Sprint Nextel Subscriber Loss Reaches 415,000 in First Quarter of 2013; 1.5 Million iPhones Added

Sprint posted some mixed news during their latest first-quarter results.

The carrier, based in Overland Park, Kan., reported a loss of $643 million, basically 21 cents per share, which might not be as bad compared to last year's loss of $863 million.

While revenue is up, $8.79 billion from the $8.73 billion from a year ago, the carrier did lose 415,000 subscribers. The numbers are reportedly caused by the departure of Nextel customers, which totaled to 771,000 customers.

As for customer gains, Sprint saw a net 12,000 new subscribers.

The iPhone, under Sprint, sold 1.5 million units, which is significantly less compared to the four million sold by Verizon Wireless and 4.8 million by AT&T, according to CNET.

"This is a transformative year for Sprint and we've gotten off to a good start," said Sprint CEO Dan Hesse. "Record Sprint platform service revenue and subscriber levels fueled our performance."

Hesse noted that the remaining 1.3 million Nextel customers will have to leave the service during the current quarter, adding, "We achieved significant Adjusted OIBDA* growth while investing heavily to improve our network, expanding our 4G LTE footprint and offering customers the best smartphones with truly unlimited data plans."

The Sprint CEO did comment that the carrier is close to merging with SoftBank, as well as acquire Clearwire and assets from U.S. Cellular. He stated a special committee will be looking into the offer with Dish.

For more on Sprint's first quarter results, click here.