Archive for: CDMA
The time we’ve been waiting for, the death of Nextel/iDen, is getting closer. A new announcement on nextelnetwork.sprint.com foretells of changes being made to Nextel’s network infrastructure in 2012. Most importantly, Sprint is beginning the process of evaluating the number of and dismantling iDen-specific towers across the country. The reason given by Sprint is simple “cost savings”, though we’d certainly think the late-2013 EOL time frame given by CEO Dan Hesse himself might have something to do with it too.
According to the chart on Sprint’s website, iDen towers that aren’t being removed (yet) will be “optimized” as to keep coverage in affected areas as close to normal as possible. Though, Sprint does lament that indoor network quality may drop.
What was once a decent and useful network is now nothing more than an aging, spectrum hogging dinosaur that Sprint desperately needs to repurpose for newer cellular tech/service. As the year progresses, we’ll keep you informed on any and all big changes happening with Nextel as we’re sure quite a few of you out there are still forced to use it by some corporate entity day in and day out.
Head over to the link above and put in your city/zip code to see how much your area will be affected (if at all).
- September 27, 2011 3:36 pm
Let’s be honest with each other for a minute. The only — yes, the only — reason anyone still cares about iDen is because of Push-to-Talk. And even then, the number of people, nationally speaking, that use the feature is relatively tiny all things considered. Unsurprisingly Sprint has been looking to get away from the grossly outdated 2G network for a couple of years now, though had to make sure the transition for legacy PTT users was as seamless as possible.
That day of new beginnings starts October 2nd. On this day Sprint will officially launch their CDMA-based Push-to-Talk service. Widespread coverage (reportedly 3x the square mile coverage of the current iDen-based Push-to-Talk network) is expected by 2012.
Making use of the new CDMA service will be three new phones, two of which are the Kyocera DuraMax and DuraCore. The third device is likely the as of now unannounced Motorola Admiral rugged Android phone.
We’re pretty sure a few corporate entities will be tickled to hear their vocal text messaging — because that’s what it essentially is — is finally entering into the world of 2008.
- September 9, 2011 10:37 am
If you aren’t one of the dwindling AT&T or Verizon Wireless customers grandfathered into the company’s old unlimited plans, your current (and future) mobile data needs will be severely restricted — unless you’re on Sprint. Bloomberg is reporting that Sprint will in fact get the iPhone 5 next month (along with the other 3 major carriers). But more importantly, Bloomberg claims that Sprint will keep their current unlimited plan around in order to sway potential AT&T/Verizon customers to jump ship.
If we weren’t so hell bent on changing phones all the time, our mobile and professional lives clinging to the lowly SIM card, we’d gladly take up Sprint’s (rumored) offer. Should this little rumor turn out legitimate we’re pretty certain a good deal of heavy data users will at least humor a switch. Would you?
U.S. Cellular plans about to splurge on a new handset might want to put the wallet back in its holster and wait it out a bit longer for the carrier’s entire fall 2011 roadmap has just leaked out. So what do we have to look forward to? BlackBerry fans will be pleased to see the 9350 (Curve) and 9850 (Torch) planned for October and August respectively while Android junkies will find the Desire II, LG Optimus Black, HTC Wildfire S, and Motorola Electrify (Photo) a bit more palatable.
While we don’t have the official specs or pricing of each device, pinpointing things down to a specific launch month is a good start. Anyone holdin’ out?
If you’re in the market for a new phone and/or carrier, U.S. Cellular just announced some pretty pertinent information. Specifically, before the clock strikes 12 on December 31st of this year, the CDMA carrier will launch 7 new Android smartphones and 2 Android tablets. The phones will be noteworthy for the simple fact that all of them will ship with Android 2.3 (Gingerbread). But if Android isn’t your thing, relax. U.S. Cellular is also planning to release a new Windows Phone 7 phone and tablet to boot.
Unfortunately no information regarding specs, pricing, or definitive release dates were made. Pictures — ditto. Still, it’s a sign of exciting times to come…
The focus of our coverage usually deals with the high-end range of gadgets. Though we realize that not everyone wants, needs, or can afford such things. As such, we try to provide a nice little spread touching all price points. Case in point: The Samsung SPH-D600.
This little mid-range device won’t win any awards — 1 GHz Snapdragon processor, 480 x 320 display, 3.2-megapixel rear/VGA front-facing cameras, Android 2.3.3 Gingerbread — but that doesn’t mean it’s not worthy of your attention. Really, the only thing separating this D600 and your higher-end Android devices is a higher resolution display. With that said, we haven’t touched 480 x 320 on a high end device in many months. After moving from our qHD and Retina Displays to something like this, we’re wondering how being able to count every pixel didn’t get on our nerves.
Look for more information such as official name, release date, and pricing coming soon right here at GS!
The job application above popped up on Apple’s own carreers page earlier today. Notice how it seeks a CDMA engineer rather close to Sprint’s home office in Overland Park, Kansas. Also notice how going to that same page now shows a “home base” of Cupertino, California? Coincidence or are we reading too much into the details?
It’s not rocket science that Apple will at some point offer an iPhone model for every major U.S. carrier. But with the largest hurdles — breaking out of AT&T’s grasp and launching a Verizon (CDMA) iPhone — toppled, it should only be a matter of time.
If you’re a fan of U.S. Cellular but are getting antsy watching your Verizon frenemies and all their LTE shenanigans, we’ve got some good news for you! By holiday 2011, U.S. Cellular will have over 25% of their entire coverage area bathing in the LTE goodness spread across two dozen markets including: Iowa, Wisconsin, Maine, North Carolina, Texas and Oklahoma. More prominent cities that will be celebrating come launch day — Milwaukee, Madison and Racine, Wis.; Des Moines, Cedar Rapids and Davenport, Iowa; Portland and Bangor, Maine; and Greenville, N.C.
No word on when the rollout is specifically supposed to begin, when it will wrap up later this year, or what LTE devices will launch with said service. With that said, U.S. Cellular does promise to have an incoming wave of new LTE devices planned for the early stages of the LTE network’s launch.
**We’re hearing the rollout for the LTE network will begin in November. The phones if launching alongside the network will follow shortly thereafter barely in time for the holiday season. Considering the carrier does have some decent perks such as earlier upgrades, would you consider jumping your current ship?
Press Release after the jump…
Oh say it isn’t so, Sprint! The carrier that has stuck by their unlimited data plan offerings in the midst of a tiered tyranny appears to be coming to an end with the leaked screenshot above. Starting October 29th, devices such as tablets, netbooks, hotspots, and 3G/4G modem USB cards will be getting a new tiered data plan structure.
In reality it’s not quite as bad as it first sounds (for now). Just here out out…
- 3 GB Data Plan — Samsung Galaxy Tab, Sierra Pro Overdrive, and Novatel MiFi: $34.99/month for 3G and (likely) 4G.
- 5 GB Data Plan — Samsung Galaxy Tab, Sierra Pro Overdrive, Novatel MiFi, netbooks/notebooks, and USB connection cards: $49.99/month ($10 off) for 3G/4G.
- 10GB Data Plan — Same devices as 5 GB data plan: $79.99/month ($10 off)
Mind you, while we’re “losting” some unlimited data options here for non-smartphone devices, the above plans are actually deals considering you get some money off when an embedded device (USB modem, MiFi, tablet, etc.) are paired with a smartphone and accompanying plan. Still, with Sprint losing money last quarter — as they have many quarters before — the writing is on the wall. Unlimited data plans are dying a quick death.
