Sprint to cover 120M people with 4G LTE next year (scoop)
The carrier also plans to launch 15 LTE devices in 2012 as it presses forward with both its own 4G LTE network and Clearwire's WiMax tech.
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Sprint Nextel plans to cover more than 120 million people with its own 4G LTE network by the end of 2012 and more than 250 million people a year later, CNET has learned.
In addition, Sprint said it expects to launch 15 LTE-compatible devices next year.
As previously reported by CNET, Sprint is building its own 4G LTE network, which will launch next year. The company has been relying on Clearwire to provide it with 4G WiMax technology, but has opted as well to go forward with its own 4G LTE path.
As part of Sprint's 4G lineup for next year, some hot spots will be able to run on both Clearwire's WiMax and its own LTE network. The phones, however, will only run on Sprint's LTE network.
Sprint plans to launch its first LTE device by midsummer 2012.
The carrier is scheduled to unveil more details of the 4G LTE rollout later today at an investor meeting. Stay tuned for more information.
Correction at 8:26 a.m. PT: This story erroneously reported the planned extent of the 4G LTE coverage due to incorrect information provided. Sprint says 120 million people will be covered by the end of 2012, and 250 million people by the end of 2013.