On the other hand, a Softbank deal will give Sprint the ability to negotiate better terms with handset makers such as Apple and Samsung.

FORBES: Why Dish Is Playing Hard Ball For Sprint

Sprint provides businesses with the ability to purchase a contiguous, sequential range or block of IP addresses, which can ease the deployment of devices and simplicity of firewall configuration.

ENGADGET: Sprint brings Data Link and Static IP to its LTE network

Clearwire's ability to enter into strategic transactions is significantly limited by its current contractual arrangements, including the Sprint Agreement and its existing Equityholders' Agreement.

ENGADGET: Dish Network makes an offer to buy Clearwire, even though Sprint was already buying Clearwire