such as licensed software, and it licenses copyrights, patents, and trademarks of others, such as Virgin Mobile. The company’s patents and licensed patents have remaining terms ranging from 1 to 19 years. It licenses its intellectual property to others, including licenses to others to use the ‘Sprint’ trademark. Significant Events In April 2013, Omnilink announced collaboration with Sprint to offer Omnilink Asset Tracker for Trailers, which enables fleet owners to locate and manage trailers across the United States. A turnkey solution featuring hardware, software and service, Omnilink Asset Tracker for Trailers provides transportation, construction, retail and other companies with new options for managing their assets. History Sprint Nextel Corporation was founded in 1899. The company was incorporated in 1938 under the laws of Kansas.