Wireless giant Sprint Nextel ( S - Analyst Report ) announced plans to unveil a pair of Windows Phone 8 smartphones in the domestic market by summer, 2013. In this regard, the company has partnered with Microsoft Corporation ( MSFT - Analyst Report ) for a smooth phone handling operating system.

Sprint will offer Everything Data, an unlimited data plan on two Windows Phone 8 handsets – one by Samsung and the other from HTC. The plan – priced $79.99 per month – comes with the feature of Any Mobile, Anytime that includes unlimited Web and text along with to and from calls from any domestic mobile number while on the nationwide Sprint Network. From the perspective of plan cost, customers opting this plan will be able to save almost $20 each month compared with the similar plans of Verizon Communications ( VZ - Analyst Report ) .

Sprint, which enjoys the position of being the only carrier with Truly Unlimited 4G long-term evolution (LTE) data in America, has long-standing business relation with Microsoft. Backed by the same technology and built-in SkyDrive cloud service, Windows Phone 8 is designed to team up with Windows 8 PCs, Microsoft Surface devices and the Xbox 360 console.

The smartphones by Samsung and HTC will well complement this advance technology with features like dual cameras enabling video chat, dual-core processors for improved internal speed between applications and expandable external memory. However, none of the companies revealed the prices or the models of the devices compatible with both Sprint 3G and 4G LTE networks.

Sprint, via this offering, targets to come closer to its competitors AT&T ( T - Analyst Report ) , T-Mobile, and Verizon that have already lured customers with smartphones. Sprint not only aims to grab a footing in the market but also expects to provide customers with a better personal and hassle-free networking experience.

We reaffirm our long-term Neutral recommendation on Sprint. The company launched its all-new 4G LTE network in July 2012 and presently covers 49 markets. It holds a short-term Zacks #3 Rank (Hold rating).