Sprint highlights wireline, might sell Nextel

Sprint launched its first WiMAX market last week, but the long-awaited Baltimore roll-out was followed by two other interesting bits of news related to the company. First, it seems as though Sprint is looking to establish--or perhaps re-establish--its wireline identity at the same time that AT&T is looking to blur the lines (pun intended) between its wireline and wireless units. Last week, AT&T announced a management shuffle and structural revamp intended to to help it address the converged services evolution, but on the same day as that move, Sprint announced a new wireline unit aimed at offering IP-based converged voice, data and video services to businesses.

So, are these efforts two different takes on the future of convergence? Not exactly. Sprint is still in recovery from its post Nextel acquisition tailspin, and the company's wireline efforts have been an area of strength. It appears that the one-time long-distance upstart is trying to leverage that strength, while also marketing the wireline unit as an organization offering more than just basic wireline business services.

The second interesting bit of news came late last week, as The Wall Street Journal reported that Sprint is finally giving in and looking to sell the Nextel unit. New Sprint CEO Dan Hesse once said the company was committed to improving the Nextel unit and network, but subscriber leakage has continued.

For more:
- see this story [1] about wireline at The Kansas City Business Journal
- check this post [2] about Nextel at FierceWireless

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Sprint recently launched the Compass portal for wireline business customers [3]
Sprint's wireline numbers have been strong amid its wireless woes [4]