Court blocks Sprint from offering service in iPCS areas

It didn't manage to block the Sprint / Clearwire merger, but iPCS is still scoring little victories for itself in its continued fight with Sprint over alleged violations of the exclusivity agreement it's had in place with the (much, much larger) carrier for nearly a decade. An Illinois court has now ruled that Sprint can't offer service in areas where iPCS has a presence, while Sprint's partners have their fate decided in the hallowed halls of justice starting March 30. iPCS covers seven states, so it's actually a pretty big blow to Sprint to have the footprint ganked from their icy clutches; guess they'll just have to make it up with Android-powered sub wins.

[Via Phone Scoop]

[finalfantasyeternal Posted Jan 7th 2009 4:49PM]

Well, that sucks. I hope Wisconsin isn't one of those states. if it is, I'll just have to switch to AT&T.

--Jimmi

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 7th 2009 5:08PM]

"iPCS is the Sprint PCS Affiliate of Sprint Nextel with the exclusive right to sell wireless mobility communications network products and services under the Sprint brand in 80 markets including markets in Illinois, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Iowa, Ohio and Tennessee."

You're safe!

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 7th 2009 5:30PM]

...and Maryland

[dodgerfan Posted Jan 7th 2009 5:05PM]

Instead of building their entire network by themselves, back in the 90's, they cheated and let affiliates build some of the networks instead, in exchange for sweet roaming agreements. Looks like its really gonna bite them in the ass... iPCS doesn't want to sell, and Sprint is desperate to get their shiny new 4G network running. Meanwhile, subscriber losses are mounting at incredible rates. They just can't catch a break. A failing Sprint won't be good for consumers as ATT and Verizon continue to get larger and larger.

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 7th 2009 6:12PM]

... don't forget about T-Mobile, which is adding as many subscribers as Sprint is losing!

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 7th 2009 9:13PM]

Is this why the reported "ready to roll" Chicago WiMax is sitting in inexplicable limbo? Oh snap... Why ya gotta hate, iPCS?

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 8th 2009 1:50PM]

Chicago is not in iPCS territory.... so unfortunetly no... this is not the reason.... wish I knew why...