Sprint has activated a new Nextel iDEN network page that lets the user input a zip code and then see a map of iDEN network towers in the area and which are slated for decommissioning.The first towers being removed from the iDEN network are considered "excess capacity" sites, which were deployed years ago when a much bigger iDEN network was anticipated. To keep the iDEN service in operation for now, other towers in the area will be retuned to cover the lost territory.
Sprint plans to decommission the first iDEN towers in New Orleans, once Mardi Gras is over at the end of the month.
http://bit.ly/z4G60u
- In October 2011, Sprint confirmed that as part of Network Vision, it will be decommissioning of over 25,000 iDEN sites.
- In December 2011, Sprint deployed the first multi-mode base station as part of its Network Vision architecture. The new base station, which has been activated in Branchburg, New Jersey, is radiating multiple spectrum bands (1.9GHz and 800MHz) and powering both 1x and EVDO services. It is fully integrated with the existing network and performing as expected. Under its Network Vision plan, Sprint intends to repurpose some of its 800MHz spectrum for Sprint 3G service, thereby enhancing coverage, particularly the in-building experience for customers. Augmenting its 1.9GHz footprint with 800MHz, Sprint expects its CDMA coverage density will increase throughout the country. More density generally equates to fewer dropped calls and a more seamless network experience for customers.
América Móvil, the largest wireless operator in the Americas, has selected Alcatel-Lucent to provide infrastructure for its LTE/4G network rollout in Latin America. The initial deployment with Claro, América Móvil's brand in Puerto Rico, is underway. Financial terms were not disclosed.
AT&T and Orange Business Services announced a new inter-provider connectivity agreement for a global telepresence service that expands the features and capabilities of video collaboration. The new service is available to all AT&T Telepresence Solution and Orange Telepresence Community customers using Cisco TelePresence endpoints.
U.S. Cellular, which serves about 5.9 million mobile users, plans to launch its first LTE markets next month in partnership with King Street Wireless. Initial markets include Milwaukee, Madison and Racine, Wis.; Des Moines, Cedar Rapids and Davenport, Iowa; Portland and Bangor, Maine; and Greenville, N.C. U.S. Cellular is the first wireless carrier to offer 4G LTE in several of these markets. The next wave of market launches will be announced later this month. 
