NEW YORK (Reuters) – Sprint Nextel Corp. is exploring new options for funding its wireless broadband network to soothe investor concerns about the cost, The Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday.
Options include forming a partnership or joint venture with cell-phone pioneer Craig McCaw and seeking an infusion of cash from cable providers, the newspaper said, citing people familiar with the matter.
Sprint declined to comment on the report.
«We continue to look opportunistically to best unlock value for our shareholders,» spokeswoman Sara Krueger said.
Sprint has committed to spending about $3 billion through next year to build the high-speed wireless network, called WiMax, but some shareholders — including Ralph Whitworth’s Relational Investors — have questioned the strategy.
Sprint has held discussions with McCaw’s Clearwire Corp. about spinning off WiMax as part of a deal with Clearwire, which already operates a high-speed wireless Internet service, according to the report.
Sprint Nextel shares slipped 11 cents to $22.05 on the New York Stock Exchange.
Fuente: Reuters
