Results 1 to 15 of 83
- 12-09-2004, 09:38 PM #1Neon KnightGuest
I don't know if this is good or bad...
http://www.usatoday.com/money/indust...9-sprint_x.htm
› See More: Sprint-Nextel merger?
- 12-09-2004, 09:40 PM #2Steve SobolGuest
Re: Sprint-Nextel merger?
Neon Knight wrote:
> I don't know if this is good or bad...
>
> http://www.usatoday.com/money/indust...9-sprint_x.htm
It would rock if I could call my father's Nextel phone from my Sprint phone and
have it billed as (unlimited) mobile to mobile!
--
JustThe.net Internet & New Media Services, http://JustThe.net/
Steven J. Sobol, Geek In Charge / 888.480.4NET (4638) / [email protected]
PGP Key available from your friendly local key server (0xE3AE35ED)
Apple Valley, California Nothing scares me anymore. I have three kids.
- 12-09-2004, 10:48 PM #3Isaiah BeardGuest
Re: Sprint-Nextel merger?
Neon Knight wrote:
> I don't know if this is good or bad...
>
> http://www.usatoday.com/money/indust...9-sprint_x.htm
There have been Sprint/Nextel merger rumors before. However it seems
this time news outlets are jumping all over it like it might be real
this time.
Pardon my French, but Sprint and Nextel merging would be a COLOSSAL
Cluster****, and would probably destroy both companies than provide any
conceivable gains.
The proof is in the pudding, or rather, the technical details. Cingular
and AT&T's merger will work because the networks are the same:
originating as hybrid analog and TDMA networks that are finishing up the
transition to GSM and EDGE. As the two networks stand right now,
there's very little effort required to allow Cingular customers to use
AT&T's network and vice versa. And because the upgrade paths are the
same, the issues here are minimal.
Sprint and Nextel? Forget it. Nextel runs on iDEN, which is
TDMA-based, and not even a cellular phone protocol. Nextel's network is
and always has been a Specialized Mobile Radio carrier masquerading as a
cellular network, and has never truly done the phone side of things very
well. And just HOW fast is Nextel's data network? Yeah, not even close
to 2.5G, let alone 3G...
Sprint on the other hand has a well established, technically superior
network in terms of capacity and data capability. It's well poised to
migrate to 1x EVDO and be truly a 3G network in relatively short order.
Yeah, CDMA doesn't do two-way very well, but it doesn't seem like most
of Sprint's customers really want that, and I know iDEN customers won't
like losing their two-way service.
If two networks merge, the ONLY logical reason for such a merger would
be because the combined entity wants to see the two networks become one.
You can't operate two seperate systems indefinitely and expect to see
a synergy. And to merge THESE two networks will be a total nightmare.
Nextel's still wrangling with a spectrum swap that isn't complete yet,
and once it IS complete, any combined Sprint/Nextel entity will have to
find a way to make the two spectrum bands from the two networks work
well together. THEN they will have to pick either iDEN or CDMA and
transition everyone from the "losing" side to the new choice. And
regardless of what they choose, the costs involved in transitioning
users will seriously detract from the move to 3G, prolonging network
upgrades. They will be left in the dust by competing carriers who don't
have this baggage to worry about; even Cingular will be way ahead of the
game.
And I'll say this now; if they go with iDEN, I'm DONE with Sprint. I've
given iDEN a try many times over the past few years, and I couldn't
stand it.
Just like the proposed merger with Worldcom several years back, this
proposal STINKS if true. I seriously hope it doesn't go through.
--
E-mail fudged to thwart spammers.
Transpose the c's and a's in my e-mail address to reply.
- 12-09-2004, 10:48 PM #4Isaiah BeardGuest
Re: Sprint-Nextel merger?
Neon Knight wrote:
> I don't know if this is good or bad...
>
> http://www.usatoday.com/money/indust...9-sprint_x.htm
There have been Sprint/Nextel merger rumors before. However it seems
this time news outlets are jumping all over it like it might be real
this time.
Pardon my French, but Sprint and Nextel merging would be a COLOSSAL
Cluster****, and would probably destroy both companies than provide any
conceivable gains.
The proof is in the pudding, or rather, the technical details. Cingular
and AT&T's merger will work because the networks are the same:
originating as hybrid analog and TDMA networks that are finishing up the
transition to GSM and EDGE. As the two networks stand right now,
there's very little effort required to allow Cingular customers to use
AT&T's network and vice versa. And because the upgrade paths are the
same, the issues here are minimal.
Sprint and Nextel? Forget it. Nextel runs on iDEN, which is
TDMA-based, and not even a cellular phone protocol. Nextel's network is
and always has been a Specialized Mobile Radio carrier masquerading as a
cellular network, and has never truly done the phone side of things very
well. And just HOW fast is Nextel's data network? Yeah, not even close
to 2.5G, let alone 3G...
Sprint on the other hand has a well established, technically superior
network in terms of capacity and data capability. It's well poised to
migrate to 1x EVDO and be truly a 3G network in relatively short order.
Yeah, CDMA doesn't do two-way very well, but it doesn't seem like most
of Sprint's customers really want that, and I know iDEN customers won't
like losing their two-way service.
If two networks merge, the ONLY logical reason for such a merger would
be because the combined entity wants to see the two networks become one.
You can't operate two seperate systems indefinitely and expect to see
a synergy. And to merge THESE two networks will be a total nightmare.
Nextel's still wrangling with a spectrum swap that isn't complete yet,
and once it IS complete, any combined Sprint/Nextel entity will have to
find a way to make the two spectrum bands from the two networks work
well together. THEN they will have to pick either iDEN or CDMA and
transition everyone from the "losing" side to the new choice. And
regardless of what they choose, the costs involved in transitioning
users will seriously detract from the move to 3G, prolonging network
upgrades. They will be left in the dust by competing carriers who don't
have this baggage to worry about; even Cingular will be way ahead of the
game.
And I'll say this now; if they go with iDEN, I'm DONE with Sprint. I've
given iDEN a try many times over the past few years, and I couldn't
stand it.
Just like the proposed merger with Worldcom several years back, this
proposal STINKS if true. I seriously hope it doesn't go through.
--
E-mail fudged to thwart spammers.
Transpose the c's and a's in my e-mail address to reply.
- 12-09-2004, 11:12 PM #5crGuest
Re: Sprint-Nextel merger?
Hopefully Verizon will step up and make a bid.
From what I have read they have thought about a Sprint merger before
"Isaiah Beard" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Neon Knight wrote:
>> I don't know if this is good or bad...
>>
>> http://www.usatoday.com/money/indust...9-sprint_x.htm
>
> There have been Sprint/Nextel merger rumors before. However it seems this
> time news outlets are jumping all over it like it might be real this time.
>
> Pardon my French, but Sprint and Nextel merging would be a COLOSSAL
> Cluster****, and would probably destroy both companies than provide any
> conceivable gains.
>
> The proof is in the pudding, or rather, the technical details. Cingular
> and AT&T's merger will work because the networks are the same: originating
> as hybrid analog and TDMA networks that are finishing up the transition to
> GSM and EDGE. As the two networks stand right now, there's very little
> effort required to allow Cingular customers to use AT&T's network and vice
> versa. And because the upgrade paths are the same, the issues here are
> minimal.
>
> Sprint and Nextel? Forget it. Nextel runs on iDEN, which is TDMA-based,
> and not even a cellular phone protocol. Nextel's network is and always
> has been a Specialized Mobile Radio carrier masquerading as a cellular
> network, and has never truly done the phone side of things very well. And
> just HOW fast is Nextel's data network? Yeah, not even close to 2.5G, let
> alone 3G...
>
> Sprint on the other hand has a well established, technically superior
> network in terms of capacity and data capability. It's well poised to
> migrate to 1x EVDO and be truly a 3G network in relatively short order.
> Yeah, CDMA doesn't do two-way very well, but it doesn't seem like most of
> Sprint's customers really want that, and I know iDEN customers won't like
> losing their two-way service.
>
> If two networks merge, the ONLY logical reason for such a merger would be
> because the combined entity wants to see the two networks become one. You
> can't operate two seperate systems indefinitely and expect to see a
> synergy. And to merge THESE two networks will be a total nightmare.
> Nextel's still wrangling with a spectrum swap that isn't complete yet, and
> once it IS complete, any combined Sprint/Nextel entity will have to find a
> way to make the two spectrum bands from the two networks work well
> together. THEN they will have to pick either iDEN or CDMA and transition
> everyone from the "losing" side to the new choice. And regardless of what
> they choose, the costs involved in transitioning users will seriously
> detract from the move to 3G, prolonging network upgrades. They will be
> left in the dust by competing carriers who don't have this baggage to
> worry about; even Cingular will be way ahead of the game.
>
> And I'll say this now; if they go with iDEN, I'm DONE with Sprint. I've
> given iDEN a try many times over the past few years, and I couldn't stand
> it.
>
> Just like the proposed merger with Worldcom several years back, this
> proposal STINKS if true. I seriously hope it doesn't go through.
>
> --
> E-mail fudged to thwart spammers.
> Transpose the c's and a's in my e-mail address to reply.
>
- 12-10-2004, 12:09 AM #6Pete StephensonGuest
Re: Sprint-Nextel merger?
In article <ofaud.2494$pZ5.732@trndny06>, "cr" <[email protected]>
wrote:
> Hopefully Verizon will step up and make a bid.
> From what I have read they have thought about a Sprint merger before
If so, then I'm really screwed: I absolutely refuse to conduct business
with Verizon under any circumstances due to their internet side being a
spamhaus. Boulder Pledge and whatnot.
I switched to Sprint from T-Mobile because I need good coverage,
digital/analog roaming, etc. in the US that's not provided by Verizon.
Sprint had the best offer going, not to mention some decent plans and
phones.
If Sprint and Verizon merge, then it would appear that I would be
without a cellphone. Not Fun(tm).
--
Pete Stephenson
HeyPete.com
- 12-10-2004, 12:09 AM #7Pete StephensonGuest
Re: Sprint-Nextel merger?
In article <ofaud.2494$pZ5.732@trndny06>, "cr" <[email protected]>
wrote:
> Hopefully Verizon will step up and make a bid.
> From what I have read they have thought about a Sprint merger before
If so, then I'm really screwed: I absolutely refuse to conduct business
with Verizon under any circumstances due to their internet side being a
spamhaus. Boulder Pledge and whatnot.
I switched to Sprint from T-Mobile because I need good coverage,
digital/analog roaming, etc. in the US that's not provided by Verizon.
Sprint had the best offer going, not to mention some decent plans and
phones.
If Sprint and Verizon merge, then it would appear that I would be
without a cellphone. Not Fun(tm).
--
Pete Stephenson
HeyPete.com
- 12-10-2004, 12:16 AM #8Joe GillGuest
Re: Sprint-Nextel merger?
"Isaiah Beard" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Neon Knight wrote:
> > I don't know if this is good or bad...
> >
> > http://www.usatoday.com/money/indust...9-sprint_x.htm
>
> There have been Sprint/Nextel merger rumors before. However it seems
> this time news outlets are jumping all over it like it might be real
> this time.
>
> Pardon my French, but Sprint and Nextel merging would be a COLOSSAL
> Cluster****, and would probably destroy both companies than provide any
> conceivable gains.
>
> The proof is in the pudding, or rather, the technical details. Cingular
> and AT&T's merger will work because the networks are the same:
> originating as hybrid analog and TDMA networks that are finishing up the
> transition to GSM and EDGE. As the two networks stand right now,
> there's very little effort required to allow Cingular customers to use
> AT&T's network and vice versa. And because the upgrade paths are the
> same, the issues here are minimal.
>
> Sprint and Nextel? Forget it. Nextel runs on iDEN, which is
> TDMA-based, and not even a cellular phone protocol. Nextel's network is
> and always has been a Specialized Mobile Radio carrier masquerading as a
> cellular network, and has never truly done the phone side of things very
> well. And just HOW fast is Nextel's data network? Yeah, not even close
> to 2.5G, let alone 3G...
>
> Sprint on the other hand has a well established, technically superior
> network in terms of capacity and data capability. It's well poised to
> migrate to 1x EVDO and be truly a 3G network in relatively short order.
> Yeah, CDMA doesn't do two-way very well, but it doesn't seem like most
> of Sprint's customers really want that, and I know iDEN customers won't
> like losing their two-way service.
>
> If two networks merge, the ONLY logical reason for such a merger would
> be because the combined entity wants to see the two networks become one.
<SNIP>
I saw the story in WSJ on Thursday, and from what I saw the main points
were:
- Nextel is already embracing CDMA and is making the move to it.
- The combined network is seen as a formidable 'threat' to Verizon and
Cingular
Here is a portion of a recent Bloomberg quote:
"The deal would wed Nextel, with the highest average monthly bills and
lowest rate of customer turnover, to the company furthest along in sales of
advanced services such as wireless Web access. Sprint and Nextel can cut
costs by shutting overlapping operations and spending less on network
upgrades."
To see the latest news:
Use this link
http://news.google.com/news?sourceid...=SPRINT+NEXTEL
- 12-10-2004, 12:16 AM #9Joe GillGuest
Re: Sprint-Nextel merger?
"Isaiah Beard" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Neon Knight wrote:
> > I don't know if this is good or bad...
> >
> > http://www.usatoday.com/money/indust...9-sprint_x.htm
>
> There have been Sprint/Nextel merger rumors before. However it seems
> this time news outlets are jumping all over it like it might be real
> this time.
>
> Pardon my French, but Sprint and Nextel merging would be a COLOSSAL
> Cluster****, and would probably destroy both companies than provide any
> conceivable gains.
>
> The proof is in the pudding, or rather, the technical details. Cingular
> and AT&T's merger will work because the networks are the same:
> originating as hybrid analog and TDMA networks that are finishing up the
> transition to GSM and EDGE. As the two networks stand right now,
> there's very little effort required to allow Cingular customers to use
> AT&T's network and vice versa. And because the upgrade paths are the
> same, the issues here are minimal.
>
> Sprint and Nextel? Forget it. Nextel runs on iDEN, which is
> TDMA-based, and not even a cellular phone protocol. Nextel's network is
> and always has been a Specialized Mobile Radio carrier masquerading as a
> cellular network, and has never truly done the phone side of things very
> well. And just HOW fast is Nextel's data network? Yeah, not even close
> to 2.5G, let alone 3G...
>
> Sprint on the other hand has a well established, technically superior
> network in terms of capacity and data capability. It's well poised to
> migrate to 1x EVDO and be truly a 3G network in relatively short order.
> Yeah, CDMA doesn't do two-way very well, but it doesn't seem like most
> of Sprint's customers really want that, and I know iDEN customers won't
> like losing their two-way service.
>
> If two networks merge, the ONLY logical reason for such a merger would
> be because the combined entity wants to see the two networks become one.
<SNIP>
I saw the story in WSJ on Thursday, and from what I saw the main points
were:
- Nextel is already embracing CDMA and is making the move to it.
- The combined network is seen as a formidable 'threat' to Verizon and
Cingular
Here is a portion of a recent Bloomberg quote:
"The deal would wed Nextel, with the highest average monthly bills and
lowest rate of customer turnover, to the company furthest along in sales of
advanced services such as wireless Web access. Sprint and Nextel can cut
costs by shutting overlapping operations and spending less on network
upgrades."
To see the latest news:
Use this link
http://news.google.com/news?sourceid...=SPRINT+NEXTEL
- 12-10-2004, 12:22 AM #10Steve SobolGuest
Re: Sprint-Nextel merger?
Isaiah Beard wrote:
> If two networks merge, the ONLY logical reason for such a merger would
> be because the combined entity wants to see the two networks become one.
Telus runs an iDen network in Canada - the only one up there - and also happens
to run a 1900 MHz CDMA "PCS" network and markets the two services separately.
Visit clearnet.com - "Mike" is their brand name for the iDEN system, and below
it is the link for digital PCS. Or visit these direct links (these two happen
to be for Ontario):
http://www.clearnet.com/on/business_...ces_mike.shtml
http://www.clearnet.com/on/business_...ices_pcs.shtml
I do NOT think it's out of the realm of possibility that the Nextel and SPCS
networks *would* continue being separate networks. Sure, maybe there would be
some enhancements like (somehow) getting Sprint's CDMA 1xRTT push-to-talk
system to talk to Nextel's SMR system. But why *not* run separate networks and
have one big entity marketing the relative strengths of each network to its
respective market??
--
JustThe.net Internet & New Media Services, http://JustThe.net/
Steven J. Sobol, Geek In Charge / 888.480.4NET (4638) / [email protected]
PGP Key available from your friendly local key server (0xE3AE35ED)
Apple Valley, California Nothing scares me anymore. I have three kids.
- 12-10-2004, 12:22 AM #11Steve SobolGuest
Re: Sprint-Nextel merger?
Isaiah Beard wrote:
> If two networks merge, the ONLY logical reason for such a merger would
> be because the combined entity wants to see the two networks become one.
Telus runs an iDen network in Canada - the only one up there - and also happens
to run a 1900 MHz CDMA "PCS" network and markets the two services separately.
Visit clearnet.com - "Mike" is their brand name for the iDEN system, and below
it is the link for digital PCS. Or visit these direct links (these two happen
to be for Ontario):
http://www.clearnet.com/on/business_...ces_mike.shtml
http://www.clearnet.com/on/business_...ices_pcs.shtml
I do NOT think it's out of the realm of possibility that the Nextel and SPCS
networks *would* continue being separate networks. Sure, maybe there would be
some enhancements like (somehow) getting Sprint's CDMA 1xRTT push-to-talk
system to talk to Nextel's SMR system. But why *not* run separate networks and
have one big entity marketing the relative strengths of each network to its
respective market??
--
JustThe.net Internet & New Media Services, http://JustThe.net/
Steven J. Sobol, Geek In Charge / 888.480.4NET (4638) / [email protected]
PGP Key available from your friendly local key server (0xE3AE35ED)
Apple Valley, California Nothing scares me anymore. I have three kids.
- 12-10-2004, 01:37 AM #12DevilsPGDGuest
Re: Sprint-Nextel merger?
In message <[email protected]> Steve Sobol
<[email protected]> wrote:
>I do NOT think it's out of the realm of possibility that the Nextel and SPCS
>networks *would* continue being separate networks. Sure, maybe there would be
>some enhancements like (somehow) getting Sprint's CDMA 1xRTT push-to-talk
>system to talk to Nextel's SMR system. But why *not* run separate networks and
>have one big entity marketing the relative strengths of each network to its
>respective market??
Not only that, but like TELUS, it means they need less physical cell
sites (since they can put both sets of network gear into one site --
Admittedly they have to be spaced for PCS, since IIRC iDEN can transmit
farther). Running a cell site isn't cheap, especially if you put in
backup battery. This also means that they only need half the landline
network, running a DS3 per site gets cheaper when you only have half as
many sites.
--
What's orange, brown, black, and red? Give up?
They're COLOURS, idiot!
- 12-10-2004, 07:28 AM #13Scott StephensonGuest
Re: Sprint-Nextel merger?
"Isaiah Beard" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> Sprint and Nextel? Forget it. Nextel runs on iDEN, which is
> TDMA-based, and not even a cellular phone protocol. Nextel's network is
> and always has been a Specialized Mobile Radio carrier masquerading as a
> cellular network, and has never truly done the phone side of things very
> well. And just HOW fast is Nextel's data network? Yeah, not even close
> to 2.5G, let alone 3G...
Two things to consider. The first- Nextel owns the rights to iDen/CDMA
bridge technology developed by Qualcomm, allowing the two platforms to talk
to each other very easily. Second, the data network being developed by
Nextel is running at speeds better than most on the market, again with
technology that is not reliant on a single protocol.
>
> Sprint on the other hand has a well established, technically superior
> network in terms of capacity and data capability. It's well poised to
> migrate to 1x EVDO and be truly a 3G network in relatively short order.
> Yeah, CDMA doesn't do two-way very well, but it doesn't seem like most
> of Sprint's customers really want that, and I know iDEN customers won't
> like losing their two-way service.
I don't see any of this as an argument against merger.
>
> If two networks merge, the ONLY logical reason for such a merger would
> be because the combined entity wants to see the two networks become one.
> You can't operate two seperate systems indefinitely and expect to see
> a synergy. And to merge THESE two networks will be a total nightmare.
> Nextel's still wrangling with a spectrum swap that isn't complete yet,
> and once it IS complete, any combined Sprint/Nextel entity will have to
> find a way to make the two spectrum bands from the two networks work
> well together. THEN they will have to pick either iDEN or CDMA and
> transition everyone from the "losing" side to the new choice. And
> regardless of what they choose, the costs involved in transitioning
> users will seriously detract from the move to 3G, prolonging network
> upgrades. They will be left in the dust by competing carriers who don't
> have this baggage to worry about; even Cingular will be way ahead of the
> game.
The transition to CDMA would not present a problem at all- allow the iDen
customers to remain using the Qualcomm technology and sign new customers to
CDMA. The iDen network wouldn't have to go away- what's to stop a CDMA
phone with iDen PTT from coming to market? Or if the Nextel data network
continues to show the speeds that have been reported, a CDMA phone with iDen
PTT and data? Seperate platforms for seperate functions would be anything
but a nightmare.
>
> And I'll say this now; if they go with iDEN, I'm DONE with Sprint. I've
> given iDEN a try many times over the past few years, and I couldn't
> stand it.
I've used iDen quite a bit over the last few years, and the technology has
made some very nice advances. I think you're failing to see that the best
of both worlds is possible.
>
> Just like the proposed merger with Worldcom several years back, this
> proposal STINKS if true. I seriously hope it doesn't go through.
>
> --
> E-mail fudged to thwart spammers.
> Transpose the c's and a's in my e-mail address to reply.
>
- 12-10-2004, 07:28 AM #14Scott StephensonGuest
Re: Sprint-Nextel merger?
"Isaiah Beard" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> Sprint and Nextel? Forget it. Nextel runs on iDEN, which is
> TDMA-based, and not even a cellular phone protocol. Nextel's network is
> and always has been a Specialized Mobile Radio carrier masquerading as a
> cellular network, and has never truly done the phone side of things very
> well. And just HOW fast is Nextel's data network? Yeah, not even close
> to 2.5G, let alone 3G...
Two things to consider. The first- Nextel owns the rights to iDen/CDMA
bridge technology developed by Qualcomm, allowing the two platforms to talk
to each other very easily. Second, the data network being developed by
Nextel is running at speeds better than most on the market, again with
technology that is not reliant on a single protocol.
>
> Sprint on the other hand has a well established, technically superior
> network in terms of capacity and data capability. It's well poised to
> migrate to 1x EVDO and be truly a 3G network in relatively short order.
> Yeah, CDMA doesn't do two-way very well, but it doesn't seem like most
> of Sprint's customers really want that, and I know iDEN customers won't
> like losing their two-way service.
I don't see any of this as an argument against merger.
>
> If two networks merge, the ONLY logical reason for such a merger would
> be because the combined entity wants to see the two networks become one.
> You can't operate two seperate systems indefinitely and expect to see
> a synergy. And to merge THESE two networks will be a total nightmare.
> Nextel's still wrangling with a spectrum swap that isn't complete yet,
> and once it IS complete, any combined Sprint/Nextel entity will have to
> find a way to make the two spectrum bands from the two networks work
> well together. THEN they will have to pick either iDEN or CDMA and
> transition everyone from the "losing" side to the new choice. And
> regardless of what they choose, the costs involved in transitioning
> users will seriously detract from the move to 3G, prolonging network
> upgrades. They will be left in the dust by competing carriers who don't
> have this baggage to worry about; even Cingular will be way ahead of the
> game.
The transition to CDMA would not present a problem at all- allow the iDen
customers to remain using the Qualcomm technology and sign new customers to
CDMA. The iDen network wouldn't have to go away- what's to stop a CDMA
phone with iDen PTT from coming to market? Or if the Nextel data network
continues to show the speeds that have been reported, a CDMA phone with iDen
PTT and data? Seperate platforms for seperate functions would be anything
but a nightmare.
>
> And I'll say this now; if they go with iDEN, I'm DONE with Sprint. I've
> given iDEN a try many times over the past few years, and I couldn't
> stand it.
I've used iDen quite a bit over the last few years, and the technology has
made some very nice advances. I think you're failing to see that the best
of both worlds is possible.
>
> Just like the proposed merger with Worldcom several years back, this
> proposal STINKS if true. I seriously hope it doesn't go through.
>
> --
> E-mail fudged to thwart spammers.
> Transpose the c's and a's in my e-mail address to reply.
>
- 12-10-2004, 07:28 AM #15Scott StephensonGuest
Re: Sprint-Nextel merger?
"Isaiah Beard" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> Sprint and Nextel? Forget it. Nextel runs on iDEN, which is
> TDMA-based, and not even a cellular phone protocol. Nextel's network is
> and always has been a Specialized Mobile Radio carrier masquerading as a
> cellular network, and has never truly done the phone side of things very
> well. And just HOW fast is Nextel's data network? Yeah, not even close
> to 2.5G, let alone 3G...
Two things to consider. The first- Nextel owns the rights to iDen/CDMA
bridge technology developed by Qualcomm, allowing the two platforms to talk
to each other very easily. Second, the data network being developed by
Nextel is running at speeds better than most on the market, again with
technology that is not reliant on a single protocol.
>
> Sprint on the other hand has a well established, technically superior
> network in terms of capacity and data capability. It's well poised to
> migrate to 1x EVDO and be truly a 3G network in relatively short order.
> Yeah, CDMA doesn't do two-way very well, but it doesn't seem like most
> of Sprint's customers really want that, and I know iDEN customers won't
> like losing their two-way service.
I don't see any of this as an argument against merger.
>
> If two networks merge, the ONLY logical reason for such a merger would
> be because the combined entity wants to see the two networks become one.
> You can't operate two seperate systems indefinitely and expect to see
> a synergy. And to merge THESE two networks will be a total nightmare.
> Nextel's still wrangling with a spectrum swap that isn't complete yet,
> and once it IS complete, any combined Sprint/Nextel entity will have to
> find a way to make the two spectrum bands from the two networks work
> well together. THEN they will have to pick either iDEN or CDMA and
> transition everyone from the "losing" side to the new choice. And
> regardless of what they choose, the costs involved in transitioning
> users will seriously detract from the move to 3G, prolonging network
> upgrades. They will be left in the dust by competing carriers who don't
> have this baggage to worry about; even Cingular will be way ahead of the
> game.
The transition to CDMA would not present a problem at all- allow the iDen
customers to remain using the Qualcomm technology and sign new customers to
CDMA. The iDen network wouldn't have to go away- what's to stop a CDMA
phone with iDen PTT from coming to market? Or if the Nextel data network
continues to show the speeds that have been reported, a CDMA phone with iDen
PTT and data? Seperate platforms for seperate functions would be anything
but a nightmare.
>
> And I'll say this now; if they go with iDEN, I'm DONE with Sprint. I've
> given iDEN a try many times over the past few years, and I couldn't
> stand it.
I've used iDen quite a bit over the last few years, and the technology has
made some very nice advances. I think you're failing to see that the best
of both worlds is possible.
>
> Just like the proposed merger with Worldcom several years back, this
> proposal STINKS if true. I seriously hope it doesn't go through.
>
> --
> E-mail fudged to thwart spammers.
> Transpose the c's and a's in my e-mail address to reply.
>
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