Sprint PCS' Lauer Has Eye On A Turnaround; Closer Ties To Parent; Lauer's looked closely at customer base and at marketing partnerships.(INTERNET & TECHNOLOGY)(Q & A)

Byline: REINHARDT KRAUSE

When Sprint PCS stumbled last year, it brought in Len Lauer as president -- a seasoned, nuts-and-bolts guy who analysts said would focus on operational issues.

Nine months later, Wall Street seems hopeful that Lauer has put Sprint PCS back on track.

Shares in Sprint PCS have climbed 27% in 2003, though they're hovering at around 5.50 after a three-day sell-off, and analysts expect the firm to lose money through 2004.

Sprint PCS is the wireless unit of local and long-distance phone company Sprint Corp.

Lauer overhauled Sprint PCS' Clear Pay plan for credit-challenged customers by requiring deposits. He also took steps to improve customer service.

Now Lauer is …