Sprint to Demo Its 2.5GHz Network Technology

[cdmagurus.com]

Sprint is prepared to demonstrate new wireless networking technology at an event in Silicon Valley today. The demonstration will show how Sprint plans to use its 2.5GHz spectrum holdings to deliver even faster mobile broadband, reports The Wall Street Journal. Citing sources familiar with Sprint's plans, both the networking technology and handsets that can use it will be available to consumers soon. At issue, notes the Journal, is whether or not the 2.5GHz spectrum will suffice for Sprint's network plans. Signals sent across higher spectrum bands don't propagate as well as they do across lower spectrum bands. Sprint explained that it will have to build 12 to 15 cell towers with 2.5GHz to match the coverage provided by just one cell site with 700MHz. The Journal did not note what this new networking technology is, but Sprint is in the middle of deploying its LTE network around the country. To-date, it has been using its 1900MHz spectrum holdings for LTE. However, Sprint has long planned to use 2.5GHz for LTE, as well. The FCC has already approved devices that include LTE support in the 2.5GHz band, and Sprint sells one mobile hotspot with that spectrum on board. SoftBank, which acquired a 79% equity stake in Sprint earlier this year, also uses 2.5GHz spectrum for its own network in Japan.


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