Sprint is reporting a Q2 net loss of USD1.4bn, compared with a USD847m loss in the same quarter last year, as the carrier feels the hit from shutting down its outdated Nextel network and struggles to compete with rivals AT&T and Verizon Wireless. Revenues increased by 6% year on year to USD8.84bn, beating analyst expectations of USD8.72bn.

Sprint says it activated USD1.5m iPhones in Q2, the same quantity as in Q1, while AT&T and Verizon both saw a drop in iPhone activations. Analysts say sales were boosted by lucrative unlimited data services for the iPhone that are no longer offered by any of the other major US wireless carriers.