Sprint’s Now Network Offers Speed and Reliability for King of Pop Fans as They Download Hits such as “Thriller” and “Billie Jean”

While music stores and online sites were overloaded with fans seeking Michael Jackson songs after his death last week, the Sprint Music Store – fueled by Sprint’s (NYSE:S) powerful, nationwide 3G network – seamlessly offered customers a quick and easy route to download the late singer’s most popular hits.

Friday saw the Sprint Music Store post its biggest single day ever, with 25 percent of the tracks sold belonging to Jackson. Sprint Music Store sales have increased 21 percent on average since news of Jackson’s death Thursday. Through it all, Sprint’s 3G network – America’s most dependable¹ – stood firm and strong.

The week before his death, Jackson ranked 80^th in Sprint Music Store sales. Since he died, he’s catapulted to No. 1. The most popular downloaded tracks are “Billie Jean” and “Thriller,” both from the 1982 blockbuster album “Thriller.” In addition, Jackson ringtones constituted 28 percent of total sales on Friday. Top three ringtones are “Thriller,” “P.Y.T.” and “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough.”

If customers aren’t sure which Jackson songs they want, then they can turn to Sprint Radio, which is offering a Michael Jackson bonus stream through the end of July. The “Who’s Bad” radio stream is available for any customer with a basic data plan and access to Sprint TV. The stream includes not only Jackson’s vast collection of songs, but also tracks from his early years with the Jackson 5. It also includes songs from performers inspired by his legacy, including sister Janet Jackson and Fall Out Boy featuring John Mayer doing a cover of “Beat It.”

Thanks to Sprint’s steady and strong Now Network, fans of the King of Pop can expect an easy, clear and fast listening experience as they honor his memory through music. Since 2006, Sprint has invested almost $17 billion in capital to continue improving and expanding network performance. Today, according to customers and third-party reports, Sprint’s networks have never been better.

The Sprint 3G Network is faster in more places than AT&T’s 3G network,² and Sprint has more than 20 times the coverage of T-Mobile’s current 3G network, based on square miles. No one has a larger voice calling area than Sprint. The Nationwide Sprint Network (inclusive of roaming) reaches more than 304 million people in the United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S.