Regional wireless operator and Sprint Nextel network partner Shenandoah Telecommunications (SHEN) said it has signed an addendum to its affiliate agreement that will see the operator install LTE technology across its service areas compatible with Sprint Nextel’s LTE plans. Sprint Nextel’s (S) plans call for the carrier to begin offering commercial services later this year using its G-Band 1.9 GHz spectrum assets that it hopes to boost with 800 MHz spectrum that is being freed up from the sunsetting of its iDEN services.
As part of the agreement, Shenandoah will receive access to additional 1.9 GHz and 800 MHz spectrum holdings, extend the terms of its current contract from 2019 to 2024 and increase the cap on the “net service fee” it receives from 12% to 14% beginning July 1, 2013. The carrier will also rely on Alcatel-Lucent to provide network equipment that will “mirror” Sprint Nextel’s Network Vision program.
Shenandoah is one of the few affiliates Sprint Nextel did not acquire following the merging of Sprint and Nextel operations. Shenandoah did manage to secure control over some Nextel assets to resolve a legal battle with Sprint Nextel regarding clauses in its affiliate agreement.
Sprint Nextel rival Verizon Wireless has secured agreements with more than a dozen independent rural wireless operators to build out LTE networks compatible with the carrier’s version of the technology running across the 700 MHz spectrum band.
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