Even without its main customer, Sprint, which has furloughed its fixed broadband wireless deployments for at least a year, Hybrid Networks is inching its way to profitability--and continued operation.

The fixed broadband wireless vendor said it expects to report revenues in excess of $7 million for its fourth quarter ending December 31, exceeding previously announced guidance of $5 million. Hybrid has used a combination of staff reductions and cost controls to decrease operating expenses and is close to achieving profitability, the company said.

The positive financial performance was achieved “despite the fact that Sprint has withdrawn from active participation and movement in the development of the fixed broadband wireless market in the United States,” said Hybrid’s President and CEO, Michael Greenbaum.

Hybrid, which is pursuing market opportunities outside the U.S., particularly in Asia and Africa, had been almost wholly dependent on Sprint. As its lead supplier, Hybrid was devastated by Sprint’s decision late last year to withdraw--temporarily, at least--from multichannel multipoint distribution services.

“I don’t want to say we’re doing fine without them, because there was some overhang from Sprint in the fourth quarter,” Greenbaum said. “It’s hard to replace a customer who has been that active in the marketplace.”