Analysts at Jefferies say that Sprint is slowing its network spend but will that will likely increase again later in the year as the operator starts its next major update.

SoftBank Corp. has approved Sprint Corp. (NYSE: S)'s "Next Generation Network" plan, and analysts at Jefferies & Co. Inc. said in a research note Monday that the spend is expected to ramp up again later this year and into 2016.

For more on the 4G evolution, visit the dedicated 4G/LTE content section
right here on Light Reading.

The plan is heavily reliant on small cells to increase the coverage and density of Sprint's network. The operator hasn't yet revealed what vendors it plans to tap for new network equipment. (See Sprint CEO Claims Next-Gen Network Will Be #1.)

This latest attempt by Sprint to revamp its network will take place without the CTO who oversaw its previous "Network Vision" 3G and 4G upgrades. It emerged last month that Stephen Bye is leaving Sprint. (See Sprint CTO Goes Bye-Bye .)

— Dan Jones, Mobile Editor, Light Reading