Sprint will sell Google apps, tech support
Sprint, in partnership with Google, will start selling Google Apps and round-the-clock customer support to businesses looking to hand off their technology management tasks to outside providers.
Sprint is aiming the service, starting Aug. 18, at midsize businesses.
In addition to Google’s roster of business apps, including Google Docs, Google Drive and Google Vault, Sprint will provide information technology support and sell its own mobile service and phones, the company said Wednesday.
The appeal is to an important customer base as Sprint battles its larger rivals AT&T and Verizon, which have a stronger foothold in the business customer market.
“This move makes sense for Sprint,” said Roger Entner, an analyst with Recon Analytics LLC. “A small-business owner wants mobile, e-mail and tech support, so why not sell them together. It takes away the need for an entire IT backroom and lowers their expenses.”
Sprint has been struggling as the third largest U.S. wireless carrier. The Overland Park-based company lost 2.2 million contract subscribers last year. Sprint also is losing customers to smaller T-Mobile US because of phone financing plans and contract buyout offers.
The Star’s Mark Davis and Bloomberg News contributed to this report.
This story was originally published July 23, 2014 at 1:20 PM with the headline "Sprint will sell Google apps, tech support."