Sprint Overhauls Network to Accommodate iPhone Traffic

Since netting the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S on its network, Sprint customers have complained that the iPhone runs slower on the Now Network than Verizon’s, which operates a similar CDMA/EV-DO 3G network, and AT&T’s, which runs a GSM/HSPA+ 3G/4G network. The good news is that Sprint is listening to vocal customers and the carrier has announced that it has overhauled its network to accommodate the influx of iPhone owners utilizing the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S.

Sprint VP of product development Farid Adib did not specify what upgrades were made to the Now Network nor where those upgrades were made. Adib did say that initial customer feedback was positive and that “Sprint continues to monitor device and network performance to ensure that customers get the performance they expect from our products.”

Though iPhone performance on its network is slower than its larger rivals, Sprint says that iPhone customers on its network are generally satisfied and the return rates are low. This is perhaps also aided by the fact that Sprint remains the sole national iPhone carrier to offer an unlimited data plan whereas its larger rivals have now migrated to metered and tiered data plans.

Sprint has made a long-term strategic bet with the iPhone in hopes of not only attracting new subscribers, but retaining current subscribers. Sprint’s other large strategic investment is with its Network Vision strategy as the carrier hopes to switch to 4G LTE and migrate away from WiMax.

Via: CNET