Sprint to Relocate Cell Sites In Bid to Cut Costs

[cdmagurus.com]

Sprint hopes moving its radio infrastructure away from privately held companies to government-owned land and/or structures will help shave $1 billion in costs, reports Re/code. Sprint leases cell tower access from Crown Castle and American Tower, and lease rates are a significant part of it operational costs. The government does not charge as much for leases. Sprint is looking at a company called Mobilitie, from which it might lease cell site access, as well. Sprint may begin the effort as soon as June or July. Sprint is also planning to cut backhaul costs. Sprint largely relies on fiber from competitors AT&T and Verizon, says Re/code, and pays each company about $1 billion per year to manage some of its wired network traffic. Sprint is considering a switch to microwave technology for its backhaul needs so it won't have to rely so much on its competitors. Last, the company is expected to announce significant layoffs on January 22. Sprint has spoken of headcount reductions for months, and said the cuts would come by the end of January. Sprint did not comment on Re/code's story.


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