Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[FCC clears Sprint to run CDMA, 4G LTE on 800MHz iDEN airwaves]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/25/fcc-clears-sprint-to-run-cdma-and-4g-lte-on-800mhz/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/25/fcc-clears-sprint-to-run-cdma-and-4g-lte-on-800mhz/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/25/fcc-clears-sprint-to-run-cdma-and-4g-lte-on-800mhz/#comments FCC clears Sprint to run CDMA, 4G LTE on 800MHz iDEN airwaves

Sprint might not have its 4G LTE network up and running to power your EVO 4G LTE, but it's already getting more headroom. The FCC has just tweaked the rules around the ESMR (Enhanced Specialized Mobile Radio) spectrum to let Sprint, and the considerably more regional SouthernLINC Wireless, run their CDMA voice calls and LTE data on the 800MHz band they're currently using for their soon-to-end iDEN networks. In practice, the extra frequency access should be a tremendous help to at least Sprint, which hasn't had the low-level, indoors-friendly airspace that AT&T and Verizon enjoy with their 700MHz networks. Just don't expect your EVO or the rest of the initial Sprint LTE devices to take advantage any time soon, as you'll need to both get an 800MHz-ready phone as well as endure the long, long wait until Sprint switches on the extra LTE band in 2014.

FCC clears Sprint to run CDMA, 4G LTE on 800MHz iDEN airwaves originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 25 May 2012 20:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4g4g lte4gLte800 mhz800Mhzapprovalcellphonecellphonesenhanced specialized mobile radioEnhancedSpecializedMobileRadioesmrfccfederal communications commissionFederalCommunicationsCommissionfrequenciesfrequencyidenltemobilepostcrossnextelpush to talkPushToTalksmartphonesmartphonessouthernlincSouthernLINC WirelessSouthernlincWirelessspectrumsprintsprint nextelSprintNextelwirelesswireless spectrumWirelessSpectrumFri, 25 May 2012 20:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Sprint Direct Connect brandishes passport, brings push-to-talk to distant shores]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/26/sprint-direct-connect-brandishes-passport-brings-push-to-talk-t/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/26/sprint-direct-connect-brandishes-passport-brings-push-to-talk-t/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/26/sprint-direct-connect-brandishes-passport-brings-push-to-talk-t/#comments Sprint Direct Connect brandishes passport, brings push-to-talk to distant shores

Although Sprint is winding down iDEN services here in the US, it hasn't turned its back on the technology completely. The nation's third largest wireless carrier has announced a new push-to-talk service offering, dubbed International Direct Connect. The $10 monthly add-on will allow Direct Connect push-to-talk users in the US -- utilizing its CDMA network -- to communicate with iDEN PTT users in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico and Peru free of charge. Although not explicitly stated, the aforementioned nations are referred to as "initial" markets, implying that more countries will be added to this list at some point in the future. All the details about the business-focused proposition, along with the press sheet, can be found after the break.

Continue reading Sprint Direct Connect brandishes passport, brings push-to-talk to distant shores

Sprint Direct Connect brandishes passport, brings push-to-talk to distant shores originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 Apr 2012 19:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ArgentinaBrazilCDMAChileChripDirect ConnectDirectConnectiDENinternationalInternational Direct ConnectInternationalDirectConnectMexicomobilepostminiNextelPeruPTTPush To TalkPush-To-TalkPushToTalkSprintThu, 26 Apr 2012 19:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Sprint shows you where and when it's disabling Nextel's iDEN legacy network]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/06/sprint-nextel-iden-shutdown/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/06/sprint-nextel-iden-shutdown/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/06/sprint-nextel-iden-shutdown/#comments
Clue's in the title, really. If you head on over to Sprint's website, you'll find a page explaining the forthcoming changes to the service for legacy iDEN customers. Nextel users can enter in their zip code to find out which cellphone towers will be decommissioned and the due dates for each one. The program's beginning in New Orleans this month as the towers are thinned out to a reasonable number. Whilst it isn't (yet) the death-knell for the standard, given the network's push-to-talk service now works over CDMA and, you know, LTE, we'd start looking at replacement phones pretty soon.

Sprint shows you where and when it's disabling Nextel's iDEN legacy network originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 06 Feb 2012 13:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CDMADecommissiondecommissioningDirect ConnectDirectConnectiDENiDEN ShutdownIdenShutdownLTEmobilepostcrossNew OrleansNewOrleansNextelPush to TalkPushToTalkShutdownSprintSprint Direct ConnectSprint Nextel Corp.SprintDirectConnectSprintNextelCorp.WiMAXMon, 06 Feb 2012 13:54:00 EST<![CDATA[The cost of switching to LTE: Sprint to spend $10 billion over the next two years]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/07/the-cost-of-switching-to-lte-sprint-to-spend-10-billion-over-t/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/07/the-cost-of-switching-to-lte-sprint-to-spend-10-billion-over-t/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/07/the-cost-of-switching-to-lte-sprint-to-spend-10-billion-over-t/#comments
Wonder just how much it costs to phase out iDEN and WiMAX networks and put all your eggs in one, CDMA / LTE-flavored basket? Well, Joe Euteneuer, Sprint's CFO, just offered up a frank answer here at its "Strategy Update" event: $10 billion over the next two years. That's a heckuva lot more than the $4 billion to $5 billion Wall Street was expecting, but Euteneuer assured all the suited-up financial analysts in the room that the company should save $10 billion to $11 billion through 2017 (a figure widely reported before today), with $4 billion of that resulting from not having to maintain the 'ol ball and chain iDEN network anymore. Now it's true, we're a minority in this meeting of industry analysts, but you don't need to be a banker to understand that's one telling figure: clearly, the company's betting its future not just on the (CDMA!) iPhone, but LTE's brand of 4G.

The cost of switching to LTE: Sprint to spend $10 billion over the next two years originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 07 Oct 2011 12:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4GClearwireDan HesseDanHesseiDENJoe EuteneuerJoeEuteneuerLTEmobilepostcrossnetworknetworksnextelOctober eventOctoberEventphase outPhaseOutspectrumSprintSprint Strategy UpdateSprintStrategyUpdatewimaxFri, 07 Oct 2011 12:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Sprint converts its network to LTE, plans 'aggressive rollout' to be completed by 2013]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/07/sprint-converts-its-cdma-network-to-lte/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/07/sprint-converts-its-cdma-network-to-lte/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/07/sprint-converts-its-cdma-network-to-lte/#comments We knew more or less that an announcement of this sort was coming. Back in July, Dan Hesse had teased us face-to-face with the promise of a "great story this fall around 4G," and now the time to tell that tale has arrived. At its strategy event today, Sprint finally went public with plans to "simplify its network" by converting its 1900MHz holdings and LightSquared's 1600MHz spectrum ("pending FCC approval") to LTE, an industry favorite. Helping the operator make that transition is the swath of 800MHz spectrum it reclaimed from the, now defunct, iDEN push-to-talk network -- which had been a drain on the company's resources. This spectrum, acquired from Nextel, will be phased out by mid-2013 and rolled into LTE. The company plans for a rapid deployment of this new 4G network, with the first LTE markets and handsets to hit in mid-2012, and the full rollout mostly completed by 2013. Current subscribers signed up for WiMAX plans won't have to worry as their devices will continue to be supported throughout 2012.

Beginning tomorrow, Sprint's consolidating its 4G LTE (including LightSquared), 3G and Direct Connect networks into one single architecture. All the major technical milestones, such as test calls and field integration, have cleared their hurdles and work on over 22,000 cell sites are currently in process. Samsung, Alcatel Lucent and Ericsson have partnered with Sprint to install multimode 3G and 4G base stations to handle the network's future traffic, essential for deploying the multitude of frequencies required by hosted devices. Prospective iPhone 4S users on the network will be able to take advantage of better signal strength and improved voice service as Sprint intends to also offload the latter onto 800MHz.

Expect a steep "reduction in roaming costs" and deeper signal penetration throughout the operator's expanding national footprint over the course of the next two years. Naturally, LTE speeds on this new network will be significantly improved over the currently in-use WiMAX, and a planned implementation of WiFi offloading should help to cut congestion by 20 percent. By the end of next year, Sprint aims to have a combined WiMAX/LTE population coverage of 176 million -- with 123 million covered by LTE and 76 million overlapping both. When the network build-out is nearly complete in 2013, the company should have over 250 million blanketed in LTE, far outstripping the stagnant 120 million served by WiMAX.

Sprint converts its network to LTE, plans 'aggressive rollout' to be completed by 2013 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 07 Oct 2011 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4Gbreaking newsClearwireDan HesseDanHesseFD-LTEFrequenciesiDENLightSquaredLTEmobilepostcrossnetworkNextelOctober eventOctoberEventspectrumSprintSprint Strategy UpdateSprintStrategyUpdateTD-LTEWiMAXFri, 07 Oct 2011 09:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Kyocera Duramax ready to kickoff Sprint's Direct Connect service on October 2nd for $70]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/28/kyocera-duramax-ready-to-kickoff-sprints-direct-connect-service/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/28/kyocera-duramax-ready-to-kickoff-sprints-direct-connect-service/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/28/kyocera-duramax-ready-to-kickoff-sprints-direct-connect-service/#comments
All of the hullabaloo about Sprint's new CDMA-based Direct Connect service was not for naught, as the Now Network has finally confirmed that it will indeed be launching in a limited number of markets this upcoming Sunday, with broader expansion coming in early 2012. To get things started, however, the network ought to have a phone or two that have the tech built in, right? The Kyocera Duramax will receive the honor of being the very first phone to work with the new plans and will be a certified 810G military-standard clamshell handset with a 3.2MP camera, stereo Bluetooth, a 2.5mm headphone jack (not a typo) and a Dura-Grip rubber casing. What about the Kyocera Duracore and the Motorola Admiral? They're still forthcoming, but Sprint only mentions that both devices are coming out before the end of the year. The sooner the better here, because the lack of options can't possibly be a selling point for the brand new service. The nitty-gritty details are in the presser after the break.

Continue reading Kyocera Duramax ready to kickoff Sprint's Direct Connect service on October 2nd for $70

Kyocera Duramax ready to kickoff Sprint's Direct Connect service on October 2nd for $70 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Sep 2011 19:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>admiralcdmadirect connectDirectConnectduracoreduramaxidenkyocerakyocera duracorekyocera duramaxKyoceraDuracoreKyoceraDuramaxlaunchmobilepostminimotorola admiralMotorolaAdmiralnextelqchatsprintsprint direct connectSprintDirectConnectWed, 28 Sep 2011 19:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Sprint's LTE build out already underway, new 4G network to launch first half 2012?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/27/sprints-lte-build-out-already-underway-new-4g-network-to-launc/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/27/sprints-lte-build-out-already-underway-new-4g-network-to-launc/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/27/sprints-lte-build-out-already-underway-new-4g-network-to-launc/#comments

At this point, it's pretty much an open secret that Sprint needs to hitch its ride to LTE to stay in the wireless game. CNET caught wind of the operator's intended 4G plans ahead of its scheduled October strategy announcement -- an event at which many in the industry expect Sprint to lay out its LTE cards. According to the report, the Hesse-led network's been hard at work installing the necessary infrastructure to convert to its towers to FD-LTE, which is the same flavor of LTE as Verizon and future partner LightSquared. Using the iDEN spectrum it acquired from its Nextel purchase, Sprint reportedly plans to set up 4G shop on those radio waves, and make use of current WiMAX provider Clearwire's proposed switch to TD-LTE by incorporating chipsets in future phones that accommodate both frequencies. The network changeover, rumored to cost Sprint somewhere in the range of $4 - $5 billion, should get carried out over the next five years, laying the groundwork for a true three-way 4G race.

Sprint's LTE build out already underway, new 4G network to launch first half 2012? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 Sep 2011 11:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4GClearwireFD-LTEFrequenciesiDENLightSquaredLTEmobilepostcrossnetworkNextelOctober eventOctoberEventspectrumSprintTD-LTEverizon wirelessVerizonWirelessWiMAXTue, 27 Sep 2011 11:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Kyocera Duramax is in the batter's box, launching with Sprint Direct Connect October 2nd]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/23/kyocera-duramax-is-in-the-batters-box-launching-with-sprint-di/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/23/kyocera-duramax-is-in-the-batters-box-launching-with-sprint-di/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/23/kyocera-duramax-is-in-the-batters-box-launching-with-sprint-di/#comments
Is there still any lingering doubt that something big's getting cooked up in Overland Park in time for October 2nd? We've already seen leaked screenshots showing that Sprint's aiming to launch its CDMA-based Direct Connect service that day, as well as a Sprint-backed vid of the Motorola Admiral, the first smartphone to sport the new feature. Courtesy of SprintFeed, another gem has been unearthed: the Direct Connect-compatible Kyocera Duramax. Said to start at $100 with a two-year agreement, the rugged clamshell bears a great deal of resemblance to a large number of legacy iDEN handsets. It's nothing to write home about, but it still sports the proper military specs to keep it protected, as well as a 3 megapixel camera and a non-slip surface. Anyone who isn't looking for a smartphone but is in need of a Direct Connect device will want to keep a close eye on this one as we get closer to the day of destiny. Oh, and Sprint? The cat's out of the bag -- perhaps it's time to make it real.

Kyocera Duramax is in the batter's box, launching with Sprint Direct Connect October 2nd originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 23 Sep 2011 09:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cdmacdma direct connectCdmaDirectConnectclamshelldirect connectDirectConnectduramaxidenkyocerakyocera duramaxKyoceraDuramaxmobilepostmininextelsprintsprint direct connectSprintDirectConnectFri, 23 Sep 2011 09:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Sprint's Motorola Admiral quietly displayed on YouTube as America watches dancing cats]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/23/sprints-motorola-admiral-quietly-displayed-on-youtube-as-americ/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/23/sprints-motorola-admiral-quietly-displayed-on-youtube-as-americ/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/23/sprints-motorola-admiral-quietly-displayed-on-youtube-as-americ/#comments
It may not have quite as many views as Admiral Ackbar, but a chieftan of Sprint's CDMA-based Direct Connect service was officially outed by the carrier via YouTube earlier. Our device in question, the Motorola Admiral, has now been given a speedy lookover despite the fact that the company hasn't even seen fit to acknowledge its existence otherwise. 'Course, we don't imagine this was accidental in the slightest -- the video of the rugged Android device has been up for several hours without getting pulled -- but it's still a curious way to introduce one of the first phones featuring a brand new service. Regardless, we now have the clearest shots of the portrait QWERTY smartphone that we've seen yet; the two-and-a-half minute teaser didn't list off a lot of specs, but it did confirm the handset's 3.1-inch display and five megapixel camera with LED flash. That should count for something, right? Still, it likely won't be long before we get a real announcement with the full rundown, so just keep yourself entertained by watching the "related videos" section in the meantime. Check out the vid after the break.

Continue reading Sprint's Motorola Admiral quietly displayed on YouTube as America watches dancing cats

Sprint's Motorola Admiral quietly displayed on YouTube as America watches dancing cats originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 23 Sep 2011 02:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>admiralandroidandroid 2.3android gingerbreadAndroid2.3AndroidGingerbreadcdma direct connectCdmaDirectConnectdirect connectDirectConnectgingerbreadgoogleidenmobilepostminimotorolamotorola admiralMotorolaAdmiralnextelnextel direct connectNextelDirectConnectsprintsprint direct connectSprintDirectConnectFri, 23 Sep 2011 02:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Sprint to launch Direct Connect October 2nd, confirms mobile hotspot capping]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/22/sprint-to-launch-direct-connect-october-2nd-confirms-mobile-hot/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/22/sprint-to-launch-direct-connect-october-2nd-confirms-mobile-hot/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/22/sprint-to-launch-direct-connect-october-2nd-confirms-mobile-hot/#comments The way Sprint's been going lately, we're wondering if there's going to be anything left to announce at its October 7th strategy update. Another screenshot has surfaced, detailing the Now Network's intentions to launch its CDMA-based (read: no more iDEN) Direct Connect service on October 2nd, with "increased coverage" coming early next year. We've been expecting to see it at some point this winter, which means the Nextel alternative is getting pushed out ahead of schedule. With this, we should be hearing news in the near future concerning compatible handsets like the Motorola Admiral or Kyocera DuraMax / DuraCore duo.

Unfortunately, October 2nd will be filled with both happy news and bad, as it looks like the leaked memo detailing Sprint's plan to cap the mobile hotspot add-on was right on target. The carrier made its intentions official this morning, confirming that it indeed will be putting a 5GB-per-month leash on the tethering done from your phone, complete with overage charges of $.05 per additional MB used. Grandfathered add-ons aren't an option here, so every tetherer already shelling out $30 for the privilege will find themselves restricted as well. But look at the bright side: tablets need not apply to the data cap, and on-phone data plans and dedicated mobile broadband packages will remain unaffected... for now, at least.

Sprint to launch Direct Connect October 2nd, confirms mobile hotspot capping originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 22 Sep 2011 16:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3g4gcappedcapscdmadata capsDataCapsdirect connectDirectConnectgrandfatheredidenlimitedmobile broadbandMobileBroadbandmobilepostcrossnextelpolicypolicy changesPolicyChangessprintsprint direct connectSprintDirectConnecttabletstetheringunlimitedwimaxThu, 22 Sep 2011 16:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Sprint details Q4 CDMA Direct Connect launch plans and handsets, quietly waves goodbye to iDEN]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/25/sprint-details-q4-cdma-direct-connect-launch-plans-and-handsets/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/25/sprint-details-q4-cdma-direct-connect-launch-plans-and-handsets/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/25/sprint-details-q4-cdma-direct-connect-launch-plans-and-handsets/#comments We're guessing that this isn't the riveting Q4 announcement that Dan Hesse promised us last week at Sprint's Kansas headquarters, but it's a shock to the system nonetheless. The outfit's legacy iDEN network is still kicking around (and in turn, eating up valuable resources to run it), and while we're told that those push-to-talk users are some of the most loyal, it looks as if 2012 will be the year they're forced to try something new. The company's CDMA-based Direct Connect alternative is officially slated to launch this winter, with those who buy in treated to triple the square miles of the company's current push-to-talk coverage area, broadband capabilities and a smattering of new devices.

The Kyocera DuraMax and DuraCore will be joined by an unannounced Motorola smartphone, all of which should be rugged enough to handle the expected field work. Furthermore, Sprint will be adding international push-to-talk (alongside "additional capabilities") in early 2012, and users should see a marked improvement in in-building coverage. Finally, we're told that voice and data capacity is expected to increase significantly as Sprint leverages its spectrum holdings in 800MHz, 1.9GHz, and -- through its relationship with Clearwire -- 2.5GHz. And with that, we'd say your iDEN handset stash just became quite the collector's item. Full details are tucked away in the PR just past the break.

Continue reading Sprint details Q4 CDMA Direct Connect launch plans and handsets, quietly waves goodbye to iDEN

Sprint details Q4 CDMA Direct Connect launch plans and handsets, quietly waves goodbye to iDEN originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 25 Jul 2011 15:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cdmacdma direct connectCdmaDirectConnectdirect connectDirectConnectDuraCoreduramaxglobalideninternationalkyocerakyocera duracorekyocera duramaxKyoceraDuracoreKyoceraDuramaxMotorolanetworknextelPTTpush to talkpush-to-talkPushToTalkruggedsprintSprint Gets Ruggedsprint nextelSprintGetsRuggedSprintNextelMon, 25 Jul 2011 15:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Sprint's Dan Hesse: significant 4G plans to be announced this fall]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/19/sprints-dan-hesse-significant-4g-plans-to-be-announced-this-fa/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/19/sprints-dan-hesse-significant-4g-plans-to-be-announced-this-fa/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/19/sprints-dan-hesse-significant-4g-plans-to-be-announced-this-fa/#comments We're here at Sprint's monolithic campus in Overland Park, and part of our day was spent speaking directly with CEO Dan Hesse. Amongst other things, the bigwig confessed that it had been awhile since his company (or Clearwire) had launched a 4G market. While Verizon Wireless has been pushing out LTE to new cities on what feels like a fortnightly basis, there's been nary a WiMAX deployment in the US during 2011. But that, friends, is gearing up to change. According to Hesse: "We're going to come out with a great story this fall around 4G, and it'll all become clear." He seemed curiously excited about whatever's around the bend, and Sprint's VP of Product Development, Fared Adib, seemed similarly giddy about the impending unveiling. Neither of 'em would crack on what markets would be addressed or what tactics would be used to match rivals in terms of 4G reach, but whatever the case, we're guessing Sprint users will be a lot happier with their service once they get through the summertime blues.

Oh, and it's worth mentioning that Sprint's "not exclusive to WiMAX, nor the Clearwire relationship." Not a soul on the campus would talk details surrounding that rumored LightSquared investment, but judging by the smiles, it's at least on the table.

Sprint's Dan Hesse: significant 4G plans to be announced this fall originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 19 Jul 2011 16:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4gcarriercdmaclearwiredan hesseDanHesselightsquaredltenexteloperatorroadmapsprintwimaxTue, 19 Jul 2011 16:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Motorola Titanium coming to Sprint on July 24th for $149, still stubbornly rocking Eclair]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/07/motorola-titanium-coming-to-sprint-on-july-24th-for-149-still/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/07/motorola-titanium-coming-to-sprint-on-july-24th-for-149-still/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/07/motorola-titanium-coming-to-sprint-on-july-24th-for-149-still/#comments When Motorola took the wraps off it's rugged Titanium in May it left out a pair of pretty crucial details -- namely price and release date. Thankfully, our friends over at Sprintfeed scored some details and it looks like the "Sturdy and QWERTY" Android handset will be landing on July 24th for $150. Otherwise there's nothing new to report, you're still getting the same military-grade resistance to the elements, support for Nextel Direct Connect, and five megapixel camera. Sadly, it's also still shipping with Eclair leaving this Moto a solid two generations behind the current crop of Google phones. Still, if you need a smartphone with a physical keyboard that can withstand some serious abuse there aren't too many other options out there.

Update: We just received the image as well from an anonymous source -- looks legit!

[Thanks, Jon]

Motorola Titanium coming to Sprint on July 24th for $149, still stubbornly rocking Eclair originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 07 Jul 2011 18:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>leakleakedmotomotorolamotorola titaniumMotorolaTitaniumnextelNextel Direct ConnectNextelDirectConnectpricepricedpush to talkPushToTalkreleaserelease dateReleaseDatesprinttitaniumThu, 07 Jul 2011 18:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Motorola's i886 for iDEN is running one of the strangest Android builds you've seen]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/17/motorolas-i886-for-iden-is-running-one-of-the-strangest-android/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/17/motorolas-i886-for-iden-is-running-one-of-the-strangest-android/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/17/motorolas-i886-for-iden-is-running-one-of-the-strangest-android/#comments Motorola's i886 for Sprint's IDEN network featuring both landscape QWERTY and standard numeric keypads bowed during CES a few days back for $79.99 after $50 rebate on a two-year contract -- and as we'd observed a while back when we first saw the user's manual, it runs a pretty convincing Android clone UI. Turns out, though, it's less of a clone than you might think: Phone Scoop has discovered that the i886 -- which doesn't have a touchscreen -- is actually running real Android (albeit without the Android Market) accompanied by generic J2ME like you'd find on your average dumbphone. If we had to guess, Motorola took advantage of Android's status as a free, open-source platform here, tailoring it for the i886's needs without worrying about the normal Google certification process that would've earned them Market access -- and given the lack of a touchscreen, we're sure they wouldn't have been able to earn it anyway. From Moto's perspective, it seems like a good way to get a proven, familiar platform without a lot of engineering effort -- they can toss their proprietary platforms and save a little bit of cash in the process. Follow the break for Phone Scoop's video of the i886 in action.

Continue reading Motorola's i886 for iDEN is running one of the strangest Android builds you've seen

Motorola's i886 for iDEN is running one of the strangest Android builds you've seen originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 17 Jan 2011 21:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androiddirect connectDirectConnecti886idenmobilemotomotorolanextelqwertysprintsprint nextelSprintNextelMon, 17 Jan 2011 21:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Sprint phasing out Nextel's iDEN network, selects vendors for $5b network upgrade project]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/06/sprint-phasing-out-nextels-iden-network-selects-vendors-for-5/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/06/sprint-phasing-out-nextels-iden-network-selects-vendors-for-5/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/06/sprint-phasing-out-nextels-iden-network-selects-vendors-for-5/#comments
Looks like the Motorola i1 Android set (not pictured above) will stand as the highest-end Nextel phone ever -- Sprint just announced that it's phasing out the iDEN network sometime in 2013 as it begins a new four to five billion dollar network enhancement project called "Network Vision." We've expected this for a while -- the Sprint / Nextel merger has been beset by subscriber losses and rumors of a breakup for years now -- but this is the first time we've gotten a date. Sprint's rolling out push-to-talk on its own network to support its 10.6 million Nextel customers, but we don't have a schedule for that yet. Sprint's also announcing vendors for Network Vision: Alcatel-Lucent, Samsung, and Ericsson will each handle a region and be tasked with expanding and fortifying Sprint's existing 1900MHz 3G network while buying 800MHz, 1900MHz, and 2.5GHz spectrum for future use. Interestingly, Sprint's definitely hedging its WiMAX bets a little -- it can upgrade its new gear to LTE with swapping in a baseband card and issuing a software patch, which certainly gives the company some 4G flexibility should Clearwire not pull things together. We'll see what happens -- the underdog's making some moves.

Sprint phasing out Nextel's iDEN network, selects vendors for $5b network upgrade project originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 06 Dec 2010 13:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alcatelalcatel-lucentericssonidenltenetwork upgradenetwork visionNetworkUpgradeNetworkVisionnextelsamsungsprintsprint nextelSprintNextelupgradewimaxMon, 06 Dec 2010 13:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Sprint clears 35MHz of spectrum for future use, wonders if it's alone in the world]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/22/sprint-clears-35mhz-of-spectrum-for-future-use-wonders-if-its/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/22/sprint-clears-35mhz-of-spectrum-for-future-use-wonders-if-its/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/22/sprint-clears-35mhz-of-spectrum-for-future-use-wonders-if-its/#commentsYou know that "National Broadband Plan" that the world keeps yapping about? Sprint's down with it, and has been since before it ever existed, apparently. Based on a glowing press release outed this week by the carrier, it has just wrapped up a five year initiative to free 35MHz of highly valuable spectrum needed for future broadband expansion. After spending a cool $750 million from 2005 to 2010, the company has now cleared 35MHz of broadcast auxiliary service (BAS) spectrum across the country, though there's obviously some ways to go before Obama has 500MHz of cleared spectrum at his disposal. As it stands, Sprint has transitioned the broadcast auxiliary services to a new, more efficient spectrum plan in the 2GHz frequency band, and while the exact hows and whens have yet to be laid out, we're hearing that this could provide access to "faster, cheaper broadband services" in the future. Huzzah?

Continue reading Sprint clears 35MHz of spectrum for future use, wonders if it's alone in the world

Sprint clears 35MHz of spectrum for future use, wonders if it's alone in the world originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 22 Jul 2010 19:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BASbroadbandcdmainternetmobile broadbandMobileBroadbandNational Broadband PlanNationalBroadbandPlannextelspectrumsprintsprint nextelSprintNexteltelecommunicationsThu, 22 Jul 2010 19:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Motorola's rugged i1 coming to Sprint: July 25 for $150 on contract]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/19/motorolas-rugged-i1-finally-lands-on-sprint-july-25-for-150-on/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/19/motorolas-rugged-i1-finally-lands-on-sprint-july-25-for-150-on/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/19/motorolas-rugged-i1-finally-lands-on-sprint-july-25-for-150-on/#commentsA solid four months after first seeing thing plastered across half of Las Vegas, Motorola's i1 finally has a date with Sprint. The planet's first Android-equipped smartphone with Nextel Direct Connect will go nationwide on July 25th (via telesales and websites; all other Sprint channels will see it on August 8th), bringing military spec ruggedness, push-to-talk capabilities and a certain ability to withstand all sorts of death grips. Unfortunately, Android 1.5 is a bit of a dinosaur at this point, but it's still a heck of a lot better than that G'zOne Rock you're currently toting. Get ready -- you've got just under a week to scrounge up $149.99 and the nerve to sign another two-year contract.

Continue reading Motorola's rugged i1 coming to Sprint: July 25 for $150 on contract

Motorola's rugged i1 coming to Sprint: July 25 for $150 on contract originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 19 Jul 2010 10:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidavailablecdmaDirect ConnectDirectConnectgooglegoogle androidGoogleAndroidi1motorolamotorola i1MotorolaI1nextelnow availableNowAvailableon saleOnSalePTTpush to talkpush-to-talkPushToTalkruggedsmartphonesprintMon, 19 Jul 2010 10:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Motorola makes i1 official, melds Android and push-to-talk this summer on Sprint]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/22/motorola-makes-i1-official-melds-android-and-push-to-talk-this/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/22/motorola-makes-i1-official-melds-android-and-push-to-talk-this/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/22/motorola-makes-i1-official-melds-android-and-push-to-talk-this/#comments Right on cue, just after the aptly-timed teaser poster, Motorola signs on just the right dotted lines to make its i1 push-to-talk Android handset official. Let's run through the specs quickly, shall we? A 3.1-inch HVGA (320 x 480) touchscreen, 5 megapixel camera with LED flash and 4x zoom, WiFi, and microSD expansion -- no mention of the processor, so we'll have to find out on our own later. The OS version is 1.5 and, while there's oddly not a single mention in either the press release of fact sheet, given the official images and unofficial leaks, it's definitely got Motoblur. The browser of choice is Opera Mini 5 with support for Flash 8, and if you're worried about Mother Nature's wrath, the i1 meets Military 810F standards for handling averse weather conditions. iDEN lovers can pick up the call sometime this summer on Sprint, with price yet to be named.

Update: Motorola's just sent word that the i1 does not have Motoblur, despite the presence of the traditional green call / blue contacts buttons. That begs the question, then, of what exactly defines Motoblur here (is just the Happenings widget missing?), and what Android skin is on the i1 -- the press images here are definitely not showing vanilla 1.5. We're still awaiting a response to that, stay tuned.

Gallery: Motorola i1 melds Android and push-to-talk

Motorola makes i1 official, melds Android and push-to-talk this summer on Sprint originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 22 Mar 2010 15:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 1.5Android1.5ctiactia 2010Ctia2010flashflash 8flash liteFlash8FlashLitei1idenmotomoto blurMotoBlurmotorolamotorola i1MotorolaI1nexteloperaopera miniopera mini 5OperaMiniOperaMini5pttpush to talkpush-to-talkPushToTalksprintsprint nextelSprintNextelMon, 22 Mar 2010 15:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Motorola i1: we've seen it, it runs Blur, and it'll likely be out soon]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/05/motorola-i1-weve-seen-it-and-itll-likely-be-out-soon/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/05/motorola-i1-weve-seen-it-and-itll-likely-be-out-soon/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/05/motorola-i1-weve-seen-it-and-itll-likely-be-out-soon/#comments Well, that was quick: thanks to some new information we've received, we're now able to confirm that the Motorola i1 is indeed the so-called Opus One that the company has been rumored to preparing for its iDEN carrier partners with Android on board -- and it's exactly the leaked device we saw back in December. We don't know much in the way of specs, but it sounds like we should expect Blur running atop Android 1.5 (sigh), a 3 megapixel cam, and a possible announcement within a couple weeks -- a time frame that would line up splendidly with CTIA toward the end of the month. Naturally, you can bet your little green robot we'll be there.

[Image via BGR; thanks, Gus N.]

Motorola i1: we've seen it, it runs Blur, and it'll likely be out soon originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 05 Mar 2010 20:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androiddirect connectDirectConnectexclusivei1idenin the wildInTheWildMotorolanextelopus oneOpusOnepush to talkPushToTalkrumorsprintFri, 05 Mar 2010 20:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Motorola Brute now available for Sprint Direct Connect]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/11/motorola-brute-now-available-for-sprint-direct-connect/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/11/motorola-brute-now-available-for-sprint-direct-connect/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/11/motorola-brute-now-available-for-sprint-direct-connect/#comments If you were hoping for a helping of Android with your iDEN, we're afraid your wait isn't quite over yet -- but folks just looking for a standard issue tough clamshell for Direct Connect might want to take a gander at this one. The aptly-named Motorola Brute isn't likely to win any beauty contests, but it comes equipped with CrystalTalk-style noise reduction, a 2 megapixel camera, GPS, stereo Bluetooth, real-time switchover between push-to-talk and a standard call, and -- of course -- mil-spec 810F compliance for protection from dirt, moisture, vibration, and the like. It's available now for $119.99 on contract after rebate.

Motorola Brute now available for Sprint Direct Connect originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 11 Jan 2010 18:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bruteclamshellDirect ConnectDirectConnectflipidenmobilenextelsprintMon, 11 Jan 2010 18:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Motorola Opus One caught on video, dawg]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/15/motorola-opus-one-caught-on-video-dawg/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/15/motorola-opus-one-caught-on-video-dawg/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/15/motorola-opus-one-caught-on-video-dawg/#commentsMotorola Opus One caught on video, dawg It's pretty rare that a tech demo starts with the phrase "you know what I'm gonna do?" But, this one certainly does, a dark, shaky, but thoroughly comprehensive exploration of the recently rumored Motorola Opus One smartphone. Jive- or profanity-averse readers (or anyone who hates zebra cake) will probably want to skip the four videos embedded below, but we'll give you the highlights: iDen is confirmed, Android 1.5 Cupcake is currently installed with Motoblur frosting, there's a five megapixel camera on the back, and with its push-to-talk this one looks to be going to Nextel or Boost Mobile. Those are the deets, but click on through if you want to do that video, dawg.

[Via iNicc0lo]

Continue reading Motorola Opus One caught on video, dawg

Motorola Opus One caught on video, dawg originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 09:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 1.5Android1.5boost mobileBoostMobilecupcakeidenmotorolamotorola opus oneMotorolaOpusOnenexteloneopuspush-to-talksprint nextelSprintNextelTue, 15 Dec 2009 09:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Sprint bails on QChat, goes back to iDEN for all its PTT needs]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/02/sprint-bails-on-qchat-goes-back-to-iden-for-all-its-ptt-needs/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/02/sprint-bails-on-qchat-goes-back-to-iden-for-all-its-ptt-needs/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/02/sprint-bails-on-qchat-goes-back-to-iden-for-all-its-ptt-needs/#comments We saw the writing on the wall here for a while, but Sprint's now gone ahead and made it official that it'll be phasing out its push-to-talk offerings based on Qualcomm's QChat technology in favor of -- what else? -- good ol' iDEN. For Sprint, the move makes sense; when the EV-DO Rev. A-powered QChat system was introduced last year, a Sprint / Nextel schism was a very real possibility -- but since, the company has ended up pouring money into its Direct Connect network, sprucing it up, and placing a renewed emphasis on its prepaid Boost Mobile brand which shares Nextel's airwaves. There really isn't much use for two incompatible PTT systems on any network, so one had to go -- and yes, QChat is getting the boot. Existing customers will continue to be supported, but Sprint says that it won't be offering new models; good thing iDEN phones just got pretty for the first time.

Sprint bails on QChat, goes back to iDEN for all its PTT needs originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>direct connectDirectConnectidenmobilenextelpttpush to talkpush-to-talkPushToTalkqchatqualcommsprintsprint nextelSprintNextelWed, 02 Dec 2009 18:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Motorola i680 gets FCC clearance]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/13/motorola-i680-gets-fcc-clearance/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/13/motorola-i680-gets-fcc-clearance/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/13/motorola-i680-gets-fcc-clearance/#comments If there's one thing we can promise when a Moto starts with "i" it's that it'll be an iDEN phone, so when you hear that there's an i680 in the FCC, you can pretty much gather what's going on here. Taking a look at the documentation, the newest push-to-talk clamshell out of Schaumburg looks way different than what we're used to -- but then again, so did the i9, so we can't say we're surprised to see 'em push the boundaries of iDEN design yet again. It's got a camera of unknown resolution and appears to be pretty well ruggedized (we'd expect no less from your average iDEN set) on account of that beefy thumbscrew holding the battery cover on around back, but it's hard to say when it's launching, so we're trying to keep our excitement level to a dull roar at this point. More as soon as we get it.

[Via Phone Scoop]

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Motorola i680 gets FCC clearance originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 09:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clamshelldirect connectDirectConnectfccflipi680idenmobilemotomotorolanextelsprintFri, 13 Nov 2009 09:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Sprint proves money can solve problems, buys iPCS to settle litigation]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/19/sprint-proves-money-can-solve-problems-buys-ipcs-to-settle-liti/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/19/sprint-proves-money-can-solve-problems-buys-ipcs-to-settle-liti/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/19/sprint-proves-money-can-solve-problems-buys-ipcs-to-settle-liti/#commentsConsidering Sprint's financial position and the overall credit market, we're not exactly sure where the carrier managed to pick up $831 million, which it promptly used to acquire affiliate iPCS and take on $405 million of net debt. If you'll recall, the aforesaid youngin' was worrying papa way back in May of 2008, and it seems that Sprint has finally had enough of this whole "litigation" thing. The acquisition puts all of the court battling to rest (or at least it's expected to), enabling the operator to stop divesting its iDEN network in select iPCS markets. Money may not buy happiness, but it sure buys a good muzzle.

[Via Reuters]

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Sprint proves money can solve problems, buys iPCS to settle litigation originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 13:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businesscarriercdmaev doevdoiDENindustryiPCSlawsuitlegalmobilenexteloperatorPCS WirelessPcsWirelesssprintSprint NextelSprintNextelsuesuitMon, 19 Oct 2009 13:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Sprint proves money can solve problems, buys iPCS to settle litigation]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/19/sprint-proves-money-can-solve-problems-buys-ipcs-to-settle-liti/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/19/sprint-proves-money-can-solve-problems-buys-ipcs-to-settle-liti/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/19/sprint-proves-money-can-solve-problems-buys-ipcs-to-settle-liti/#commentsConsidering Sprint's financial position and the overall credit market, we're not exactly sure where the carrier managed to pick up $831 million, which it promptly used to acquire affiliate iPCS and take on $405 million of net debt. If you'll recall, the aforesaid youngin' was worrying papa way back in May of 2008, and it seems that Sprint has finally had enough of this whole "litigation" thing. The acquisition puts all of the court battling to rest (or at least it's expected to), enabling the operator to stop divesting its iDEN network in select iPCS markets. Money may not buy happiness, but it sure buys a good muzzle.

[Via Reuters]

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Sprint proves money can solve problems, buys iPCS to settle litigation originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 13:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businesscarrieriDENindustryiPCSlawsuitlegalnexteloperatorPCS WirelessPcsWirelesssprintSprint NextelSprintNextelsuesuitMon, 19 Oct 2009 13:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Motorola i856 Debut now available on Nextel]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/12/motorola-i856-debut-now-available-on-nextel/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/12/motorola-i856-debut-now-available-on-nextel/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/12/motorola-i856-debut-now-available-on-nextel/#comments Perhaps recognizing that the average Boost customer is more interested in the latest, greatest trendy handsets than the average Nextel customer (read: construction worker with a penchant for putting mil-spec certifications to the test), Sprint has launched a couple recent groundbreaking models -- the Clutch, Moto's first QWERTY iDEN device and the Debut, its first slider -- on Boost first before bringing them over to the big daddy. Don't fret, though, Nextel subscribers, because the i856 Debut is now available to you, bringing that crazy red / black color combo, integrated music player, and network-first slider form factor to a more grown-up audience. It's available now in all sales channels for $99.99 with a $50 rebate on contract.

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Motorola i856 Debut now available on Nextel originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 11:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>debutdirect connectDirectConnecti856idenmobilemotomotorolanextelnextel direct connectNextelDirectConnectslidersprintMon, 12 Oct 2009 11:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Deutsche Telekom eyeing Sprint Nextel for acquisition?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/13/deutsche-telekom-eyeing-sprint-nextel-for-acquisition/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/13/deutsche-telekom-eyeing-sprint-nextel-for-acquisition/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/13/deutsche-telekom-eyeing-sprint-nextel-for-acquisition/#comments With T-Mobile UK and Orange now having to (potentially) learn to play nice, Deutsche Telekom is already looking ahead to its next big target: Sprint Nextel. According to a Telegraph report, the telecom giant, with an estimated value of $60.45 billion, has called in advisers from Deutsche Bank as it reportedly prepares to submit an offer to the $10.6 billion-valued Now Network within the next three weeks. The assimilation of Sprint and Deutsche Telekom subsidiary T-Mobile US under the same umbrella could give second-place AT&T a fight with a 78.2 million-strong customer base... but that said, we wouldn't anticipate any quick or smooth merger given the US carriers rely on substantially different bands (CDMA vs. GSM) for service. Hey, there's always WiMAX might come into play. Obviously there's a lot of unanswered questions here, but at this point it's all speculation given no actual offer has been thrown on the table -- and we bet Hesse will have some choice words on the matter. Keep an eye out on this one, things could very quickly get very, very interesting here.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

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Deutsche Telekom eyeing Sprint Nextel for acquisition? originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 13 Sep 2009 17:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businesscdmadeutschedeutsche bankDeutsche TelekomDeutscheBankDeutscheTelekomev doevdogsmmobilenextelsprintsprint nextelSprintNextelt mobilet-mobilet-mobile ukT-mobileUktmobilewimaxSun, 13 Sep 2009 17:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Deutsche Telekom eyeing Sprint Nextel for acquisition?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/13/deutsche-telekom-eyeing-sprint-nextel-for-acquisition/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/13/deutsche-telekom-eyeing-sprint-nextel-for-acquisition/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/13/deutsche-telekom-eyeing-sprint-nextel-for-acquisition/#comments With T-Mobile UK and Orange now having to (potentially) learn to play nice, Deutsche Telekom is already looking ahead to its next big target: Sprint Nextel. According to a Telegraph report, the telecom giant, with an estimated value of $60.45 billion, has called in advisers from Deutsche Bank as it reportedly prepares to submit an offer to the $10.6 billion-valued Now Network within the next three weeks. The assimilation of Sprint and Deutsche Telekom subsidiary T-Mobile US under the same umbrella could give second-place AT&T a fight with a 78.2 million-strong customer base... but that said, we wouldn't anticipate any quick or smooth merger given the US carriers rely on substantially different bands (CDMA vs. GSM) for service. Hey, there's always WiMAX might come into play. Obviously there's a lot of unanswered questions here, but at this point it's all speculation given no actual offer has been thrown on the table -- and we bet Hesse will have some choice words on the matter. Keep an eye out on this one, things could very quickly get very, very interesting here.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

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Deutsche Telekom eyeing Sprint Nextel for acquisition? originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 13 Sep 2009 17:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businesscdmadeutschedeutsche bankDeutsche TelekomDeutscheBankDeutscheTelekomgsmnextelsprintsprint nextelSprintNextelt-mobile ukT-mobileUkwimaxSun, 13 Sep 2009 17:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Sprint details proposed $14 million ETF class action settlement]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/sprint-details-proposed-14-million-etf-class-action-settlement/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/sprint-details-proposed-14-million-etf-class-action-settlement/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/sprint-details-proposed-14-million-etf-class-action-settlement/#commentsIt's a far cry from the $1.2 billion number that was bandied about at one point, but it looks like Sprint could still be taking a fairly sizable hit over those pesky early termination fees, at least if a proposed class action settlement plays out as it seems likely too. As Sprint itself announced today, the company's reached a $14 million settlement in the case, which will be placed in a common fund to be distributed accordingly to all the parties involved, which is where you come in (assuming you're a current of former Sprint, Nextel, or Sprint Nextel customer, that is). The short of it is that you can either sign on to the class action suit or opt out of it by hitting up the site linked below, and then you'll have to wait for the final approval hearing now scheduled for October 21st, which should actually settle the settlement once and for all. Details on the exact payout amounts to customers are buried in the documents on the settlement website, but it looks like the majority of customers will be receiving between $25 and $90 depending on their contract, plus some free bonus minutes.

Read - Sprint ETF Settlement website
Read - Sprint statement

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

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Sprint details proposed $14 million ETF class action settlement originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 11 Aug 2009 15:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>class actionclass action lawsuitClassActionClassActionLawsuitearly termination feeearly termination feesEarlyTerminationFeeEarlyTerminationFeesetfetf settlementEtfSettlementmobilenextelsettlementsprintsprint nextelSprintNextelTue, 11 Aug 2009 15:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Sprint details proposed $14 million ETF class action settlement]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/sprint-details-proposed-14-million-etf-class-action-settlement/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/sprint-details-proposed-14-million-etf-class-action-settlement/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/sprint-details-proposed-14-million-etf-class-action-settlement/#commentsIt's a far cry from the $1.2 billion number that was bandied about at one point, but it looks like Sprint could still be taking a fairly sizable hit over those pesky early termination fees, at least if a proposed class action settlement plays out as it seems likely too. As Sprint itself announced today, the company's reached a $14 million settlement in the case, which will be placed in a common fund to be distributed accordingly to all the parties involved, which is where you come in (assuming you're a current of former Sprint, Nextel, or Sprint Nextel customer, that is). The short of it is that you can either sign on to the class action suit or opt out of it by hitting up the site linked below, and then you'll have to wait for the final approval hearing now scheduled for October 21st, which should actually settle the settlement once and for all. Details on the exact payout amounts to customers are buried in the documents on the settlement website, but it looks like the majority of customers will be receiving between $25 and $90 depending on their contract, plus some free bonus minutes.

Read - Sprint ETF Settlement website
Read - Sprint statement

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Filed under:

Sprint details proposed $14 million ETF class action settlement originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 11 Aug 2009 15:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>class actionclass action lawsuitClassActionClassActionLawsuitearly termination feeearly termination feesEarlyTerminationFeeEarlyTerminationFeesetfetf settlementEtfSettlementnextelsettlementsprintsprint nextelSprintNextelTue, 11 Aug 2009 15:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Sprint follows Boost, gets Motorola Clutch i465 this summer]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/29/sprint-follows-boost-gets-motorola-clutch-i465-this-summer/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/29/sprint-follows-boost-gets-motorola-clutch-i465-this-summer/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/29/sprint-follows-boost-gets-motorola-clutch-i465-this-summer/#comments
Sprint subsidiary Boost Mobile got first dibs, but now it's the parent's turn -- which means Sprint proper will be taking delivery of the Motorola Clutch i465 for its Direct Connect iDEN network this summer. No exact release date was given, but interest parties are welcome to sign up now to be informed when they can drop the cash -- $39.99 on contract, to be exact, after the application of a total of $70 in rebates on a new two-year agreement. The little beast gives you full QWERTY (a Motorola first for iDEN), mil-spec 810F compliance for withstanding the worst you can throw at it, Bluetooth, GPS, and a VGA camera that isn't likely to win you any photography awards. Of course, if you want it that badly, you could just make the leap to Boost today -- but otherwise, stay tuned.

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Sprint follows Boost, gets Motorola Clutch i465 this summer originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 29 Jun 2009 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clutchdirect connectDirectConnecti465idenmobilemotorolanextelqwertysprintMon, 29 Jun 2009 18:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Sprint lays out process for selling some iDEN assets, making iPCS happy]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/14/sprint-lays-out-process-for-selling-some-iden-assets-making-ipc/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/14/sprint-lays-out-process-for-selling-some-iden-assets-making-ipc/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/14/sprint-lays-out-process-for-selling-some-iden-assets-making-ipc/#commentsSprint's fight with iPCS continues to wage on multiple fronts, all of which have been ongoing for eons -- especially the whole iDEN tussle in the wake of Sprint's merger with Nextel. Most recently, that little soap opera had seen an Illinois court rule that Sprint's got to divest some iPCS-controlled iDEN markets to bring it back into contractual compliance and restore Mother Nature's balance, and now Sprint's gotten around to announcing how that process is going to work. In short, it seems like a free-for-all -- the company has apparently put out a few feelers for buyers, but anyone it hasn't contacted is invited to hook up with Citi, who's managing the ordeal on Sprint's behalf. The carrier says that it expects everything to be squared away by January 25 of next year, which is when the court-imposed deadline falls; in the meantime, subscribers, stay cool, because Sprint says that service will continue uninterrupted and expects any transition to be seamless.

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Sprint lays out process for selling some iDEN assets, making iPCS happy originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 14 Jun 2009 03:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>divestdivestitureidenipcslawsuitmobilenextelsprintsprint nextelSprintNextelSun, 14 Jun 2009 03:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Sprint's BlackBerry 8350i, now with less camera]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/13/sprints-blackberry-8350i-now-with-less-camera/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/13/sprints-blackberry-8350i-now-with-less-camera/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/13/sprints-blackberry-8350i-now-with-less-camera/#comments We knew it was coming, but the last time we checked, we had a big fat "TBD" in the launch date column -- now, the wait has finally ended and throngs of camera-free phone fanboys and girls can get their BlackBerry on (come on, you know who you are). The iDEN-only 8350i has been stripped of its cam, but not its dignity -- a good match for businessfolk working in higher-security facilities where covert imagery is still a concern. Unfortunately, the removed technology won't save you any dough; you'll pay the same $149.99 on contract after rebate as the "normal" 8350i buyers, but at least you won't get thrown out of a secret laboratory by ripped guards wielding AR-15s for bending the rules.

[Via Boy Genius Report]

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Sprint's BlackBerry 8350i, now with less camera originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 13 Apr 2009 23:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>8350iblackberryblackberry osblackberryosidenmobilenextelresearch in motionresearchinmotionrimsprintMon, 13 Apr 2009 23:46:00 EST<![CDATA[iWOW's i976 to make a non-Motorola splash with iDEN and GSM]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/iwows-i976-to-make-a-non-motorola-splash-with-iden-and-gsm/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/iwows-i976-to-make-a-non-motorola-splash-with-iden-and-gsm/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/iwows-i976-to-make-a-non-motorola-splash-with-iden-and-gsm/#comments Quick: how many non-Motorola iDEN devices can you name? Besides the odd BlackBerry here and there, the list is indeed very short -- and that's where iWOW comes into play. It seems the Singaporean firm is responding to the IiOF's request (that's the International iDEN Operator's Forum, by the bye) for a dual-mode iDEN / GSM handset, and early versions of the fruit of their labor -- the i976 candybar -- are starting to circulate. The device will feature a 2 megapixel cam, Bluetooth, and a hard switch for manually cycling between GSM and iDEN networks. If you were somehow thinking you might nab this on Sprint Nextel in the US on account of that logo up top, though, think again -- as of now, only Nextel's international operations have an eye on it. Just a little better looking than that dual-mode i930 Moto was selling a while back, eh?

Gallery: iWoW's i976 to make a non-Motorola splash with iDEN

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iWOW's i976 to make a non-Motorola splash with iDEN and GSM originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 19 Mar 2009 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>candybarfeaturesgsmi976ideniwowmobilenextelothersThu, 19 Mar 2009 09:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Sprint puts the Motorola Stature i9 on sale, too]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/17/sprint-puts-the-motorola-stature-i9-on-sale-too/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/17/sprint-puts-the-motorola-stature-i9-on-sale-too/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/17/sprint-puts-the-motorola-stature-i9-on-sale-too/#comments Following its earlier launch on subsidiary Boost, Sprint Nextel proper has now seen fit -- as expected -- to launch the hottest iDEN phone ever created, Motorola's Stature i9. $199.99 on contract after rebate will buy you a 3.1 megapixel cam, GPS, Bluetooth, microSD expansion, and all the iDEN-powered Direct Connect action you can handle; why these guys opted to push this thing down to Boost first is totally unclear to us, but hey, it's available to the traditional Nextel cats now too, so no hard feelings.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

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Sprint puts the Motorola Stature i9 on sale, too originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 17 Mar 2009 06:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clamshellflipi9idenmobilemotorolanextelsprintsprint nextelSprintNextelstatureTue, 17 Mar 2009 06:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Motorola i9, others coming to Sprint this week?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/09/motorola-i9-others-coming-to-sprint-this-week/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/09/motorola-i9-others-coming-to-sprint-this-week/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/09/motorola-i9-others-coming-to-sprint-this-week/#comments
We've seen a number of launch date leaks for Sprint courtesy of partner Brightpoint in the past; generally, they tend to be pretty accurate, so we're going to go ahead and put some weight to this latest one. Looks like we can expect Nextel to pick up the Motorola i9 on Wednesday -- Boost got it a little over a month ago, you might recall -- along with the ancient i580 in yellow. Brightpoint also reels in the Palm Treo Pro a few days earlier than Sprint's official date, while the LG Rumor 2 launches a few days later on the 15th or the 29th; Brightpoint's wording is a little odd here, so it's hard to tell exactly how it'll shake out. Finally, we have a camera-free version of the BlackBerry 8350i in the works, a logical product for RIM to be taking on considering the phone's all-business roots.

[Via phoneArena]

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Motorola i9, others coming to Sprint this week? originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 09 Mar 2009 15:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>8350iblackberrycdmacurveev doevdoi580i9idenlgmobilemotomotorolanextelpalmresearch in motionresearchinmotionrimrumor 2Rumor2sprinttreo proTreoProwindows mobilewindowsmobileMon, 09 Mar 2009 15:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Motorola's iDEN i465 passes muster with the FCC]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/28/motorolas-iden-i465-passes-muster-with-the-fcc/http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/28/motorolas-iden-i465-passes-muster-with-the-fcc/http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/28/motorolas-iden-i465-passes-muster-with-the-fcc/#comments

Well Motorola's first iDEN QWERTY effort has sailed through the FCC's proving grounds and will apparently, or at least potentially, grace our push-to-talk pockets one day. We chattered about this wee red phone a bit on a recent podcast because from the looks of the pics we've seen, that keyboard will saw through fingers, and for a messaging handset, that's just not good planning. If Boost Mobile literature is to be believed, then we can potentially expect this around June 15th this year, though, don't hold us to that. Thanks FCC for testing and ensuring that this handset met 47 CFR 2.1093 (c) for RF exposure and found to be compliant with the limits specified in 47 CFR 2.1093(d)(2). Top job, love your graphs.

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Motorola's iDEN i465 passes muster with the FCC originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 28 Feb 2009 03:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boost mobileboostmobilei465iDENmobileMotorolaNextelSprintSat, 28 Feb 2009 03:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Sprint's BlackBerry 8350i firmware update fixes boatload of issues]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/13/sprints-blackberry-8350i-firmware-update-fixes-boatload-of-issu/http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/13/sprints-blackberry-8350i-firmware-update-fixes-boatload-of-issu/http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/13/sprints-blackberry-8350i-firmware-update-fixes-boatload-of-issu/#commentsSprint has released a shiny new build of BlackBerry OS 4.6 for its 8350i on Nextel -- 4.6.1.128, to be exact -- and let's just put it this way: if you have this phone, you want this update. By all accounts, it appears to directly address a bunch of major issues that have been affecting early adopters, including blank screens, missing songs, and MMSes that end up getting delayed into oblivion. Good things to get fixed, yeah? Follow the break for the full changelog straight from Sprint.

Continue reading Sprint's BlackBerry 8350i firmware update fixes boatload of issues

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Sprint's BlackBerry 8350i firmware update fixes boatload of issues originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 13 Feb 2009 18:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>8350iblackberryblackberry osblackberryosfirmwareidenmobilenextelresearch in motionresearchinmotionrimsprintupdateupgradeFri, 13 Feb 2009 18:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Motorola's i365IS is intrinsically safe, intrinsically ugly]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/08/motorolas-i365is-is-intrinsically-safe-intrinsically-ugly/http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/08/motorolas-i365is-is-intrinsically-safe-intrinsically-ugly/http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/08/motorolas-i365is-is-intrinsically-safe-intrinsically-ugly/#commentsOh, brother. If you're worried that Motorola's already brawny i365 just isn't robust enough to withstand the pressures of your daily life, there's the newfangled i365IS. If you're curious as to what the "IS" means, here goes: "intrinsically safe." Seriously. The handset, which would obviously play well in a recreated episode of Saved By The Bell, is a GPS-enabled push-to-talk device that is "safe to use in hazardous areas that may contain flammable gasses, vapors or dust." Obviously, the mobile will tap into the Nextel Direct Connect network in order to keep up with comrades, and its rugged chassis is certified for "military specification requirements including humidity, blowing rain, dust, shock and vibration." Further specs include a paltry 130 x 130 resolution display, Bluetooth and a talk time of around 300 minutes. There's no mention of a price or release date, but real men can wait, anyway.

[Via Mobiledia]

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Motorola's i365IS is intrinsically safe, intrinsically ugly originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 08 Feb 2009 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>i365i365ISiDENmobilemotomotorolanextelruggedsprintsprint nextelSprintNexteltoughSun, 08 Feb 2009 15:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Sprint has a year to sell Nextel spectrum in iPCS regions]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/05/sprint-has-a-year-to-sell-nextel-spectrum-in-ipcs-regions/http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/05/sprint-has-a-year-to-sell-nextel-spectrum-in-ipcs-regions/http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/05/sprint-has-a-year-to-sell-nextel-spectrum-in-ipcs-regions/#commentsOkay, so it's not just that Sprint can't offer service on iPCS' turf -- it's that they have to offload all that airspace, too. Cook County Circuit Court in Illinois has decided that Sprint needs to sell off its Nextel service areas that overlap with iPCS within 360 days, which marks another big win for the affiliate that's been all up in Sprint's business ever since the Sprint-Nextel merger several years ago. What's more, iPCS has more pending litigation claiming Sprint is withholding "advanced technologies" in favor of iPCS' competitors, so there's still all sorts of bad blood between these two. As for potential suitors for Nextel's obligatory spinoffs, Sprint's not talking -- yet -- but with iDEN's seeming second wind, snatching up that network might not be the worst decision a company could make.

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Sprint has a year to sell Nextel spectrum in iPCS regions originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Feb 2009 18:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>idenipcslawsuitmobilenextelsprintThu, 05 Feb 2009 18:09:00 EST