Sprint in talks with LightSquared over 4G infrastructure
updated 04:30 pm EST, Thu February 24, 2011
Sprint said to be in talks with LightSquared
Three sources say wireless provider Sprint is in negotiations with LightSquared for the use of the former's cell sites to help build out the latter's network, Bloomberg reported on Wednesday. LightSquared's FCC-approved wireless venture involves plans to repurpose its satellite spectrum for terrestrial LTE use, giving Sprint a partner for 4G services. Sprint's $5 billion plans to upgrade its hardware infrastructure would have capacity for a LightSquared service.
LightSquared hopes to compete with AT&T, Verizon Wireless and Clearwire for high-speed 4G networks. Sprint currently buys 4G network access from Clearwire, but the relationship has been strained lately. Sprint also recently said it may have no other option but move to LTE for 4G technology rather than continue with the WiMAX solution.
Neither Sprint nor LightSquared officials commented on these rumors.
