During MWC this week, Sprint along with Network Vision initiative partners Alcatel-Lucent, Ericsson and Samsung will hold a keynote detailing its Network Vision network infrastructure transition initiative intended to give Sprint flexibility in rolling out multiple standards with more efficient multi-mode equipment as well as the goal of eventually shutting down its current iDEN network by moving push to talk back to CDMA via a new protocol.
Along with the discussion, Sprint is expected to announce its plans for its own 4G transition from CDMA, with many expecting Sprint to announce its transition from CDMA EVDO to LTE, as the Network Vision initiative would allow for the deployment of either WiMax or LTE in the same basestation as well as CDMA and iDEN. Currently, Sprint is offering its own branded 4G access via wholesale agreement from Clearwire, with payment rates currently in dispute.
For its part Clearwire is currently dealing with a trademark suit from Sony Ericsson while abandoning its retail strategy, ceasing the expansion of its retail footprint and focusing on wholesale leasing of its network as it recovers from its near depletion of capital with a new infusion of capital from a recent debt offering and being close to a deal to sell excess spectrum to T-Mobile USA for its planned 4G LTE network.
