The resolution of a patent dispute between Sprint and Cox Communications will result in the wireless carrier gaining access to the cable operator’s broadband infrastructure, so Sprint can densify its network more quickly.
Cox was one of several companies sued by Sprint in recent years for alleged violations of phone technology patents. The companies reportedly reached a settlement last month, and Thursday announced “a multi-year business agreement.”
Sprint officials said that utilizing Cox’s wireline infrastructure would allow the wireless carrier to accelerate the deployment of cell towers and small cell sites — such as its “Sprint Magic Box, airpoles, strand mounts and repeaters” — and increase the efficiency of its backhaul.
“Moving forward, we will continue to look for new opportunities to work with Cox in ways that are mutually beneficial,” Sprint CTO John Saw said in a statement. The release did not mention Cox potentially leveraging Sprint’s network to provide its own wireless offering through an MVNO agreement.
Sprint previously announced an MVNO agreement with Altice USA that would give the carrier access to Altice’s wired network — and give the cable operator access to Sprint’s wireless network to support Altice’s own mobile service
Cox Business EVP Steve Rowley said in the statement that the company is “pleased to continue our positive, long-term working relationship that benefits both companies and consumers.”