Sprint Refocuses Network Assets on Customer Segments

"Network planning must start with the customer in mind," said Len Barlik, VP - Technology Research and Development at Sprint, speaking at NFOEC in Orlando, Florida. Barlik argues that the network alone is not sufficient to provide a great service; instead resources must be focused on understanding what the customer really wants. This requires a change from a product-specific network to a customer-focused network. To this end, Sprint is consolidating various in-house assets, including network, IT and billing groups across its various divisions, into a single, customer-oriented organization. Currently, Sprint is organized according to asset group and products -- local telecommunications, global wireline voice and data services and wireless. Going forward the company will align its resources based on customer needs and preference. Len Lauer has just been appointed President and Chief Operating Officer of Sprint to oversee this transformation to serve two distinct market segments -- business and consumers.


As for network planning, Barlik said the new customer-oriented approach requires integration across all layers of its infrastructure (see below), from the customer premise equipment (CPE) up through access, transport, switching/routing, and signaling systems. Applications must ride seamlessly across any combination of different layers, resulting in "millions of possible service combinations, depending on the customer needs." Going forward, Barlik expects wireless access to play an increasing role for combined voice and data services.


Other recent developments at Sprint include the activation of two large fiber-optic rings spanning 180 miles throughout the Miami area. The Miami metro network is part of a nationwide Sprint initiative aimed at extending its fiber deeper into the metro areas of more than 30 U.S. cities before mid-2004. Other cities with newly active Sprint fiber networks announced this year include Kansas City, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Denver, Phoenix, St. Louis, San Francisco and Boston.
http://www.sprint.comSprint sees "millions" of possible service combinations by integrating the various layers of its networks.