Nov. 3, 2009 (Business Wire) -- Universities across the nation use Sprint’s (NYSE:S) communications solutions, available on the NOW Network, to increase productivity, reduce costs and offer a unique learning experience to their students and staff. Today, more than ever before, universities are also making environmental responsibility a key factor in a wide range of strategic considerations, including their increasingly sophisticated information technology needs. As a result, Sprint is teaming with educational leaders such as The University of Arizona (UA) to deliver eco-friendly communications products.
“In addition to adopting new technology, universities play a vital leadership role in raising environmental awareness and in adopting sustainable practices,” said Ed Davalos, director of education for Sprint. “They are looking for trusted partners who not only appreciate the importance of environmental objectives but can provide practical ways to help achieve them. This includes innovative green communications solutions that can simultaneously support the educational mission, increase productivity and reduce costs.”
The UA has been recognized as one of the most environmentally sensitive campuses by many prominent organizations, including the Sustainable Endowments Institute and the National Wildlife Federation. Now Sprint is providing additional support by making it easier for students and staff at UA to “go green” through innovative offerings and opportunities, including:
- New eco-friendly products including the Samsung Reclaim™ – the first phone in the United States constructed from eco-friendly bio-plastic material, available exclusively from Sprint.
- Two free and easy wireless equipment collection and recycling programs – Sprint Buyback and Sprint Project Connect(SM). These programs allow universities to sell Sprint their unused wireless equipment that still has value. The equipment is then recycled or reused instead of being diverted to landfills. Wireless phones and equipment with no value are also accepted and recycled at no charge with proceeds going toward Internet safety education.
“We are extremely excited about our mutually beneficial partnership with Sprint that helps support common goals of sustainability and the community interest in being socially responsible,” said Frank Farias, executive director of the UA BookStore.
One of the most visible Sprint programs adopted by many universities combines discounts on Sprint service plans with a broad variety of Sprint handsets for students, faculty and staff.
At UA:
- Sprint is the first wireless service to be offered at the main UA BookStore, with phones and service plans available at the store located in the Student Union Memorial Center.
