Sprint to Build Unified Network Platform

In a report filed by IDG/Yahoo, Sprint Vice-President of Core Technologies Ben Vos has announced intentions to build a unified core network that will converge the CDMA, iDEN, and nascent WiMax networks onto one platform during the VON.x conference on Tuesday.

The platform will be an all IP based network on a common optical backbone and will also deploy IMS (Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem) in its current cell site infrastructure.

The design of the platform is intended to allow third parties access to the core network and usage patterns, which Sprint will facilitate by developing software APIs in order to ease application development in order to enable services such as detailed billing for third-party service on a Sprint invoice, data access, and other services which need a consistent user experience.

This new project is on top of the ongoing buildout of the XOHM WiMax service, and transition to the more robust Ensemble billing platform, with no announcement being made on a timetable for the deployment of the new unified platform.

The report also made note that Sprint is downplaying the mobile aspects of its WiMax deployment, comparing it to a massive Wi-Fi hotspot by focusing on nomadic usage, and stating as an example that mobile VOIP is difficult in cars or trains due to the speed of handoffs at different cellsites.