Several Vendors Tapped For iDEN Shutdown
Decommissioning efforts regarding Sprint’s iDEN network could begin soon, with the carrier inking agreements with Goodman Networks; Overland Contracting Inc., a construction affiliate of Black & Veatch; Pyramid Network Services LLC; and WesTower Communications Inc. that together will negotiate lease-termination agreements, restore cell site compounds and remove Sprint network equipment for re-use or recycling.
Sprint recently announced plans to cease service on the iDEN Nextel National Network as early as June 30, 2013 (for more information, click here). The company expects to shut down some 9,600 iDEN sites before the end of the third quarter.
“After a thorough RFP process, Sprint has selected the best suppliers to cost-effectively hit our milestones for site shutdown, enabling the company to exit from those locations at a minimum cost,” says John Harrison, vice president/Network Supplier Performance Management. “In addition, we have taken extra care in selecting these suppliers to ensure our industry-leading green standards are maintained.”
For now, Sprint continues to facilitate migration of iDEN customers to Sprint Direct Connect service, the scope of which will be broadened during the course of this year.
