Sprint confirmed plans to accelerate the deployment of EV-DO (Evolution Data Optimized) technology across its PCS network. Sprint expects to design and deploy EV-DO with initial service available in select markets in the second half of 2004 and launch in the majority of top metropolitan markets in the United States in 2005.
Consistent with prior guidance, Sprint plans to invest approximately $1 billion to complete its wireless data upgrades. This will include the deployment of EV-DO as well as the option for a subsequent, more advanced release of CDMA technology that is expected to be available from equipment vendors beginning in 2006. The capital investment is expected to be concentrated in 2005 which represents an acceleration from Sprint’s earlier plan to balance spending evenly between 2005 and 2006.
EV-DO promises average user speeds of 300-500 kbps and peak rates of up to 2.4 Mbps on EV-DO-capable handsets and laptops equipped with EV-DO-enabled Sprint PCS Connection Cards. Existing Sprint PCS Connection Cards and handsets will continue to work at current speeds within EV-DO service areas. http://www.sprint.com
