Sprint 4G LTE Now Available to Customers in Nine New Markets including San Juan, Puerto Rico

OVERLAND PARK, Kan.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sprint (NYSE:S) today announced that it is launching 4G LTE in Altoona, Pa., Asheville, N.C., Columbus, Ind., Elkhart/Goshen, Ind., Hammond, La., La Crosse, Wis., San Juan, Puerto Rico, Statesville, N.C., and Temple, Texas. Customers in these areas will now be able to experience faster speeds for uploading photos, surfing the Web and streaming videos. Sprint 4G LTE service has also expanded in San Germán, Yauco, Salinas and Santa Isabel, Puerto Rico. Through its Network Vision program, Sprint is continuing to bring a better wireless experience to more customers every day as it builds out its all-new 3G and 4G LTE network.

“With today’s announcement, Sprint is enabling even more customers to sample the power of 4G LTE on their smartphones, tablets and wireless hotspots”

“With today’s announcement, Sprint is enabling even more customers to sample the power of 4G LTE on their smartphones, tablets and wireless hotspots,” said Bob Azzi, senior vice president-Network, Sprint. “The network team continues to build and test the new network across the country, including areas like San Francisco, Los Angeles and New York. Customers report they are already finding a 4G LTE signal in these places, and we look forward to providing even more reliable access to the data they need with our official launches.”

Customers can expect to experience the following improvements once 3G upgrades and 4G LTE service come to their area:

• Faster data speeds to enable instant Web access for news updates, HD viewing and game-playing, quicker video downloads and clearer video chats.
• Better signal strength when accessing the Web.
• Fewer dropped calls for peace of mind when talking to friends, family or colleagues.

Customers in 4G LTE service areas will be able to use their smartphones – such as Samsung Galaxy S^® III, Samsung Galaxy Note^® II or LG Optimus G™ – to share a picture of their favorite band performing at a local arena or to check the Web for basketball scores with greater speed. When you combine the power of 4G LTE with an Everything Data plan with Any Mobile, Anytime^SM, which includes unlimited Web, texting and calling to and from any mobile in America while on the Sprint Network, Sprint becomes the best choice in wireless. Through April 11, with Switch to Sprint save $100 instantly on the Samsung Galaxy S II or the Galaxy S III¹.

The strength and abilities of Sprint’s 4G LTE network can also be experienced through two of its no-annual contract brands², Virgin Mobile USA and Boost Mobile. Virgin Mobile now offers the Galaxy Victory™ 4G LTE, from Samsung along with its No Contract Beyond Talk unlimited data and messaging plans³. On March 7, Boost Mobile will begin to sell the HTC One SV and Boost Force – paired with Boost Mobile’s no-annual contract $55 Android Monthly Unlimited with Shrinking Payments plan. These smartphones will operate on Sprint’s 3G and 4G LTE networks.

Sprint’s network buildout, known as Network Vision, not only delivers 4G LTE but also is expected to provide 3G customers better wireless signal strength, in-building coverage, and fewer dropped/blocked calls. All Sprint 3G customers, including the company’s prepaid customers on Assurance Wireless, Boost Mobile and Virgin Mobile USA can expect to see better coverage and improved network reliability and voice quality once the improvements come to their areas.

Sprint introduced its all-new 4G LTE network in July 2012 and now offers service in 67 markets. For the most up-to-date details on Sprint’s 4G LTE portfolio and rollout and detailed 4G LTE maps, providing coverage information right down to the address please visit www.sprint.com/coverage. Customers are encouraged to check back often, as the maps will be updated when coverage in these markets is enhanced.

About Sprint Nextel

Sprint Nextel offers a comprehensive range of wireless and wireline communications services bringing the freedom of mobility to consumers, businesses and government users. Sprint Nextel served more than 55 million customers at the end of 2012 and is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying innovative technologies, including the first wireless 4G service from a national carrier in the United States; offering industry-leading mobile data services, leading prepaid brands including Virgin Mobile USA, Boost Mobile, and Assurance Wireless; instant national and international push-to-talk capabilities; and a global Tier 1 Internet backbone. The American Customer Satisfaction Index rated Sprint No. 1 among all national carriers in customer satisfaction and most improved, across all 47 industries, during the last four years. Newsweek ranked Sprint No. 3 in both its 2011 and 2012 Green Rankings, listing it as one of the nation’s greenest companies, the highest of any telecommunications company. You can learn more and visit Sprint at www.sprint.com or www.facebook.com/sprint and www.twitter.com/sprint.

¹ New 2 year agreement required. Restrictions Apply. Available only in web, telesales, Sprint retail stores and indirect channels (not national retailers).

² Services are subject to certain terms.

³ Beyond Talk plans include 2.5GB/month of high speed data. Adaptive Protocol Video limited to 3G speeds.