Sprint in tandem with its Strategy Update event Friday is now known to be outlining a switch to LTE for its 4G. Taking advantage of its Network Vision sites, which mix CDMA, EVDO 3G, and 4G in one spot, it should have LTE in 120 cities by the end of 2012. Over 260 areas, and 250 million people, should be covered at the end of 2013.
Its first device, and thus the effective launch of the network, should arrive in the summer. A total of 12 to 15 devices should be available over the course of 2012 and will include pure data devices as well as smartphones and tablets.
More details are forthcoming, although Sprint is expected to keep its WiMAX 4G active through at least 2012. The network should run on the 1,900MHz band as well as the 1,600MHz band if LTE partner LightSquared’s network is approved by the FCC. Sprint also plans Wi-Fi “offloading,” or public Wi-Fi hotspots for customers to reduce the load on the cellular network.
