Sprint announced today at an analyst conference in New York City that it will roll out a Long Term Evolution 4G network "aggressively" on its 1900MHz PCS spectrum and 1600MHz, which is owned by LightSquared. Sprint said its LTE network will launch in the first markets in mid 2012, with the first devices also appearing in mid 2012, too. The company laid out plans for its CDMA and iDEN network transitions, which will take place over the coming years. Sprint still plans to shut down the iDEN network by mid-2013.

Exclusive: Sprint Confirms It Will Offer Unlimited Data Plan for iPhone

Sprint will indeed offer unlimited data plans when it starts taking iPhone orders later this week, AllThingsD has confirmed.
“We will be offering the benefit of our unlimited plans that start at just $69.99,” said spokeswoman Michelle Leff Mermelstein. Sprint’s $69.99 plan includes unlimited data and 450 voice minutes as well as unlimited mobile-to-mobile calling. Unlimited calling and data costs $99 a month.
Sprint is counting on unlimited pricing to help it stand out from AT&T and Verizon — which will also carry the very same iPhone 4S. Sprint and Verizon will also have the iPhone 4, while only AT&T will have the older iPhone 3GS to offer for free with a new contract.
Both AT&T and Verizon offered unlimited data plans for the iPhone in the past, but have since shifted to tiered pricing for new customers.
As for whether Sprint will be able to handle all of that traffic, Mermelstein said. “We have every confidence in the ability of our 3G network to handle the influx of devices we expect to get. It certainly hasn’t been an issue to date.”
Although a mention of the iPhone still has yet to appear on Sprint’s home page, the carrier is indeed very excited about the ability to finally offer Apple’s smartphone. The company appears to be just making sure all of its proverbial ducks are in a row before shifting into iPhone overdrive.