Yeah, Sprint unveiled the
UpStage today, but the other sorta big news is that they officially took the wraps off of Pivot, the new name for their new quad-play service bundling up wireless, voice, broadband, and cable TV as a single package (they've been offering service in a handful of markets for a while now, they're basically just rebranding everything). Sprint's partners in Pivot are a handful of different cable providers, including Comcast, Cox, and our arch-nemesis Time-Warner Cable (which is owned by our parent company's parent company -- not that it's done a damn thing for the totally awful cable TV and internet service we get at Engadget HQ). All the big telcos are pimping these triple-play and quad-play packages -- they see them as a way to lock-in subscribers by offering them lower prices than consumers would pay for each service separately -- but Sprint's big selling point is that they're also promising some intergration across services, like the ability to program your DVR box from your cellphone (which we've already seen from AT&T), check home email and voicemail from a single interface, and make unlimited calls between your home VoIP line and your mobile phone. Anyway, Pivot is currently available in eight cities now, with another 40 more set to launch this year. Pricing will vary by market.
Click on for a few more shots of the cellphone/DVR interface.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Chris Murphy @ Mar 26th 2007 8:30PM
Now if only they could make their cell phone reception better.
Eric @ Mar 26th 2007 8:34PM
Reception is great, you are referring to years ago. It's especially nice roaming on Verizon or Alltel. I get coverage anywhere they do.
As for this package, seems good. I still prefer my Slingbox, however.
Regardless, it's nice to see Sprint stepping up with it's data network. I like how they aren't afraid for people to stream and USE their network, unlike stingy Verizon. I like Sprint's all-you-can-eat data plan. No worries while watching my Slingbox for hours. With Verizon, you are done after 5GB/month. Nice "unlimited" plan.
Oh, and I can force my phone to roam (my market isn't Sprint EVDO yet). I love using Verizon/Alltel's EVDO towers to stream TV/music. $10 bux a month. Eat that Verizon.
flamer's grill @ Mar 26th 2007 10:03PM
Reception is not one of Sprint's problems. COVERAGE may be, depending on where you live. Customer service is another. Reception, though, is not.
Ed @ Mar 26th 2007 9:28PM
I hope they fix their billing practices first.
Ryan Rose @ Mar 31st 2007 5:09AM
yea knew this was coming for awhile since i work at comcast. Seems like this thing is gonna fly off very good. esp with the programming the dvr from your phone. hizzah!