Sprint Nextel unveiled a new program that will allow customers to take their inactive device to select mobile virtual network operators.
Sprint Nextel said the program, which it dubs “bring your own sprint device,” is intended to help MVNO’s attract new users by allowing fallow Sprint Nextel devices to be activated through those offerings. Participating MVNO partners were not announced, but it’s likely those operations that run across Sprint Nextel’s network are to be included.
“With BYOSD, MVNO customers simply bring a deactivated Sprint device to their MVNO, who must determine the device’s eligibility for the BYOSD program,” Sprint Nextel noted. “Upon meeting those specifications, the device is then activated by the MVNO.”
“A program like this can help to remove the subsidy burden off of burgeoning MVNOs, helping them to thrive in the competitive wireless landscape,” explained Steve Hilton, principal analyst with Analysys Mason, in a statement.
Sprint Nextel noted that during the fourth quarter it lost 243,000 customers through its affiliates and wholesale partners, though it did manage to gain 149,000 customers through its prepaid offerings sold via its Boost Mobile, Virgin Mobile USA and Assurance Wireless offerings.
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