On Friday, Oct.12, U.S. carrier Sprint announced that it will activate its 4G LTE network in more than 20 markets across the U.S. Sprint's 4G LTE network is currently available in 24 markets around the country and more than 100 cities are expected to enjoy the 4G LTE network in the "coming months."

"Continuing its aggressive push to deliver an enhanced top-tier network experience for customers, Sprint (NYSE:S) announced today that its 4G LTE network build is progressing in more than 20 additional cities within its nationwide 3G footprint," stated the press release.  

The 22 new markets are as follows:

• San Francisco-San Mateo-Redwood City, CA
• Cape Coral-Ft Meyers, FL
• Dyersburg-Union City-Martin, TN
• Emporia, KS
• Fort Wayne, IN
• Greenwood, MS
• Joplin, MO
• Kokomo, IN
• Lafayette/West Lafayette, IN
• Lexington Park, MD
• Marion, IN
• Napa, CA
• Naples-Marco Island, FL
• Ottawa-Streator, IL
• Punta Gorda, FL
• Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA
• Sarasota-Bradenton, FL
• Sebring, FL
• South Bend-Mishawaka, IN
• Terre Haute, IN
• Vallejo-Fairfield, CA
• Warsaw, IN

"We're committed to providing improved 3G and 4G LTE as quickly as possible, and keeping our customers informed as to when and where they can experience the new network's superior performance and speed," said Bob Azzi, senior vice president Network, Sprint. Azzi further added "Our customers depend on their mobile devices as their primary source of communication, business connectivity and entertainment. We're delivering all of that functionality at a very competitive price."

In the pre-launch phase of 4G LTE, Sprint customers with 4G LTE capable devices may start to see 4G LTE coverage in the above-mentioned cities and will be able to use the network even before it officially launches. The carrier also plans to announce commercial availability of 4G LTE in the above markets and Sprint's 4G LTE network coverage is anticipated to "largely match the existing nationwide 3G footprint."

Additionally, Sprint is also restructuring its 3G network which will have several improvements like better wireless signal strength, in-building coverage, and fewer dropped/blocked calls to its consumers. The enhancements to 3G network are already underway and customers in certain markets are already benefiting from the network improvements.

Sprint also indicated the importance of unlimited data in the current world. The carrier mentioned that customers on the enhanced 3G and 4G LTE networks, with compatible devices, can enjoy unlimited data.

"Data usage continues to increase and consumers value Truly Unlimited data because it's simple and straightforward - no metering, no throttling, and no need to share data, which increases the likelihood of a surprise monthly bill because of overage charges," noted Sprint press release.

The competition in the smartphone and tablet market is increasing day by day. It seems that carriers are facing stiff competition to provide enhanced network support to its customers and at the same time ensuring that the latest devices are compatible with the network. However, it remains to be seen if Sprint can attract more customers with the expansion of its 4G LTE network.