Sprint deepens its Ethernet access presence

Sprint (NYSE: S) believes that the best way to connect customers to its suite of MPLS and IP-based Dedicated Internet Access (DIA) services is Ethernet. Customers that sign up for Sprint's Ethernet access solution will connect to the provider's global MPLS or DIA networks via an Ethernet local loop.

While customers typically have connected to Sprint's MPLS and IP networks through traditional methods (T1, T3 and OC-3), Steve Coker, senior marketing manager for Sprint, said in a Connected Planet article that "where Ethernet is showing up as a compelling alternative is at higher speeds of 10 meg or more."

To meet those connection needs, Sprint will expand its Ethernet service footprint to Central and Northern New Jersey, Stockton, Calif., and Baltimore, Md., in addition to 10 other U.S. markets. With this latest expansion, Sprint will have 28 U.S. Ethernet markets. Going forward, Sprint will expand its Ethernet coverage in additional 16 U.S. markets this year.

But Sprint's Ethernet plan is not just about the U.S. market alone. Outside of the U.S., Sprint has extended MPLS access in both Brazil and Canada through its own network facilities and NNI partners. In addition, Sprint will augment its network coverage and capacity in Asia-Pacific by deploying network facilities in the Philippines and Thailand.

For more:
- see the release here
- Connected Planet also has this article

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