Sprint Beginning Phase-Out of IDEN

[NightSprinter]

Well, it looks like the life-support is finally being pulled on IDEN. (https://nextelnetwork.sprint.com/) For companies that still use IDEN-based phones (especially the 8530i), what will this mean in terms of the upgrade path? While not in management at Walt Disney World, I've voiced my concerns about this to them last year. I'm worried about the costs the phase-out would bring from scrambling to find compatible phones, instead of working out a plan to minimize downtime.

Anyone there have insight?

[hootyhoo]

Poor sprint. First WIMAX now IDEN. I moved away from them 3 or 4 years ago after a 10 year stint. They were the best when wireless was in it's infancy. It's a shame to see what they've become.

[rolextwelve]

I use an 8350i and a rep I spoke with a rep a few weeks ago said it will start towards the end of 2012. I'll probably just switch to any bb10 device that sprint offers.

[rolextwelve]

Originally Posted by hootyhoo

Poor sprint. First WIMAX now IDEN. I moved away from them 3 or 4 years ago after a 10 year stint. They were the best when wireless was in it's infancy. It's a shame to see what they've become.

Your absolutely right when it comes to coverage. IMO, their customer service and plans are some of the best. I'm also a Verizon customer, so I am comparing my experience with them.

[Tõnis]

I don't see why a phase-out of iden means anything bad about Sprint. Iden is simply not a very popular technology these days. And I came to Sprint from Nextel. Dropped it a long time ago, not because it wasn't good but simply because I no longer needed it.

I've been with Sprint many years and have never had any coverage problems. It's been terrific all along, but maybe that's because I live in a highly populated area. What I pay seems a bit high at first glance compared to all the cheaper plans out there, but then again, I'm on an expensive plan. In any case, the value, the coverage, is there. I'm certainly not watching my minutes; they're all included.

[Palmless]

Originally Posted by hootyhoo

They were the best when wireless was in it's infancy. It's a shame to see what they've become.

Agreed... agreed... agreed... Sprint...

This is a "big bet" for Sprint, which could turn out really well. Still, a big bet. Could rationalize their operating costs and result in an operating advantage, but the next few years will be challenging...

[Sith_Apprentice]

Sprint Spectrum - GSM - Sold to Voicestream - later became T-Mobile
Sprint PCS - CDMA/PCS - phased out in order to pursue other mobile technology
Sprint / Nextel - iDEN - purchased Nextel - phased out ~ 2012
Sprint - WiMAX - First 4G network in the US - being phased out for the world standard LTE


Not a good track record lol

[NJPhilliesPhan]

Sprint is a great company. Some of the best plans and service in the USA.

[Mr. Incredikyle]

The construction industry will be most affected by this unfortunate decision. CDMA PTT has to much lag to be an effective tool for the construction industry. If you're on a jobsite without Nextel, the only person you're going to be talking to is yourself.

[NightSprinter]

I spoke to my area manager at work yesterday about it, and she started getting curious about it again. On my end, it can be a big thing because of all the people in management and up at any resort in the US from Disney that operates on Nextel. Communications-wise, it's a big deal for the company's US operations. Just concerned since she hasn't herad anything about devices to replace the 8350i units.