According to Sprint CEO Dan Hesse, push email on the iDen Nextel network is going to get dragged rapidly into the present at some point later on this year, as they introduce a WiFi-capable BlackBerry to replace the ageing 7100i that’s been the best RIM option there for some time.  No time scale beyond “later this year”, but it’s a sign that Sprint are still looking ahead with their acquired network – despite it being blamed for so many of their financial problems – and not looking to sell it off as some analysts suspected they might.

Hesse mentioned the upcoming WiFi BlackBerry during his keynote presentation at CTIA Wireless this week.  He did not suggest which model BlackBerry was being considered.

[via TBG]