News Summary: Sprint fires up new data network

The Associated Press

FASTER: Sprint Nextel Corp. has turned on its new wireless data network, providing a much-needed boost to the carrier, whose data speeds lag those of its largest competitors.

LOCATIONS: Sprint fired up the fourth-generation, or 4G, network in Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, San Antonio and some smaller surrounding cities. It uses LTE, or Long-Term Evolution, technology already in use by Verizon Wireless and AT&T Inc.

COMING UP: Sprint is planning to expand LTE coverage this year and largely complete the network buildout next year.