Nokia Siemens Networks (NSN) played-down reports that it had fallen from favour with planned US wholesale LTE network provider LightSquared, following suggestions the company had re-evaluated its network build-out strategy. According to DSLReports.com, LightSquared has now decided to rollout its LTE network in partnership with Sprint, which is in the process of refreshing its CDMA network infrastructure as part of its “Network Vision” project – Sprint has previously said that it was deploying kit that is LTE-ready. This would also mean that the bulk of LightSquared’s network build is shifted to Alcatel-Lucent, Ericsson and Samsung, which are Sprint’s existing partners in Network Vision. However, NSN subsequently told Light Reading Mobile that it “continues to work hard with LightSquared to help it ready its first markets and meet its commitments to customers and to other stakeholders.”

Perhaps the most interesting aspect of the rumour is the fact that it would align Sprint and LightSquared more closely, paving the way for Sprint to launch LTE services in the future. While Sprint is already offering so-called ‘4G’ services using the WiMAX network of affiliate Clearwire, there has been growing speculation that the company is set to launch LTE in the future – a topic it discussed at Mobile World Congress last month. However, yesterday it was reported that Dan Hesse, its CEO, had asserted that when assessing its options going forward, “every one includes WiMAX and Clearwire” – although it was undecided “how heavily” it would throw its weight behind its existing partner. Clearwire is also trialling LTE technology, but has not stated plans for a commercial launch.