Sprint Honored with Industry Achievement Award for Operator Leadership by CDMA Development Group at 2011 CDMA World Forum

Annual Awards Recognize Excellence in Innovative 3G CDMA Networks, Advancing M2M and Delivering Compelling Products and Services

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (BUSINESS WIRE), June 30, 2011 – The CDMA Development Group (CDG) honored Sprint (NYSE:S, news, filings) as the winner of the Industry Achievement Award for Operator Leadership on June 17 at the third annual CDMA World Forum in Guangzhou, China. The CDG Industry Achievement Awards recognize individuals and companies for excellence in deploying advanced CDMA2000® networks, products and services.

The industry achievement award for operator leadership is given to operators that demonstrate leadership in the wireless community through the expansion of CDMA2000 system deployments and/or the unique implementation of CDMA2000 technologies in a specific market.

“Sprint is greatly honored to receive the prestigious award for Operator Leadership from the CDMA Development Group,” said Wayne Ward, vice president of Emerging Solutions Group, Sprint. “This is an important and gratifying affirmation of Sprint’s success in advancing a potent leadership strategy in M2M and other solutions where CDMA technology is vital to innovation.”

As a leader in the rapidly-growing machine-to-machine (M2M) market, Sprint uses CDMA2000 to drive innovation in device connectivity. Sprint’s CDMA network and partner ecosystem are key factors in placing CDMA at the forefront of M2M service innovation. This includes expanding M2M across the high-growth sectors of connected transportation, fixed and portable solutions, SmartGrid and utilities, health care and education. Sprint’s ONE (Open-Network-Execution) approach expands CDMA deployments by providing an open environment. Key elements include Sprint’s Network Vision for consolidating networks and the M2M Collaboration Center.

Manish Mangal, director of technical development for Sprint, who delivered a keynote address during the conference, received the award on behalf of Sprint.

“The CDG is pleased to recognize Sprint as this year’s Operator Leadership award recipient,” said Perry LaForge, executive director of the CDG. “Sprint has clearly demonstrated its commitment to CDMA and is leading the industry in creating new and innovative M2M services that are effectively meeting the stringent demands of multiple vertical industries. These industries are continuing to recognize that Sprint’s CDMA2000 1X and EV-DO network is best suited for delivering the affordable and reliable M2M services that their businesses and customers will depend upon well into the next decade.”

The awards nomination process was open to the general public through the CDG Web site. Final selection of the winners was made by senior CDG executive members as well as representatives of industry associations and the trade media community. More information about CDMA2000 and the CDG can be found at www.cdg.org.

In addition to the operator leadership award Sprint received, CDG recognized other companies and individuals with industry achievement awards in other categories including:

• Industry Leadership
• Innovation in Mobile Consumer Products
• Innovation in Network Technology
• Innovation in Wireless Social and Economic Solutions Development
• Innovation in Mobile Applications

About CDMA2000

CDMA2000 is a widely deployed 3G technology, with 323 operators in 123 countries and territories serving more than 575 million subscribers. CDMA2000 1xEV-DO is a 3G CDMA (IMT-2000) solution offering mobile broadband to over 163 million people across a wide range of devices. CDMA2000 has been chosen by operators in both developed and emerging markets, and is deployable in the 450, 700, 800, 1700, 1900, AWS and 2100 MHz bands. More than 2,684 CDMA2000 devices from 139 suppliers have been introduced to the market, including more than 608 Rel. 0 and 405 Rev. A devices on 120 CDMA2000 1xEV-DO Rel. 0, 122 Rev. A and 3 Rev. B networks. More information on the CDG, CDMA2000, OMH and other industry initiatives is available on the CDG Web site at www.cdg.org.

About CDG

The CDMA Development Group is a trade association formed to foster the worldwide development, implementation and use of CDMA2000 and other complementary wireless solutions. Its member companies include many of the world’s leading service providers and equipment manufacturers. The primary activities of the CDG include development of advanced features and services, evolution of standards, technical education, advocacy, regulatory affairs, global roaming and device availability. Currently, there are more than 500 individuals working within various CDG industry initiatives.

About Sprint Nextel

Sprint Nextel offers a comprehensive range of wireless and wireline communications services bringing the freedom of mobility to consumers, businesses and government users. Sprint Nextel served more than 51 million customers at the end of 1Q 2011 and is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying innovative technologies, including the first wireless 4G service from a national carrier in the United States; offering industry-leading mobile data services, leading prepaid brands including Virgin Mobile USA, Boost Mobile, and Assurance Wireless; instant national and international push-to-talk capabilities; and a global Tier 1 Internet backbone. Newsweek ranked Sprint No. 6 in its 2010 Green Rankings, listing it as one of the nation’s greenest companies, the highest of any telecommunications company. You can learn more and visit Sprint at www.sprint.com or www.facebook.com/sprint and www.twitter.com/sprint.