Sprint/Nextel customers have been hearing rumors these past few months that the company might give up on their iDEN network. And with all the resources and attention on the CDMA side of Sprint (which includes Boost Mobile) lately, it all appeared to be true. Well, late December, Sprint posted a press release reassuring customers that iDEN will live on, at least until 2013. As an iDEN customer myself, I’m glad to hear this but I’m still unsure how this will all play out in the coming years. Even though I like the push-to-talk feature as well as the call quality on iDEN, data speeds are lacking to say the least. And with multimedia and internet connections playing an important role in the wireless world, iDEN’s got a tough road ahead in trying to keep up with that end of things. Even I’m unsure if I’ll continue much longer hanging on to my trusty ol’ iDEN Boost Mobile phone.
Here’s the Sprint/Nextel press release:
Sprint Extends iDEN® Network Infrastructure Supply Agreement with Motorola Solutions for Three Additional Years
Extension agreement, including maintenance support, reinforces Sprint’s commitment to iDEN customers through 2013
Two new iDEN handsets announced for availability in the first quarter; Additional devices planned for 2011
OVERLAND PARK, Kan. & SCHAUMBURG, Ill., December 21, 2010 – Sprint (NYSE: S) and the Motorola Solutions business of Motorola (NYSE: MOT) today announced an agreement to extend Motorola’s support of the Sprint iDEN network for three additional years. Extending this longstanding agreement reflects both companies’ commitment to iDEN technology as a best-in-class platform for push-to-talk (PTT) services. This agreement formally extends Sprint and Motorola Solutions’ contractual iDEN relationship through 2013 and covers the supply of software and services.
“This agreement is great news for our iDEN customers,” said Bob Azzi, senior vice president of Network, Sprint. “The Nextel National Network continues to be the nation’s fastest push-to-talk network, and it is operating at best-ever performance levels. Additionally, this agreement provides support for our important iDEN customer base while we begin executing our Network Vision plan.”
“Motorola has been a proud partner with Sprint in delivering the industry’s best PTT service for more than 17 years,” said Mike Fox, general manager, iDEN Products and Solutions, Motorola Solutions. “We’re pleased to continue partnering with Sprint to support their iDEN network through 2013, and we’re equally excited about the launch of additional iDEN devices for Sprint PTT customers.”
Today Sprint also announced that several new and exciting iDEN handsets will be available in the first quarter of 2011. Motorola i886 is a stylish yet rugged phone, boasting the first-ever side-sliding QWERTY keyboard and corporate e-mail on an iDEN device. In addition, the popular Motorola i680 will be updated as Motorola i686 with the capacity to be immersed in a meter of water for up to 30 minutes. Pricing, availability and full feature lists will be available at a later date.
As with all Sprint iDEN handsets, customers can use Nextel Direct Connect on Nextel phones in and between Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Mexico and Peru. In addition, customers can use Nextel Direct Connect from the United States to these six countries.
“In line with Motorola Solutions’ ongoing support of the iDEN network, Motorola Mobility is committed to working with Sprint,” said Mark Shockley, senior vice president, Motorola Mobility. “We look forward to bringing exciting new devices to market, including compelling next-generation push-to-talk solutions in the coming year.”
Network Vision is a blueprint for a multiyear initiative intended to provide customers the best network experience available today, enhancing service, creating network flexibility, reducing operating costs, and improving environmental sustainability. The focus of the plan is on upgrading the existing CDMA network while providing technology flexibility for the Sprint 4G platform.
Taking advantage of this latest generation of technology, Sprint will be able to deploy multiple spectrum bands on a single platform – for example, 800MHz and 1900MHz on CDMA. This will improve CDMA in-building penetration and ensure the performance of PTT on CDMA matches or surpasses that of iDEN.
KEY FACTS
- Under the extended Infrastructure Supply Agreement, Motorola Solutions will continue to support the Sprint iDEN network for three years – from Jan. 1, 2011, through Dec. 31, 2013.
- Motorola Solutions will continue to provide world-class support for software, hardware and systems on the existing Sprint iDEN network.
- Customers will benefit from the same level of high performance services, including industry-leading PTT, mobile telephony, messaging and Internet access.
- Motorola Solutions has more than 17 years of experience supporting the Sprint iDEN network.