Sprint's Losing Ways Linger

Sprint's(S Quote) woes intensified at year-end as mobile phone subscribers fled en masse.

The flailing No.3 wireless shop is expected to report that it lost more than a half million customers in the fourth quarter, say analysts and industry watchers.

Unlike other players feeling squeezed by competition, Sprint can't blame a softening economy for its steepening plunge. Rival AT&T (T Quote) is expected to report blowout subscriber gains and No.2 Verizon Wireless -- co-owned by Verizon (VZ Quote) and Vodafone (VOD Quote) -- is likely to add another big win to its robust growth record. ...