Sprint Enhances 3G Network Coverage In Eastern Michigan

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. -- Sprint Nextel said Thursday that it had implemented 85 network capacity upgrades in Eastern Michigan in the past 90 days, and plans 190 more in the next 90 days.

Whether it's Wayne, Oakland, Genesee or Washtenaw counties, Sprint customers in eastern Michigan should expect faster data speeds, fewer dropped calls and confidence that Sprint is committed to investing in Michigan and keeping pace with the ever-increasing demand for data.

So what exactly do these upgrades mean for customers? It means an easier and worry-free wireless experience. Want to catch the latest news on Detroit's favorite baseball team? Click on the Sprint ID ESPN pack in seconds to find out the latest. Need tickets to the CCHA hockey tournament at Joe Louis Arena? Use your Web browser on your Sprint device to quickly find the best seats.

Over the past year, eastern Michigan has seen its Sprint 3G coverage increase by 14 percent, resulting in an improved wireless experience, including voice, data and in-building solutions. These enhancements to the Sprint 3G network also should serve to bolster performance of the company's no-contract brands, including devices operating on the Sprint network from Boost Mobile and Virgin Mobile USA.

"Sprint has a strong and solid presence in Michigan," said Kimberly Green-Kerr, regional vice president, business sales. "Not only do we employ hundreds of people throughout the state, but we've taken a leadership position with our connected transportation initiatives. The 3G network enhancements only serve to solidify our substantial investment in Michigan."

Eastern Michigan is not the only state benefiting from Sprint's network commitment. Nationwide, Sprint is overhauling its entire network and replacing existing equipment with new, advanced equipment through the Network Vision program.

Announced in December 2010, Network Vision is planned to consolidate multiple network technologies into one seamless network with the goal of increasing efficiency and enhancing network coverage, call quality and data speeds for customers. Smartphone penetration is expected to double over the next four years.* With Network Vision, Sprint is making it easier for data to travel so smartphone customers – who average 10 times more data use than feature phone customers* – can use their devices the way they were meant.

Network Vision and the recent upgrades reflect Sprint's commitment to customer service. Sprint is unbeaten among all national carriers and most improved in customer satisfaction, across all 47 industries, over the past three years, according to the 2011 American Customer Satisfaction Index. The survey showed Sprint as the most improved company in customer satisfaction, across all industries, over the past three years.

As Sprint adds capacity across the country on the existing network -- 28,513 upgrades in 2011 -- Network Vision work on 38,000 cell sites is underway. For a detailed look at capacity upgrades in different markets, visit www.sprint.com/network.