Rumor: Sprint to Execute “Project Leapfrog” to Begin LTE Migration
Although Sprint never denied they’d be moving to an LTE network (they didn’t rule the move out, actually), we were victims of a quick scare when they stated their plans going forward would still involve Clearwire; they are maintainers of the WiMax network Sprint uses to deliver 4G speeds to their subscribers.
People seemed to finally write LTE off at that point, but Sprint never said anything about what changes they made, only about who they were making them with. Sources of GizmoFusion and consulting firm Gerson Lehrman Group has revealed that Sprint is flipping the switch on a move they’re calling “Project Leapfrog” which will see them taking the first steps to eventually deploy an LTE network.
The network is reportedly going to be constructed with Ericsson, Alcaltel-Lucent, and Samsung providing infrastructure and technology. As for that “moving forward with Clearwire” thing, Sprint is said to continue partnering with them where it makes sense, whatever that means.
If true, we likely won’t hear how any of it is going until late this year or early next as the carrier looks to get the new network rolled out in 2-3 years, according to the sources. The name “Leapfrog” is said to suggest that Sprint will be technologically ahead of its competition once it’s all said and done. [GizmoFusion via Engadget]