Network Vision calls for Sprint to first deploy LTE over the 1.9GHz spectrum it holds, followed by the 2.5GHz spectrum at some point and the 800MHz spectrum later, Chu said. The 1.9GHz channel offers wide geographical coverage, which means Sprint won't need to add more cell sites or towers as additional subscribers buy and use LTE smartphones and other devices, Chu said.

The 2.5GHz channel offers greater LTE capacity, while the 800MHz channel will help with in-building coverage, Chu explained. Wimax was found to have some limits for in-building coverage. "We know that in-building coverage [with Wimax] was a challenge," he said.

Asked what Sprint might do with its unlimited data plans should it suddenly attract plenty of new LTE data hogs that crowd the network and slow down speeds for average users, Chu issued a warning without naming penalties. "If someone abuses the system, we will address it," he said.

Chu declined to say whether those steps might include throttling back LTE speeds, but noted that Sprint doesn't throttle heavy users today.

Sprint doesn't have any formal plans under Network Vision for Wi-Fi offloading of network traffic in busy areas, but Chu said that is one option. Verizon and AT&T are incorporating Wi-Fi hotspots in their coverage plans.