Sprint makes Wi-Fi the 'fourth layer' of its network with new Boingo deal, small cell push and Wi-Fi router

Sprint CTO Stephen Bye wrote that the carrier views Wi-Fi as "a complementary fourth layer of our network (the first three layers being our 1.9 GHz, 2.5 GHz, and 800 MHz spectrum bands). By enabling customers to move more smoothly between trusted Wi-Fi and cellular, our customers will have a better mobile experience in more locations, all while lowering their cost of data usage." Sprint offers Wi-Fi calling on the newest iPhones and most of its Android smartphones. Sprint now has more than 25 smartphone models and more than 15 million customers with the ability to use Wi-Fi calling. However, currently Sprint's Wi-Fi-to-cellular handoff is not smooth and if a customer initiates a call in a Wi-Fi coverage area and then leaves Wi-Fi coverage the call will likely drop.

Sprint also launched Wi-Fi Connect, a consumer Wi-Fi router that prioritizes Sprint specific Wi-Fi Calling over all other Wi-Fi traffic and includes "smart connect" technology that dynamically manages 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi bands for optimal Wi-Fi data performance. For customers who need additional in-home coverage, the device is free of charge if they have broadband Internet access and Sprint's Wi-Fi Calling capability on their phone. Interestingly, Sprint is also launching outdoor small cells with Wi-Fi to enhance coverage and capacity. "The current product we are working with for outdoor street level coverage includes Wi-Fi and should be commercially deployed in the near future," Bye wrote. Sprint's Wi-Fi push comes as the carrier is reportedly planning to announce a new network upgrade effort.