Dixons Carphones Connected World Services (CWS) division has partnered with Sprint to open up to 500 new Sprint-branded stores across the US, expanding the reach of the leading American mobile network considerably.

Initially, Dixons Carphone will supply its mobile retail expertise and proprietary knowledge to Sprint to aid in the opening of 20 new retail stores, and if these branches prove successful, a second phase will see CWS investing equally in a joint venture to rollout plans of up to 500 stores.

Dixons Carphone will invest up to $32m (£20.5m) during the second phase in order to secure a 50 per cent interest, which will be used to fund the establishment and operation of the new stores. The company will also provide support across the whole of Sprints operations as part of a knowledge sharing agreement.

“We are delighted to be working with Sprint and to be part of a transformation in their business that is already making impressive headway,” said Andrew Harrison, deputy group chief executive for Dixons Carphone and CEO of the Connected World Services division.

“This is a very exciting venture for us, and is a significant step in growing our CWS business in the US. We bring specialist knowledge and skills to this partnership and will be looking to deliver innovation and outstanding customer service under the Sprint brand.”

“We are excited to partner with Dixons Carphone and to leverage all their know-how as one of the worlds leading wireless retailers to benefit Sprint and its customers,” said Marcelo Claure, CEO of Sprint. “We are committed to offering the best customer experience when buying wireless products and services.”