Sprint Promises Big Android Push In 2011

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Android has certainly been good for the wireless carriers, as there’s been a lot of customer demand for the operating system. And you could argue that the HTC EVO 4G saved Sprint, who was losing customers before they started selling the phone last June. So, it may come as no surprise that Sprint is planning to go heavy Android for 2011. Sprint’s Vice President for Device Operations Fared Adib, told the Wall Street Journal that the company’s 2011 lineup will be 70% Android. And that includes featurephones and netbooks. Whoa.

Last year, Sprint introduced about 17 new phones. Assuming they’re planning to introduce the same amount this year, that means that 12 of Sprint’s new phones would have to be Android powered, by my calculation. Last year, they introduced 6 new Android phones, plus the Samsung Galaxy Tab tablet. They’ve already announced two new phones.

For reference, Sprint currently offers 36 phones (smart and feature), netbooks and tablets. Nine of those devices are running Android, making up about 25% of their lineup. One new Android phone – the HTC EVO Shift 4G, has already been released by the carrier this year. Another, the controversial Kyocera Echo, was announced last night. About 10 more to go, by my count.

Adib also told the WSJ that they want to have a stronger focus on 4G. The 4G Wars are heating up in the United States, with Verizon starting to push their 4G network hard on US televison. T-Mobile is promoting their HSPA+ network as 4G now, and AT&T will be pushing their current HSPA+ network and upcoming LTE network as 4G. Sprint was the first kid on the block, though, with their 4G, and they aren’t going to give it up that easy.

Adib said that he believes that Verizon will run into a learning curve with their 4G network. He added that many of their phone manufacturers have experience with WiMAX, which will help them. He also hinted that Sprint’s public relations war on T-Mobile’s 4G may continue. Sprint has become very defensive against T-Mobile’s HSPA+ network, which many don’t see as “true” 4G. Sprint’s Stephanie Vinge-Walsh in particular, a prolific Twitter user, has been riling up the T-Mobile fans by making accusations about T-Mobile’s “4G”.

Adib said in the WSJ interview that customers need “more education on what constitutes 4G, particularly because the term is now so widely used.” So, expect Sprint commercials claiming that T-Mobile 4G isn’t real 4G.

What do you think? Will 70% of Sprint’s new phones this year be Android phones? Can they stick to that goal? What about the promise on 4G? Do they need more 4G phones? Tell us what you think.