Sprint Joins Open Handset Alliance

Kirsten

RESTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 5, 2007--Continuing its history of driving innovation in mobile data, Sprint (NYSE:S) is partnering with more than 30 companies worldwide to support Open Handset Alliance's free and open mobile applications platform, named Android. An early access software developer kit for this platform is scheduled for release next week. This initiative provides Sprint with the opportunity to extend its industry leadership in offering mobile content and applications to customers when, where and how they want them.

"Sprint realizes that to grow the mobile marketplace and fully exploit the amazing potential of mobile communications, we have to empower rather than restrict wireless users," said John Garcia, Sprint's senior vice president of Product Development. "And the best way to do this is to create an environment that encourages the development of innovative products and services that customers can't live without. Android will be just such an environment, and Sprint is yet again at the forefront in mobile innovation."

Sprint is one company among multiple device manufacturers, software and content developers and others that are part of the Open Handset Alliance that will work together to develop, deploy and promote Android. (For more information on the Open Handset Alliance go to http://www.openhandsetalliance.com).

Sprint's commitment to Android is the latest in the company's efforts to enhance and personalize the mobile experience of its customers. Unlike other wireless carriers, Sprint allows data users to freely browse the Internet outside its portal and has done so since first offering access to the Internet on its phones in 2001.

Additionally, Sprint has led the industry in working with application and content developers through its Application Developers Program (ADP), first established when it launched data-capable JAVA handsets in 2001. The ADP exists as a community that provides tools and forums for developers to create applications that may be accessible through the open Internet or may reside within the Sprint portal. Developers can sign up for the Sprint ADP, use the available tools to create applications, and provide the applications on the open Internet without directly involving Sprint at all. Through its ADP and other activities Sprint has already established policies and procedures to effectively deal with important issues such as network security, protecting consumer information and balancing content that may be pushed to customers in a mobile environment.

Android also aligns with Sprint's plans for its next-generation mobile data network, Xohm(TM), which will soft launch in several markets in late December and begin commercial service in 2008. Sprint is working with ecosystem partners and others to incorporate WiMAX technology in a range of computing, portable multi-media, interactive and other consumer electronic devices. Sprint is working with Google to bring Xohm WiMAX mobile Internet customers search, interactive communications and social networking tools through a new mobile portal, as Sprint untethers Internet access for consumers, businesses and government customers.

"Whether it is our current mobile broadband network or future Xohm services, Sprint's goal is to give customers a true mobile Internet experience," said Garcia. "To do that, we must partner with third parties that can leverage Sprint's unique assets including a second-to-none network, unequaled push-to-talk capability, location-based services, a compelling device portfolio and comprehensive interface for the customer, to meet the personalized needs of each customer. Our focus is to grow with our customers by anticipating and responding to their needs, encourage a broader community for innovation for our customers and allow Sprint to focus on the areas where we provide the most value."