Research

SPRINT

Running to keep up in an ever-changing telecom race, Sprint Nextel is the result of a marriage of two leading US wireless companies. The combination of #3 carrier Sprint with #5 Nextel Communications has created a wireless giant that aspires to take on Verizon Wireless and AT&T Mobility (formerly Cingular). Sprint Nextel operates a nationwide digital wireless network with more than 50 million subscribers. The leading local phone company in the US without a Baby Bell lineage, Sprint Nextel has spun off its local wireline operations, known as Embarq, to focus on wireless broadband services.

BEST BUY

The biggest consumer electronics outlet in the US is also the best -- Best Buy, that is. The company operates a chain of more than 1,170 stores in the US, Canada, and now China offering a wide variety of electronic gadgets, movies, music, computers, and appliances. In addition to selling products, the stores offer installation and maintenance services, technical support, and subscriptions for cell phone and Internet services. Covering an average of about 40,500 sq. ft., the big box stores are located in 49 states and all Canadian provinces. In addition to the Best Buy brand, the company operates under the names Magnolia Audio Video (20 stores in the US) and Future Shop (about 120 locations in Canada).

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