Sprint Nextel

Sprint adds sniff friend-finder app

Jason Ankeny — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 09:45:26 -0500

Mobile location technology provider Useful Networks announced its sniff social networking application is now available in the U.S. via Sprint. sniff (Social Network Integrated Friend Finder)--named one of FierceMobileContent's Five Mobile Social Services You Should Get to Know earlier this year--is a permission-based mobile application enabling consumers to locate contacts in real-time, anytime and anywhere, via SMS or on Facebook. In addition to providing users with a detailed map view of their friends' current whereabouts, the sniff app emphasizes privacy--all behavior is governed by principles of notice and consent, guaranteeing users remain in complete control of who can locate them and when. Registration is free, although Sprint subscribers are charged $0.25 for all successful "sniffs." Useful Networks adds it will offer a sniff API for developers who wish to incorporate friend-finder functionality into existing social networking or community services.

For more on sniff's U.S. launch:
- read this release

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Sprint: Users want but can't figure out mobile email

Jason Ankeny — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 15:44:48 -0500

Although more than 67 percent of mobile subscribers under the age of 30 use text messaging services, 29 percent of under-30 consumers also desire the ability to send and receive email via wireless device according to a new customer research from Sprint. The operator also reports 55 percent of subscribers under 30 (the largest demographic in terms of text messaging and photo sharing use) currently use mobile email services, a percentage that's more than tripled since 2006. Sprint adds that more than half of survey respondents under 30 believe mobile email capabilities help or would help them stay in touch with friends and family--40 percent of subscribers age 30 and below agree mobile email alternatives do help or would help them accomplish more each day.

The mobile user experience nevertheless remains a huge stumbling block to mobile email adoption, Sprint concludes. "While people clearly understand the value of having email access on their mobile device, we've found they also perceive it as one of the most difficult functions to use," said Sprint senior vice president of retail Kim Dixon in a prepared statement. "In fact, nearly one in four respondents (22 percent) across all groups said they have never tried to activate their phone's email capability because it was too difficult' to figure out. Most surprising, however, is that the youngest age group, 18-24, which we typically assume is the most tech-savvy, was twice as likely as someone over 30 to have tried to activate the email function on their mobile phone but couldn't successfully complete the task."

For more on the Sprint mobile email survey:
- read this release

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Sprint intros ScanLife mobile marketing app

Jason Ankeny — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 10:22:02 -0500

Sprint announced an agreement with mobile marketing solutions provider Scanbuy to launch ScanLife, an application enabling subscribers to scan barcodes in print media to obtain additional information on a given product or company via mobile device. According to Sprint, after scanning a barcode with their handset, ScanLife users are sent to a mobile website that can contain pricing, availability and additional product data as well as related features and media--for example, scanning a barcode in a movie poster can deliver Sprint customers to a website featuring background on the film, showtimes, theater locations and ticket prices. The operator adds the ScanLife app eliminates the need to type web addresses or search for content by keywords. The free application is now available for download across more than 30 of Sprint's camera-enabled devices.

For more on ScanLife:
- read this release

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Sprint continues to bleed subscribers in Q3
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Sprint continues to bleed subscribers in Q3

Jason Ankeny — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 09:53:37 -0500

Sprint Nextel posted third-quarter losses of $326 million as subscribers continued to flee the operator in droves. Revenue fell 12 percent to $8.82 billion, down from $10.04 billion a year ago. Subscriber totals dropped 1.3 million during Q3, reducing Sprint's customer base to 50.5 million--another 1.1 million post-paid customers exited Sprint's ranks, boosting the total decline over the past four quarters to nearly 4 million. By contrast, AT&T added 2 million subscribers in Q3 while Verizon Wireless signed up 1.5 million. Subscribers by network platform include 35.4 million on CDMA, 13.5 million on iDEN and 1.6 million Power Source users on both networks--in addition, more than 9 percent of postpaid customers upgraded their handsets during the third quarter, resulting in contract renewal growth.

According to Sprint, wireless service revenues for the quarter declined 13 percent year-over-year and 3 percent sequentially to $6.8 billion--the operator blamed the year-over-year drop on reduced subscriber numbers and diminished ARPU, while the sequential decline was attributed to subscriber exodus. Wireless postpaid ARPU in the quarter remained stable at $56 compared to the first two quarters of 2008, with data contributing about $13.50 and helping offset voice declines--still, wireless postpaid ARPU was down 6 percent year-over-year. CDMA data ARPU increased more than $1 from Q2 totals to about $16.50, and now represents almost 29 percent of total CDMA ARPU. Sprint cited strong take rates on bundled data services like its Simply Everything plan as well as continued growth in data cards as the catalysts behind the growth.

For more on Sprint's Q3 stumble:
- read this release

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Sprint to air live NFL Network game telecasts

Sprint to air live NFL Network game telecasts

Jason Ankeny — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 11:11:06 -0400

Sprint announced it will become the first U.S. mobile operator to offer live NFL game telecasts beginning Nov. 6 when cable's NFL Network broadcasts the first contest of its annual eight-game primetime schedule. Sprint will offer the NFL Network telecasts via its exclusive NFL Mobile Live application and on Sprint TV next week when the Denver Broncos visit the Cleveland Browns. The remaining schedule includes:

Nov. 13: New York Jets at New England
Nov. 20: Cincinnati at Pittsburgh
Nov. 27: Arizona at Philadelphia
Dec. 4: Oakland at San Diego
Dec. 11: New Orleans at Chicago
Dec. 18: Indianapolis at Jacksonville
Dec. 20: Baltimore at Dallas

Before the 2008-09 NFL season launched, Sprint announced the debut of NFL Mobile Live, an application promising subscribers wireless access to live radio broadcasts of all 2008 regular season games as well as all eight NFL Network matchups. Each time users access the NFL Mobile Live app, their favorite team's information will immediately appear onscreen, eliminating clicks by pushing the latest franchise updates and quick links to upcoming live broadcasts. In addition, NFL Mobile Live enables NFL.com fantasy owners to monitor the performance of every player in real time, delivering game and season cumulative stats, rankings, player profiles, photos and video highlights. The application also offers live access to non-game programming like NFL Total Access, NFL GameDay and NFL Playbook. NFL Mobile Live is included free as part of Sprint's Simply Everything flat-rate package--subscribers may also add Data Packs starting at $15 per month. According to Sprint, the NFL Mobile Live app set the company's single-day record for downloads on Sept. 7, the first Sunday of the NFL campaign.

Last season, Sprint began broadcasting red-zone drives and related game-changing moments from all NFL Network contests as well as a three-hour studio show streamed live on NFL.com and via Sprint. At that time, live coverage was limited to teams driving inside their opponents' 20-yard line, during scheduled time slots at the :15 and :45 marks and at other key moments. The operator also offered replays, in-game highlights and analysis, and a halftime show.

For more on Sprint's live NFL coverage:
- read this release

Sprint adds Konami mobile games library

Jason Ankeny — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 09:45:51 -0400

Electronic media publisher Konami Digital Entertainment announced a partnership with Sprint to introduce its mobile games library via the operator's network. According to Konami, Sprint subscribers may now download Contra 4, with titles including Frogger, Castlevania and Metal Gear Classic scheduled to follow. Konami already counts Sprint's U.S. rivals AT&T and Verizon Wireless among its operator partners.

For more on the Konami/Sprint deal:
- read this release

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Operators deny wrongdoing over text price hikes

Jason Ankeny — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 10:53:14 -0400

The four major U.S. operators have denied any wrongdoing in instituting recent price increases for text messages, countering the criticisms of Senate Judiciary antitrust subcommittee Chairman Herb Kohl (D-Wisc.). In a letter mailed to the CEOs of AT&T, Verizon Wireless, Sprint Nextel and T-Mobile USA, Kohl cited his concerns over a 10-cent increase in the cost of text messages over the last three years, writing "Some industry experts contend that these increased rates do not appear to be justified by any increases in the costs associated with text messaging services, but may instead be a reflection of a decrease in competition, and an increase in market power, among your four companies."

But according to RCR Wireless News, the four carriers have responded to Kohl with letters of their own, arguing that bundled data plans have actually reduced text costs for subscribers. "Although your letter states that carriers' prices for text messaging appear to have increased since 2005, the opposite is true," writes T-Mobile USA president and CEO Robert Dotson. "Since 2005, the prices that T-Mobile charges for text messages--90 percent of which are purchased in texting package plans--have fallen by more than half."

At the same time, AT&T charged that Kohl's inquiry into operator practices is the catalyst behind a rash of antitrust class-action lawsuits now facing the carriers. "As you probably know, since your letter was made public, 20 class-action lawsuits have been filed around the country against AT&T and other national carriers, specifically alleging price-fixing for texting messaging services," writes Timothy McKone, executive VP for federal relations at AT&T. "All but one of these cases cite your inquiry as one of the bases of alleged collusion. We are therefore eager to clear up any misunderstanding."

For more on the Kohl controversy:
- read this RCR Wireless News article

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Sprint closing in on Nextel sale?

Jason Ankeny — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 09:58:30 -0400

As beleaguered Sprint continues to seek a buyer for its Nextel unit, the Wall Street Journal reports interest from Latin American carrier NII Holdings along with several private equity firms, including Cerberus Capital Management LP. Reston, Va.-based NII is presently considered the frontrunner in the Nextel negotiations--the firm was once the international division of Nextel but now operates independently, serving 5.4 million iDen network subscribers in Argentina, Mexico, Brazil, Peru and Chile. Sprint acquired Nextel in 2005 in a deal valued at $35 billion, but began evaluating a sale earlier this year following extensive subscriber losses and a litany of network integration challenges--a Nextel sale would likely have a value of at least $5.4 billion, corresponding to the debt total Sprint wants the buyer to assume.

For more on the Nextel negotiations:
-read this Wall Street Journal article

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Sprint Music Store to eliminate PC downloads

Jason Ankeny — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 10:22:12 -0400

Sprint revealed it will remove PC song downloads from its Music Store service, quietly announcing the plans on its website. "Beginning October 15, 2008, Sprint Music Store purchases will no longer include a second PC copy," the site reads. "All Sprint Music Store purchases will continue to be conveniently delivered directly to your Sprint handset." Prior to the announcement, the Sprint Music Store delivered one copy of a purchased song to the customer's handset and another for desktop download via Microsoft Corp.'s Media Player DRM wrapper for 99 cents. Sprint adds that subscribers who have already purchased content from the Sprint Music Store will have until Oct. 14 to download PC copies to their desktop.

For more on the Sprint Music Store changes:
- read this RCR Wireless News article

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Sprint introduces MyMoneyManager

Jason Ankeny — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 08:34:04 -0400

Sprint announced the launch of MyMoneyManager, promising subscribers convenient and secure mobile access to their bank accounts and PayPal accounts. Powered by mobile financial service provider mFoundry's platform, the downloadable MyMoneyManager app enables Sprint customers with BB&T, Citibank, IBC Bank and PNC Bank accounts to check balances, pay bills and find nearby branches and ATMs--in becoming the first U.S. operator to offer consumers access to PayPal, which boasts over 63 million active accounts in 190 markets around the world, Sprint also offers the option to send money to virtually any merchant or personal contact. MyMoneyManager is available free to Sprint data subscribers.

For more on MyMoneyManager:
- read this release

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Sprint introduces One Click

Jason Ankeny — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 09:39:49 -0400

Sprint announced the launch of One Click, a new user interface design promising subscribers a customizable, carousel-style menu enabling one-step access to mobile data and entertainment services. According to Sprint, One Click allows users to personalize their device home screen by selecting and organizing features spanning from Google search to Sprint Navigation to mobile music--consumers may also add shortcuts to their favorite websites. Sprint said it will introduce One Click on its upcoming LG Lotus, Samsung Highnote and Samsung Rant handsets, all of which drop at retail in October.

For more on One Click:
- read this release

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Sprint launches blue mobile financial app

Jason Ankeny — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 09:28:23 -0400

Financial information software provider Blue Systems announced an agreement with Sprint to launch its blue mobile real-time financial market data application. The blue mobile app promises investors on-the-go global stock market information spanning 100 exchanges worldwide--data includes equities, fixed income, futures and options, currency, commodity, metals, energy and OTC markets, as well as company news. The app also features intuitive analytics and charting options for informed decision-making.

For more on blue mobile:
- read this release

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Sprint deploys ChangingWorlds' ClixSmart solution

Jason Ankeny — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 08:56:17 -0400

Mobile data personalization and subscriber intelligence services provider ChangingWorlds announced an agreement with Sprint to integrate its ClixSmart Intelligent Portal Platform personalization and portal management solutions into the Sprint Web portal. Per terms of the deal, ChangingWorlds will launch ClixSmart technology--which delivers personalized home page content based on a subscriber's previous mobile web surfing patterns--on Sprint Web as well as provide personalization solutions for many of Sprint's cable partners and wireless wholesale customers. Sprint will also introduce the ClixSmart Recommender to automatically generate personalized content recommendations. ClixSmart Campaign Manager also will facilitate cross-selling of mobile portal content. According to ChangingWorlds, Sprint is the largest individual carrier to deploy the ClixSmart solution.

For more on the Sprint/ChangingWorlds deal:
- read this release

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Sprint adds NFL Mobile Live to starting lineup

Jason Ankeny — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 10:11:00 -0400

Sprint and the National Football League announced the launch of NFL Mobile Live, a new application promising the operator's subscribers wireless access to live radio broadcasts of all 2008 regular season games as well as all eight Thursday Night Football matchups broadcast via cable television's NFL Network. Each time users access the NFL Mobile Live app, their favorite team's information will immediately appear onscreen, eliminating clicks by pushing the latest franchise updates and quick links to upcoming live broadcasts. In addition, NFL Mobile Live enables NFL.com fantasy owners to monitor the performance of every player in real time, delivering game and season cumulative stats, rankings, player profiles, photos and video highlights. The application will also offer live access to NFL Network non-game programming like training camp reports and team previews as well as series including NFL Total Access, NFL GameDay and NFL Playbook. NFL Mobile Live is included free as part of Sprint's Simply Everything flat-rate package--subscribers may also add Data Packs starting at $15 per month.

For more on NFL Mobile Live:
- read this release

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Sprint stumbles again despite data growth

Jason Ankeny — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 10:40:08 -0400

Beleaguered Sprint Nextel posted its third consecutive quarterly loss as the operator reported a Q2 net loss $344 million, with mobile sales declining 12 percent to $7.74 billion on top of postpaid wireless subscriber defections totaling 776,000. Sprint Nextel now serves 51.9 million customers, compared to 54 million at the end of the second quarter of 2007--however, postpaid churn of just below 2 percent improved by over 45 basis points sequentially. Wireless service revenues of $7 billion declined 11 percent year-over-year and 2 percent over Q1 figures. Sprint blamed the year-over-year drop to diminished ARPU ($56 for the quarter) and reduced subscriber totals, with subscriber losses cited for the sequential decline.

Sprint reported that second quarter mobile data revenues contributed more than $12 to overall post-paid ARPU, led by CDMA data ARPU that increased nearly $1 from the first quarter to more than $15, accounting for approximately 27 percent of total CDMA ARPU. The operator credited the increase to consumer adoption of bundled data services like its Simply Everything plan as well as continued data card growth. Prepaid ARPU in Q2 was approximately $30, off from $31 a year ago but up from $29 in the previous quarter. Boost Unlimited subscribers were cited as a catalyst behind the sequential increase.

For more on Sprint's second quarter:
- read this release

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Sprint Web browser debuts

Jason Ankeny — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 10:31:42 -0400

Sprint Nextel announced the launch of Sprint Web, promising an improved mobile web browsing experience featuring an adaptive homepage that pushes content based on the subscriber's previous usage patterns as well as direct access to Google-branded mobile search services. According to Sprint, the enhancement is automatic for all customers who currently access the web via their data-capable wireless phones. The Sprint Web homepage relies on technology developed by mobile web personalization and content discovery solutions provider ChangingWorlds--the operator promises that each subscriber homepage is now unique and dependent on the individual user's interests, enabling more efficient access to information relevant to them. Google is the default mobile search provider for open Internet search on all Sprint Web-enabled phones--the browser is currently available on more than 40 devices in all, including the Motorola RAZR2, the Palm Centro, the LG Rumor and the Samsung Upstage. Sprint will add other handsets to the Sprint Web family in the weeks ahead.

For more on Sprint Web:
- read this release

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SK Telecom and Sprint: Considering alliance, not merger

Sue Marek — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 13:04:21 -0400

Yesterday's CNBC story about a potential merger between SK Telecom and Sprint is being debunked. The Wall Street Journal and a few other news outlets are reporting SK Telecom and Sprint are considering a partnership in which they would jointly develop handsets and services. In November, Sprint rejected a $5 billion investment offer from SK Telecom and Providence Equity Partners and WSJ sources say any investment resulting from the current talks would be much smaller.

In a blog posting yesterday about the rumored deal, Pali Research analyst Walter Piecyk said since that first offer in November Sprint's fundamentals have eroded. He also speculated that SK might be considering an equity investment in Sprint and not a merger.

Recently, Sprint has shown some signs of a rebound. The company's new Samsung Instinct phone is selling well and the company is expected to have improved its churn when it reports its second-quarter earnings Aug. 6.

In late June, SK Telecom invested $25 million in equity capital in Virgin Mobile USA as part of Virgin's acquisition of MVNO Helio. SK will have a 17 percent investment in Virgin Mobile and two seats on the Virgin Mobile board of directors. The deal is supposed to close in the third quarter.

For more:
- see this WSJ report (sub. req.)

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SK Telecom mulling Sprint acquisition

Jason Ankeny — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 10:56:41 -0400

Weeks after selling off its U.S. MVNO service Helio to Virgin Mobile USA, Korean mobile giant SK Telecom is reportedly mulling a return to the U.S. market by acquiring beleaguered Sprint Nextel. According to cable news channel CNBC, talks between the two firms are complicated by SK Telecom's market capitalization--at $15 billion, the operator is roughly half the size of Sprint Nextel, necessitating private equity financing if a deal is reached. Forbes cites an unnamed Seoul analyst who speculates it is more likely SK and Sprint will instead form a strategic partnership because of the financial disparity between the two operators as well as the unfavorable U.S. market outlook. In November, The Wall Street Journal reported that Sprint rejected a $5 billion investment from SK Telecom and private equity firm Providence Equity Partners that would have installed former Sprint executive chairman Tim Donahue as CEO of the company.

For more on the Sprint/SK Telecom rumors:
- read this Forbes article

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Thrrum MMS Search available via Sprint

Jason Ankeny — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 09:29:39 -0400

Mobile visual search technologies provider 23half announced its Thrrum MMS Search is now available via Sprint. The patent-pending Thrrum service enables camera phone users to find and browse information tied to their physical context by snapping photos of any text and transmitting the image to 23half, with relevant search results then sent back to the handset. Thrrum MMS Search is currently in beta and available free to Sprint subscribers.

For more on Thrrum MMS Search:
- read this release

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Operators pledge support for AmberWatch Mobile

Fri, 30 May 2008 06:59:55 -0400

Proving the adage that "There's safety in numbers," the five major U.S. mobile operators--AT&T, Verizon Wireless, Sprint Nextel, T-Mobile USA and Alltel Wireless--jointly committed their support for the AmberWatch Mobile Initiative, a charitable effort that generates funds for the national child welfare non-profit AmberWatch Foundation. Paul Jacobs, CEO of fellow AmberWatch partner Qualcomm, officially announced the operators' participation during his keynote appearance Thursday at the wireless solutions provider's BREW 2008 conference in San Diego.

Powered by location-based solutions provider WaveMarket, the AmberWatch Mobile Initiative will raise funding and awareness for the foundation, which is dedicated to keeping children safe from molestation and abduction by establishing partnerships with local law enforcement and other officials. AmberWatch's "Be Safe!" Education Program offers children and their parents tips on staying safe from predators, delivering presentations at no cost to the school, municipality or local community group that hosts the event.

Although the carrier members are scheduled to take part in a series of fund-raising efforts to support the AmberWatch Mobile Initiative, details are presently scarce. "The wireless industry will roll out this program, which is great for kids," Jacobs said. "We'll give you updates as it progresses."

Presumably some funding will derive from WaveMarket's premium LBS services. The company's AmberWatch Mobile is a cross-carrier, GPS-based safety application enabling youngsters to reach out for assistance via mobile device. Alerts automatically include the child's location, viewable on a map from the web or a mobile phone--family members can also track a child's whereabouts on-demand or using "scheduled checks."