Wireless operator Sprint (News - Alert) Nextel is going to widen the footprint of its Ethernet access, extending the service to 143 markets nationwide and 38 countries globally.

Overland Park, Kan-based Sprint’s Ethernet provides aggregated speeds ranging from two Mbps to one Gbps, depending on the network capacity.

America’s third largest mobile operator is now aiming to sign up more business customers to this service. Businesses can select from 18 aggregated speeds and 16 dedicated speeds, choosing the port speeds that best fit their network needs.

The operator has stated that it is preparing to strengthen its network in the area where its service is already available, besides expanding into newer markets.

The Ethernet access, delivered over Sprint’s all-IP network, promises to reduce network costs and simplify the complexity of maintaining multiple types of technologies.

“Today’s IT leaders increasingly need services that help them reduce costs, simplify networks and enable greater flexibility and scalability for the future,” said Mike Fitz, vice president –solutions engineering and converged services, Sprint.

Analysts say Sprint’s Ethernet service is most likely to see more demand in the days ahead as converging technologies and real-time apps continue to drive demand for bandwidth.

Aggregated Ethernet access can provide a cost-effective alternative to traditional TDM access, while Dedicated Ethernet access is designed to meet customer’s specific bandwidth needs.

Sprint Nextel (News - Alert), the first U.S. carrier to launch 4G service, served more than 56 million customers at the end of the first quarter of 2012. According to PC Magazine,

Sprint is gearing up to launch its superfast 4G LTE (News - Alert) network soon, rolling it out to Atlanta, Baltimore, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, and San Antonio.

The carrier is trying to reach out to more customers with partnership agreements with prepaid brands including Virgin Mobile (News - Alert) USA, Boost Mobile, and Assurance Wireless.

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