Sprint Nextel to offer dual-mode CDMA/iDEN handsets next year
By Barb Dybwad 
posted August 17th 2005 9:00AM
posted August 17th 2005 9:00AM
One of the more interesting items on the Sprint Nextel merger timeline is their plan to start offering some dual-mode CDMA/iDEN handsets as early as next year. There's a plan to offer a handset that uses CDMA for voice and data but has integrated iDEN so you can still use Push-To-Talk with all those rapidly obsolescing iDEN phones your co-workers are still carrying around by late 2007/early 2008. Another merger "bonus": expect Nextel phones and service to start showing up at Sprint stores starting next month.
I HATE SPRINT and would NEVER buy anything Sprint makes. However, I like Nextel but, think their prices and taxes are too high, their technolgy is outdated when its released and their phones tend to be merely "FAD TOYS" whcih loyal fans buy no matter how mundane they are.
My business phone is a Nextel I730 and I didn't even want to upgrade to the I860. Instead, I bought a personal RAZR for the Bluetooth feature with a Jabra BT800 headset.
If NEXTELSPRINT wants to make a lot of money, they had best consider lowering their plan prices a few dollars and focus on making really exclusive phones.
I bet you that if they released a "Grand Opening" MOTOROLA RAZR, with a megapixel camera and mini SD slot and PTT for only $250, the company would make a huge jump start. Somehow, I don't think they share my business sense.
How does making exclusive phones = more money for them? Regarding plan prices, as long as Vision plans stay in place and I can get online flat fee for as long as I wish I feel I always come out ahead.
#2 one word
CINGULAR
I want you to call up Cingular and ask them how many NEW SUBSCRIPTIONS they were able to get due to the fact they had exclusive phones such as the RAZR, BLACK RAZR, V330, A series and NOKIA's.
When you sell exclusive phones which are GSM, its easy to get many new subscribers, especially businessmen, tavellers, etc.
I can't tell you how many simlocked RAZR's Cingular sold at their $500 price tag.
Vendors like Motorola hate exclusive phones. They like to produce category killers like the RAZR and the PEBL. By the way, all of Nextel's phones are pretty much exclusive. Their phones are just more business orientated in function and design. I think Verizon is going to hate the idea of a CDMA phone that can be converted to Nextel with ease.
I do think this could actually hurt the great Nextel "business" brand by having it in 1500 more locations instantly. Sort of like the AOL CD's we still see littered about. I just hope the Sprint stores get a Nextel rep to help sell the phones as well. I have had too many Sprint store personnel be stumped by their own technology.
Dudes go to Radioshack , they will explain anything you want help with. Its pathetic but you can get better service from Radioshack Reps about verizon,spring , soon cingular than you can at the companies own corporate stores. Granted they are idiots at radioshack too but chances are you wont meet up on them quite as much. Only go to the corporate store when you need to have your phoen worked on by a tech (cross your fingers and hope you get a smart one). Plus alot of times the phones are cheaper at Radioshack.
Just a little food for thought.... for those of you who have high phone bills, Nextel is the way to go!!!! They have plans with UNLIMITED INCOMING CALLS from any phone carrier!!!! NO OTHER carrier offers this. I went to Radioshack to get info on Cingular b/c I wanted the RAZR. However, when I looked at the difference in the plans, the only thing Verizon andCingular offer are The "IN" Network, which means, any calls you get from your house or other carriers use your minutes, and if you talk as much as I do, you'll end up paying more with those other carriers than you would w/ Sprint/Nextel Unlimited Incoming plans.