Sprint Expands 4G LTE to More Cities & Sprint's Stock is Up More than 140% This Year

[dgstorm]

We wanted to share some Sprint news, just for some of our users who have expressed interest in them lately.

Sometime in 2014 we may be giving Sprint the nickname, "the comeback kid." First of all, they just expanded their 4G LTE network to several new cities: Lawrence, Topeka, and Wichita, Kansas; Waukegan-Lake, Illinois; and Barnstable-Hyannis, Massachusetts. Below we have the full press release for more details. However, what is more interesting is how much Sprint has already made a huge turn-around. Just five years ago, Dan Hesse took over as the new CEO of Sprint. He came in right after the fiasco of the Nextel buyout, which was a mess he had to clean up left by the previous CEO. In that time, they still made a few missteps (betting on WiMAX and Clearwire for example), but despite some big roadbumps, they have actually done phenomenally well. They dramatically improved their networks and customer service, and reduced their "churn" rate by keeping more customers, and now they are on track to become profitable again by 2014. Additionally, they made the wise choice to dump WiMAX and move toward quickly deploying their new 4G LTE network.

All of this good news has done wonders for their stock price. In fact, Sprint's stock has outperformed every other stock on the S&P 500, (including Apple) with the exception of PulteGroup Inc. (PHM). Sprint's stock price is trading at around $5-6 dollars per share which is a 140% increase in the last year. (Keep in mind that "outperform" basically means that it rose in value by a higher percentage than other stocks on the same list, and is not reflective of total value. For reference, Apple's stock hit $700 dollars per share, but has only seen modest percentage gains this year.)

What's really great to hear from Dan Hesse is that he and Sprint are not "resting on their laurels" when it comes to this success. They realize there is still a steep hill to climb. Here is a statement from Mr. Hesse, “I tell the team here, ‘You’re not going to see any “mission accomplished” signs anywhere on this campus. This is a long process.”

There is still some skepticism being held against Sprint because of some of these past hiccups, yet despite that, most stock analysts are recommending the stock with a "Buy" rating. It will be interesting to see how things evolve next year after their LTE network is more fully deployed and they have attracted more customers with their "Truly Unlimited Data Plans."

You can read more about Sprint's bumpy rise at the Bloomberg article here: Sprint

Truly Unlimited Sprint 4G LTE Blazes into More Cities – Brings Power, Simplicity and Value

Customers in parts of Kansas, Illinois and Massachusetts to benefit from Sprint’s all-new 4G LTE network

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (BUSINESS WIRE), September 24, 2012 – Sprint (NYSE:S) today announced availability of 4G LTE to customers in Lawrence, Kan.; Topeka, Kan.; Wichita, Kan.; Waukegan-Lake County, Ill.; and Barnstable-Hyannis/Mid-Cape, Mass. Sprint’s wireless customers in these metro areas will benefit from the speed, value and simplicity of the Sprint 4G LTE experience. Through its exceptional selection of smartphones and a Truly UnlimitedSM data plan, Sprint offers an unbeatable package for wireless users.

“In addition to the 19 cities we have already launched, we recently announced that Sprint 4G LTE will be available in more than 100 cities in the coming months,” said Bob Azzi, senior vice president-Network, Sprint. “Today’s news moves us even further toward achieving that goal. We strive to deliver a top-notch network experience combined with winning devices and unlimited nationwide data plans – all of which are designed to support the ways our customers use their mobile devices today and tomorrow.”

A strong, robust wireless network is increasingly important as wireless users want to access emails quickly, upload photos/videos to friends and family, and routinely check in with social networks – all on their smartphone. Keeping up with current wireless data usage and looking into the future, Sprint is building an all-new 3G and 4G LTE network as part of a strategy known as Network Vision. This network build-out is expected to improve all aspects of the wireless experience for customers.

Today, some customers in parts of Chicago, Los Angeles and New York are experiencing better 3G service thanks to the start of the Network Vision program in those areas. Additionally, customers in areas of Baltimore, Boston and Washington, D.C., have been enjoying enhanced 3G performance. As Network Vision continues to rollout across the country, Sprint customers will see significant improvement in their 3G network experience, including expanded coverage, improved network reliability, better voice quality, and faster 3G data speeds.

Sprint understands the value of a Truly Unlimited experience. Sprint offers a portfolio of 4G LTE-capable devices, which includes powerhouse smartphones such as Samsung Galaxy S® III, Motorola PHOTON™ Q™ 4G LTE and the new iPhone™ 5. Customers can sign up for an Everything Data plan with Any Mobile, AnytimeSM, which includes unlimited Web, texting and calling to and from any mobile in America while on the Sprint Network, starting at just $79.99 per month for smartphones – a savings of $20 per month versus Verizon’s comparable plan with unlimited talk, text and 2GB Web (excludes taxes and surcharges). Customers value Truly Unlimited data, because it’s simple and straightforward – no metering, no throttling or overages, and no need to share minutes or data, all while on the Sprint network.

Additionally, the 2012 American Customer Satisfaction Index ranked Sprint No. 1 among all national carriers in customer satisfaction and most improved, across all 47 industries, during the last four years.

With today’s announcement, Sprint 4G LTE is available in 24 citiesi and is expected to be in more than 100 additional cities in coming months. Sprint introduced its all-new 4G LTE network in July 2012 and expects to have largely completed the nationwide build-out by the end of 2013. For the most up-to-date details on Sprint’s 4G LTE portfolio and rollout, visit The Sprint 4G LTE network is here!.

 

[geoff5093]

I'm all for more competition!

 

[liftedplane]

when they roll out in my area I'm definitely checking it out.

if Verizon would just stop trying to get one over on us.. bah... still I get 4g in places I can't even get 3g on verizon... sprint will definitely have to step it up which is most certainly what it looks like they are doing

 

[swc2001]

I Love it!!!!
I tell you what it looks more and more likely that I am going to be a Sprint customer someday.

If Verizon keeps Screwing us It will be the logical conclusion. It seems that Sprint is Hungry and that they have a coservative CEO unlike Verizons Socialistic one data plan fits all CEO.

If and when Sprints Networks are at somewhat Compareable to Verizons.... I will Switch. Get myself the Samsung Galaxy 6!! LOL

 

[xsirxx]

I moved over this year to Sprint when verizon kicked me off their unlimited plan. I love it! Not only do I get better reception in my office, but I also get a free femtocell in my new home which Verizon wanted me to pay for! Not only that but when I do roam on my sprint service, it roams on verizon's network(free)!

Disclaimer: I am a S investor.

 

[akhenax]

I moved over this year to Sprint when verizon kicked me off their unlimited plan. I love it! Not only do I get better reception in my office, but I also get a free femtocell in my new home which Verizon wanted me to pay for! Not only that but when I do roam on my sprint service, it roams on verizon's network(free)!

Disclaimer: I am a S investor.

You do not pay for roaming charges on Verizon's network???? How do you know it's Verizon's network?

P.S. I need to invest as well.:biggrin:

 

[xsirxx]

You do not pay for roaming charges on Verizon's network???? How do you know it's Verizon's network?

P.S. I need to invest as well.:biggrin:

No, on their unlimited plans roaming is free across the board. Verizon and Sprint have roaming agreements setup in my area. Yea I have ridden a really nice train up this year on S and I believe there is still plenty more upside to go with them especially with their earnings coming out this oct 22 and we will finally get to see what type of customer gains they got from verizon kicking off their customers in this over-saturated cell phone market. I would suggest doing some research on them if you are looking to put money in them.

EDIT: I forgot to mention that they are currently breaking 52 week highs as well.

 

[cybertec69]

I moved over this year to Sprint when verizon kicked me off their unlimited plan. I love it! Not only do I get better reception in my office, but I also get a free femtocell in my new home which Verizon wanted me to pay for! Not only that but when I do roam on my sprint service, it roams on verizon's network(free)!

Disclaimer: I am a S investor.

How did Verizon kick you off the unlimited plan, as we know, Verizon does NOT kick people off their unlimited data plan, unless they decide to get a new subsidized smartphone, please explain.

 

[bdsullivan76]

I am about to switch to sprint. Verizon is trying to bend me over and not even offering me any lube. I am glad to see this article as i just got a constant 4g signal in my area 2 weeks ago. At least the tampa area is on sprints radar as one of the 100 cities. Did i mention i will save damn near $100 a month and they have the GS3 and unlockable Photon Q for $99 each. Decisions, decisions.

Sent from my DROID4

 

[xsirxx]

How did Verizon kick you off the unlimited plan, as we know, Verizon does NOT kick people off their unlimited data plan, unless they decide to get a new subsidized smartphone, please explain.

Your right in your assumption that they did not "Kick" us off in the literal sense. What they did was make it impossible for us to stay if that more elequently fits your need for explanation. We had three lines all on the same family plan. They decided without us knowing to change one of the three lines over to the new shared plan. We did not want a new plan and sure as hell did NOT get a new phone or start a new contract. So we told Verizon that we would leave if it persisted and they said no problem just tell us when to turn off your service. The next day I had two S3's and one Photon Q(well on order anyways) for 100$ each.

So however you would like to put it, I say "Kicked".

 

[Fuzzball]

Your right in your assumption that they did not "Kick" us off in the literal sense. What they did was make it impossible for us to stay if that more elequently fits your need for explanation. We had three lines all on the same family plan. They decided without us knowing to change one of the three lines over to the new shared plan. We did not want a new plan and sure as hell did NOT get a new phone or start a new contract. So we told Verizon that we would leave if it persisted and they said no problem just tell us when to turn off your service. The next day I had two S3's and one Photon Q(well on order anyways) for 100$ each.

So however you would like to put it, I say "Kicked".

When do you think they changed it? Like on a call with a CSR or at the store? I'd be surprised if it was just random they did it. If so, I'll need to be watching my account like a hawk since VZW has been screwing with me this year. Hopefully Sprint's network isn't as bogged down for you as I have heard.

If this happens with anyone else, you can request they put the plan back as long as it's "compatible" with your device. Their definition of compatible is based on pulling stuff out of their butt. Ex: I've had the 2000 TXT ALLOWANCE on my account for a number of years. I took them up on their offer upgrading early to an LTE phone. My D3 on GB was "compatible" with the plan, but the D4 on GB was not. After dicking around with two attempts at getting it put back and a complaint with the BBB, I'm paying them more money.

 

[nikecar]

I am about to switch to sprint. Verizon is trying to bend me over and not even offering me any lube. I am glad to see this article as i just got a constant 4g signal in my area 2 weeks ago. At least the tampa area is on sprints radar as one of the 100 cities. Did i mention i will save damn near $100 a month and they have the GS3 and unlockable Photon Q for $99 each. Decisions, decisions.

Sent from my DROID4

yeah... I hope that by 2 yrs from now (or 1.5) LTE for Sprint will be here, especially in the rural southern part of Hillsborough County. I'd switch if the service is good. Usually the folks with Sprint I talk with now sound crappy, so i'd think in that time frame, it should get better.

 

[SquireSCA]

Your right in your assumption that they did not "Kick" us off in the literal sense. What they did was make it impossible for us to stay if that more elequently fits your need for explanation. We had three lines all on the same family plan. They decided without us knowing to change one of the three lines over to the new shared plan. We did not want a new plan and sure as hell did NOT get a new phone or start a new contract. So we told Verizon that we would leave if it persisted and they said no problem just tell us when to turn off your service. The next day I had two S3's and one Photon Q(well on order anyways) for 100$ each.

So however you would like to put it, I say "Kicked".

I told people 18 months ago that this waqs coming. Everyone was so smug that their "grandfathered unlimited" was secure forever, but some of us knew that this day was coming. It will happen more and more. I broke all my contracts early and left VZW last week. Screw them, went to Sprint, got unlimited and dropped my bill by $65 a month...

 

[cybertec69]

I told people 18 months ago that this waqs coming. Everyone was so smug that their "grandfathered unlimited" was secure forever, but some of us knew that this day was coming. It will happen more and more. I broke all my contracts early and left VZW last week. Screw them, went to Sprint, got unlimited and dropped my bill by $65 a month...

Hello, hello, hello, can you hear me, crap missed another call, LOL.

 

[SquireSCA]

Hello, hello, hello, can you hear me, crap missed another call, LOL.

Luckily, Atlanta is rolling out Sprint LTE as we speak. Verizon does have the best coverage, but their prices gouge customers. They keep charging more and giving less, relying on their "network" to justify raping you. Kicking people off plans, overage charges, throttling, etc... That's what you are paying top dollar for, and I think it stinks. They think that they walk on water, just like Apple. So rather than just complain, I took my $225 a month and went elsewhere.