Sprint (S) is pulling back on plans to upgrade its network across the U.S. using its swath of 2.5 gigahertz spectrum, a move that will lower capital spending but raises strategic and marketing questions, analysts say. Sprint on Wednesday unveiled new promotions for new subscribers that upgrade to the Apple (AAPL), which could be a reason it’s looking to both trim spending and to beef up its network in up to five big markets. “Their strategy,
Chip industry acquisitions have heated up as companies jockey for additional horsepower. But analysts warn the strategy can easily backfire in an increasingly complex, still highly cyclical business. Semiconductor companies announced 133 acquisitions or mergers this year through Aug. 25, compared with 93 for all of 2013, 124 in 2012 and 129 in 2011, according to research firm Hedgeye Risk Management. “Chip firms are in a ‘land grab’ as the
Apple has seen the future of wireless phone calls. And its vision may spell long-term trouble for wireless phone companies. When Apple (AAPL) rolled out the iPhone 6, it nudged open the door to more wireless competition. As expected, iPhone 6 users will be able to make voice calls on the new 4G VoLTE networks being built out by AT&T (T), Verizon Communications (VZ), Sprint (S) and T-Mobile US (TMUS). IPhone 6 supports VoLTE, or voice-over LTE. 4G