Sprint says it will cut $1B in backhaul costs by transitioning to microwave

Sprint (NYSE: S) believes that by transitioning from wholesale fiber- to microwave-based backhaul it will be able to save up to $1 billion.

Like other wireless operators, the service provider purchases wholesale backhaul services from its two main competitors AT&T (NYSE: T) and Verizon (NYSE: VZ).

The wireless operator's move is part of what it says is a broader "radical overhaul of its cellular network" and a way to reduce overall company costs. 

FierceWireless examines the implications of Sprint's moves in this article.