Sprint merged with T-Mobile in April 2020, and Sprint's network was fully shut down by June 2022. However, legacy Sprint IP ranges (AS1239, AS3651) still exist in ASN databases and some platforms still recognize these historical IP patterns.
Sprint no longer operates as an independent carrier. For modern mobile proxy needs, we recommend using T-Mobile proxies which now incorporate Sprint's spectrum and customer base. Sprint proxies are only relevant for legacy platform compatibility testing.
Understanding Sprint's history helps explain why legacy Sprint IPs still appear in some databases.
T-Mobile and Sprint announce plans to merge, pending regulatory approval. Combined company would create the largest 5G network in the US.
After FCC and DOJ approval, T-Mobile completes the $26 billion acquisition of Sprint. Sprint becomes a wholly-owned subsidiary of T-Mobile.
Sprint branding begins phasing out. Sprint customers start migrating to T-Mobile billing systems and service plans.
Sprint's legacy CDMA (3G) network is shut down. LTE migration accelerates for remaining Sprint devices.
Sprint's LTE network is fully decommissioned. All Sprint spectrum (including valuable 2.5 GHz) is refarmed for T-Mobile's 5G network.
While Sprint's network is gone, some ASN databases still list Sprint IP ranges. These are now operated by T-Mobile but may show as "Sprint" in older geolocation databases.
For historical reference, here are Sprint's former network specifications.
Sprint's 2.5 GHz mid-band spectrum was T-Mobile's primary acquisition target. This spectrum now powers T-Mobile's Ultra Capacity 5G network, covering 305+ million people with speeds 2x faster than before the merger.
Sprint's 38,000+ cell sites were integrated into T-Mobile's network. Many sites were upgraded to T-Mobile 5G equipment, while redundant sites were decommissioned.
While Sprint proxies are largely obsolete, there are a few niche scenarios where legacy Sprint IP recognition may be useful.
Some older platforms still have Sprint in their carrier detection databases. Useful for testing how legacy systems handle Sprint IPs.
Researchers analyzing historical mobile traffic patterns may need to identify Sprint IPs in older datasets.
Test how well IP geolocation providers have updated their databases post-merger by checking Sprint IP classifications.
For modern mobile proxy needs, T-Mobile is the clear choice. They inherited Sprint's spectrum, customer base, and now operate the largest 5G network in the US with 150K+ rotating IPs.
No. Sprint merged with T-Mobile in 2020, and Sprint's network was fully shut down by June 2022. All Sprint customers were migrated to T-Mobile's network.
Legacy Sprint IP ranges still exist in some ASN databases. Some platforms still recognize these historical IP patterns, which can be useful for specific niche use cases.
Sprint's 2.5 GHz spectrum is now used by T-Mobile for their Ultra Capacity 5G network, covering 305+ million people.
IP geolocation databases update at different rates. Some older databases haven't fully updated their Sprint-to-T-Mobile mappings, showing IPs as 'Sprint' when they're now T-Mobile.
No. For modern use cases, T-Mobile proxies are superior. Sprint proxies are only relevant for legacy platform compatibility testing or historical research.
Sprint operated under AS1239 (SprintLink) and AS3651 (Sprint). These ASNs are now operated by T-Mobile but may still appear as 'Sprint' in some databases.