In a major convergence deal, Sprint Nextel has teamed up with Comcast,Time Warner Cable,Cox Communications and Advance/Newhouse Communications to offer a "quadruple play" of voice, video, wireless and broadband services.
As part of the 20-year deal, three of which are mutually exclusive, the companies must offer a $200 million financial commitment, half of which will come from Sprint and the other half from the other companies.
Beginning in 2006, the companies will offer any combination of bundled services including video, wireless voice and data services, high-speed Internet and cable phone service. The companies plan to develop co-branded wireless devices that will provide new and unique features that integrate cable and wireless service all on a single device.
Through Sprint retail stores, cable outlets and third-party distributors, the companies will sell and market these co-branded products and services. Additionally, the companies plan to sell Sprint's nationwide high-speed Power Vision network and EV-DO-enabled (evolution data optimized) handsets and service packages that will enable customers to remotely program their home DVRs from a cell phone and use a single voicemail box that serves both home and wireless phones. The technology also provides new calling plans that allow for unlimited calls between home and the wireless device and more, according to Sprint Nextel.
