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Sprint Aims To Make Wide Use Of Its Network
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Published: March 29, 2009
Stiff competition has led Sprint to look at other ways to profit it off its wireless network - by exploring opportunities with other electronic devices.
It has established "wholesale partnerships" with Amazon, Virgin, Comcast and Ford, among others.
Ford will soon introduce a new dashboard technology that includes a computer that connects to Sprint broadband.
The company also is in talks with global positioning device manufacturers and is encouraging them to join its expansive wireless network.
By reaching out to these companies, Sprint will "rent out" its network and collect payments from those who use it, according to the Wall Street Journal.
"We're picking up steam," said Sprint spokeswoman Kathleen Dunleavy when asked about the company's new strategies. "We've been challenged, but we've invested a lot of money into our network."
Just because Sprint has lined up new partnerships and made strides in other markets, it doesn't mean it is scaling back in the cell phone industry, she said.
"You're going to be seeing more products launched this year," Dunleavy promised.
She referred to the upcoming Palm Pre, which already is being billed as the "iPhone killer," she said.
As for the ongoing ventures into new wireless gadgets, Sprint's wholesale business currently makes up 3 percent of its total revenue - further proof that it is not bailing out on its cell phone business, much like Apple never gave up on desktop computers.
They still might face stiff and familiar competition in those newer areas.
AT&T announced in October it had sharpened its strategic initiatives to help bring "wireless connectivity to a host of new consumer electronics devices and applications," said AT&T spokeswoman Gretchen Schultz.
One of its new ideas is a location-tracking wristwatch.
Other such devices could include personal computers, mobile Internet devices (mini computers), in-care entertainment and navigation systems and cameras, Schultz said.
Verizon also is looking at joint ventures beyond cell phones, including tracking devices for prisoners, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Reporter Tony Holt can be reached at 352-544-5283 or wholt@hernandotoday.com.
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