Sprint has announced the rollout of its 4G LTE data network in 22 new cities, including Miami, Tampa and New Orleans. The carrier has been working to expand the coverage area of its LTE network at a breakneck pace, and in addition to the new cities announced this week, several more expansions are slated for the coming months.
Although a few cities like Raleigh were included in the latest rollout, most of the new LTE coverage is being deployed to cities in warmer climates. Sprint says another 13 markets will be added in the near future.
The carrier says that data usage is projected to account for 99 percent of global mobile traffic by 2014 and Sprint's emphasis on building out its high-speed 4G LTE network is a necessity in order to meet demand.
"Today's announcement means that more Americans will experience the speed and power of Sprint 4G LTE," said Bob Azzi, senior vice president of at Sprint in a press release. "Sprint is committed to delivering the latest technology through a nationwide LTE buildout, and providing new cell sites that are more compact and energy efficient. Our network build with new 3G and 4G LTE not only provides improved wireless service, it is also expected to reduce Sprint's total energy demand and the company's carbon footprint."
Sprint currently offers its 4G LTE service in 110 US markets including Los Angeles, Boston, Dallas and Puerto Rico. Additionally, a number of cities like New York and San Francisco have LTE signals even though Sprint has not officially announced the service there. The company says it hopes to cover nearly 200 million people with its LTE network by the end of 2013.
Sprint has been eager to attract subscribers from the other big telecoms with its "Truly Unlimited" data plan and offers a $100 rebate just for switching to Sprint and signing a two-year contract.
