The program, which now includes 27 mobile operators, has Sprint improving its 4G LTE network in rural areas. It’s not one-sided, as these rural carriers gain low-cost access to Sprint’s 4G LTE network, with their customers gaining the ability to purchase Sprint handsets.
Related: Sprint’s new Framily plan offers 20GB of shared data for $100 a month
“In just a few short months, Sprint has made significant progress by signing agreements covering 27 regional carriers that serve millions of people across the country,” said Sprint corporate and business development senior vice president Michael C. Schwartz. “By working together, we will bring mobile broadband and better wireless devices to underserved communities while expanding 4G LTE coverage for Sprint customers.”
While such a move certainly won’t turn Sprint’s fortunes around overnight, it is a nice reminder that it is trying to improve itself in significant ways.
Here is the list of the 15 rural carriers brought into the fold:
- Bluegrass Cellular, serving Kentucky
- Blue Wireless, serving New York and Pennsylvania
- Pine Belt Wireless, serving Alabama
- Pioneer Cellular, serving Oklahoma and Kansas
- Public Service Wireless, serving Alabama and Georgia
- Syringa Wireless, serving Idaho
- Rural Independent Network Alliance (RINA) members and its partners:
- STRATA Networks, serving Utah, Wyoming and Colorado
- Silver Star Wireless, serving Wyoming and Idaho
- All West Wireless Inc., serving Wyoming and Utah
- NNTC, serving Colorado
- Snake River Personal Communications Service, serving Oregon
- CTC Telecom Inc., serving Idaho
- South Central Communications Inc., serving Utah
- Custer Telephone Wireless, serving Idaho
- Breakaway Wireless, serving Utah
Related: New Sprint CEO promises price cuts and better plans
