Network Advantage a lesson for other CSPs

According to Yankee Group, Sprint’s groundbreaking Network Advantage initiative should be a model for other communication service providers (CSPs) and proves that the focus of managed services is shifting from pure cost savings to more strategic, long-term benefits.

In 2009, when Sprint signed its seven-year Network Advantage contract with Ericsson, it was the largest telecom managed services deal to date in North America. The contract was groundbreaking for several reasons. Firstly, it bucked the trend of CSPs wanting direct control over network operations, and secondly, it highlighted the gains that are possible when two partners focus on transparency and mutual collaboration instead of the fine print of service-level agreements.

In Sprint’s case, Network Advantage has allowed the company to focus on service innovation and future infrastructure investments such as its Network Vision – a five-year investment plan to deploy and develop a next-generation network. And its impact on the market has been noticeable, with other North American CSPs following suit by signing large managed services contracts.

Sprint and Ericsson’s Network Advantage: Lessons Learned