Sprint Supports the FCC and CTIA-The Wireless Association® in Deterring Smartphone Theft and Protecting Consumer Data

New online Sprint site outlines steps to help customers protect their smartphone

WASHINGTON (BUSINESS WIRE), April 10, 2012 – Today, Sprint (NYSE:S), joined the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and CTIA-The Wireless Association® in committing to an industry wide initiative designed to curb smartphone theft and help smartphone users protect their device’s data.

“Smartphone theft is an issue that Sprint has always taken seriously and we have already implemented a number of steps to mitigate the inconvenience the theft or loss of a smartphone might cause,” said Vonya B. McCann, senior vice president of Government Affairs for Sprint. “The FCC’s new initiative is consistent with Sprint’s commitment to our customers and we look forward to working on these measures with phone manufacturers and other carriers within the wireless industry.”

Today, Sprint also launched sprint.com/stolenphone – a comprehensive site with information and frequently asked questions about measures Sprint customers can take to protect their phone’s security and data.

Sprint encourages its customers to use passwords on their devices to avoid unauthorized use and makes software applications available that allow its customers to find, lock or wipe data from their phone remotely.

When a Sprint customer reports their lost or stolen phone, Sprint immediately restricts further voice, text and data use until the customer lets Sprint know the device has been located or the customer activates a replacement device.

If the lost or stolen device is replaced or the service is discontinued, the device’s ESN or IMEI code is placed on Sprint’s lost and stolen database which prevents it from future reactivation on Sprint’s network.

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 55 million customers at the end of 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. 3 in its 2011 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.