Leaving Sprint for a company with Bluetooth

I have had it with Sprint and their poor focus (Vision™) in pursuing
technologies that have become important to their consumers. It is
shameful that in the year 2003 I am still using a phone that lacks
Bluetooth. Practically every other carrier has a phone available with
some BT functionality.



Originally I was waiting for number portability to kick into effect
before I kissed SPCS goodbye, but I may cancel service for my 3 phones
now after the injunction filed in the State of California regarding
Sprint's underhanded number portability billing tactics.



I have been a Sprint customer for more than 5 years now (1998), and my
bill is consistently over $115 per month. Losing me won't make a dent in
Sprint's pocket, but maybe when enough people leave they will listen.



I might not feel so strongly if SPCS gave us some sort of timeline on
when to expect a BT phone. The very least Sprint can do is tell us their
plans regarding the Sony-Ericsson T608. I have been waiting 2 months to
see if this phone would come out, but now my patience has run out.
T-mobile's T610 or Cingular's T616 look very tempting at the moment.



How long are you willing to wait for Bluetooth? For Sprint's sake, I
hope it's longer than me.



-oktane

[posted via phonescoop.com - free web access to the alt.cellular groups]

---

› See More: Leaving Sprint for a company with Bluetooth

I don't blame you.

...I say that as someone using Bluetooth and GPRS to post this message
right now. It's pretty great.

The speed is definitely lacking, though. 1xRTT is definitely faster.

But when you consider the bang for your buck, 1xRTT doesn't add up.
Unlimited 1xRTT for $80/month, or unlimited GPRS for $20/month? For
something that's only 2x faster, I have a hard time justifying 4x the
cost...

If I spent most of my time on the road, then maybe... but I don't spend
the time, so I don't spend the dime (sorry :-) ).

Other things I like about GSM:

- Better sound quality. Maybe it's a local thing, but T-Mobile sounds
light years better than Sprint in Philly.

- SIM cards (obviously). Normally I carry a Nokia 3650, but I've found
that my T68i handles GPRS-over-Bluetooth much better. The SIM card makes
it painless to switch phones temporarily for a task like that - without
the hassle and wait of an online activation system (or worse in the case
of other CDMA carriers).

- Smartphones. Between Nokia's Series 60 and Microsoft's Smartphone OS,
there's something to like for anyone and everyone. And once you go
smartphone, you can't go back (at least in my case). I think smartphones
are the future, and it frustrates me to no end that Sprint so far
refuses to embrace this fundamental shift in wireless devices. It's like
Windows is coming of age and Sprint insists that DOS is the way to go...

If you haven't tried a smartphone yet (Series 60 or MS Smartphone - not
Palm or Pocket PC) trust me - you're missing out.

--
Rich Brome
Phone Scoop
http://www.phonescoop.com/


[email protected] (oktane fuel) wrote in article
<[email protected]>:
>
>
> I have had it with Sprint and their poor focus (Vision™) in pursuing
> technologies that have become important to their consumers. It is
> shameful that in the year 2003 I am still using a phone that lacks
> Bluetooth. Practically every other carrier has a phone available with
> some BT functionality.
>
>
>
> Originally I was waiting for number portability to kick into effect
> before I kissed SPCS goodbye, but I may cancel service for my 3 phones
> now after the injunction filed in the State of California regarding
> Sprint's underhanded number portability billing tactics.
>
>
>
> I have been a Sprint customer for more than 5 years now (1998), and my
> bill is consistently over $115 per month. Losing me won't make a dent in
> Sprint's pocket, but maybe when enough people leave they will listen.
>
>
>
> I might not feel so strongly if SPCS gave us some sort of timeline on
> when to expect a BT phone. The very least Sprint can do is tell us their
> plans regarding the Sony-Ericsson T608. I have been waiting 2 months to
> see if this phone would come out, but now my patience has run out.
> T-mobile's T610 or Cingular's T616 look very tempting at the moment.
>
>
>
> How long are you willing to wait for Bluetooth? For Sprint's sake, I
> hope it's longer than me.
>
>
>
> -oktane
>
> [posted via phonescoop.com - free web access to the alt.cellular groups]

[posted via phonescoop.com - free web access to the alt.cellular groups]

"oktane fuel" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> I have had it with Sprint and their poor focus (Vision™) in pursuing
> technologies that have become important to their consumers. It is
> shameful that in the year 2003 I am still using a phone that lacks
> Bluetooth.

It's very strange that you just posted this, as I was just about to
post the same thing. What the hell is Sprint doing? I suppose they
are too busy disconnecting these types of features on the phones.
Somebody should fire their entire marketing staff, as they really
don't have a clue.


---
Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.509 / Virus Database: 306 - Release Date: 8/12/2003

The Smartphones is something I will look into. The reason I didn't
consider it originally is that I thought it would be too complicated
when trying to use the primary function - making calls.

Do you find it takes more than the usual number of key presses to make a
telephone call? Can I make a call while driving without looking at the
screen?

I think I will give SPCS until week 1 September before hanging them up
forever.

[posted via phonescoop.com - free web access to the alt.cellular groups]

Oh and I almost forgot the other things I wanted to whine about:

1.) An unbelievably inefficient way to send or receive SMS text
messages.

2.) No quick way to send email from my phone.

3.) A WWW experience that is slower than molasses, and less reliable
than a Fiat.

4.) a J2ME virutal machine that is so slow that I might as well not use
it.

The more I think about what I am missing with another carrier, the
madder I get!

The only reason I am still with Sprint is that I need to keep my phone
number. My plan is decent, but for me it is painful to be so behind the
times.

[posted via phonescoop.com - free web access to the alt.cellular groups]

So Rich, have you completely ditched Sprint for T-Mobile?? You were such a
big supporter of Sprint and CDMA. I am thinking of leaving Verizon for
T-Mobile when WNP comes around.

"Rich Brome" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I don't blame you.
>
> ..I say that as someone using Bluetooth and GPRS to post this message
> right now. It's pretty great.
>
> The speed is definitely lacking, though. 1xRTT is definitely faster.
>
> But when you consider the bang for your buck, 1xRTT doesn't add up.
> Unlimited 1xRTT for $80/month, or unlimited GPRS for $20/month? For
> something that's only 2x faster, I have a hard time justifying 4x the
> cost...
>
> If I spent most of my time on the road, then maybe... but I don't spend
> the time, so I don't spend the dime (sorry :-) ).
>
> Other things I like about GSM:
>
> - Better sound quality. Maybe it's a local thing, but T-Mobile sounds
> light years better than Sprint in Philly.
>
> - SIM cards (obviously). Normally I carry a Nokia 3650, but I've found
> that my T68i handles GPRS-over-Bluetooth much better. The SIM card makes
> it painless to switch phones temporarily for a task like that - without
> the hassle and wait of an online activation system (or worse in the case
> of other CDMA carriers).
>
> - Smartphones. Between Nokia's Series 60 and Microsoft's Smartphone OS,
> there's something to like for anyone and everyone. And once you go
> smartphone, you can't go back (at least in my case). I think smartphones
> are the future, and it frustrates me to no end that Sprint so far
> refuses to embrace this fundamental shift in wireless devices. It's like
> Windows is coming of age and Sprint insists that DOS is the way to go...
>
> If you haven't tried a smartphone yet (Series 60 or MS Smartphone - not
> Palm or Pocket PC) trust me - you're missing out.
>
> --
> Rich Brome
> Phone Scoop
> http://www.phonescoop.com/
>
>
> [email protected] (oktane fuel) wrote in article
> <[email protected]>:
> >
> >
> > I have had it with Sprint and their poor focus (VisionT) in pursuing
> > technologies that have become important to their consumers. It is
> > shameful that in the year 2003 I am still using a phone that lacks
> > Bluetooth. Practically every other carrier has a phone available with
> > some BT functionality.
> >
> >
> >
> > Originally I was waiting for number portability to kick into effect
> > before I kissed SPCS goodbye, but I may cancel service for my 3 phones
> > now after the injunction filed in the State of California regarding
> > Sprint's underhanded number portability billing tactics.
> >
> >
> >
> > I have been a Sprint customer for more than 5 years now (1998), and my
> > bill is consistently over $115 per month. Losing me won't make a dent in
> > Sprint's pocket, but maybe when enough people leave they will listen.
> >
> >
> >
> > I might not feel so strongly if SPCS gave us some sort of timeline on
> > when to expect a BT phone. The very least Sprint can do is tell us their
> > plans regarding the Sony-Ericsson T608. I have been waiting 2 months to
> > see if this phone would come out, but now my patience has run out.
> > T-mobile's T610 or Cingular's T616 look very tempting at the moment.
> >
> >
> >
> > How long are you willing to wait for Bluetooth? For Sprint's sake, I
> > hope it's longer than me.
> >
> >
> >
> > -oktane
> >
> > [posted via phonescoop.com - free web access to the alt.cellular groups]
>
> [posted via phonescoop.com - free web access to the alt.cellular groups]

"DV" <[email protected]> wrote in article
<[email protected]>:
> So Rich, have you completely ditched Sprint for T-Mobile?? You were such a
> big supporter of Sprint and CDMA. I am thinking of leaving Verizon for
> T-Mobile when WNP comes around.

Nope. I have both Sprint and T-Mobile still. There are things I like
about both. I have to admit that I use my T-Mobile phones more often
these days, though. I find the voice quality better, the service price
lower, and I'm really hooked on Smartphones (Series 60 and Microsoft
both) and Bluetooth.

If Sprint gets Smartphones and/or Bluetooth, I might go back to using
them more often.

In a couple years, if Sprint can get 1xEV-DV rolled out as planned, they
will completely blow everyone else out of the water, and I will
definitely be there for that. But until that happens, Sprint is going to
fall behind for little while.

--
Rich Brome
Phone Scoop
http://www.phonescoop.com/


[posted via phonescoop.com - free web access to the alt.cellular groups]

oktane fuel <[email protected]> wrote:

> It is
> shameful that in the year 2003 I am still using a phone that lacks
> Bluetooth.

Somebody said it in another thread, but it is so true. Sprint has
ignored Bluetooth, but jumped head over heels into camera phones. Why?

Bluetooth is LOVED by business users and travellers.
Cameras are LOVED by kids.

Sprint, sadly, is more a service for kids than grownups. And not just
for the lack of Bluetooth, of course!

The reliability of Sprint is just not acceptable for "my job depends on
this call" type of stuff. Heck- I live in the heart of Atlanta
(Virginia-Highland) and don't have Sprint coverage at my home!!

Sprint is a toy- and I think they know it.

Dave

--

Email reply to [email protected] after removing the NOSPAM

> Sprint, sadly, is more a service for kids than
> grownups. And not just
> for the lack of Bluetooth, of course!

I lamented SprintPCS' signing up for Looney Tunes a few weeks back, so there's
some validity to your concern. On the other hand, chasing teenagers may be a
profitable niche. The SMS marketers think so.

CAT0NHAT wrote:

>> Sprint, sadly, is more a service for kids than
>> grownups. And not just
>> for the lack of Bluetooth, of course!
>
> I lamented SprintPCS' signing up for Looney Tunes a few weeks back, so
> there's some validity to your concern. On the other hand, chasing
> teenagers may be a profitable niche. The SMS marketers think so.

Which SMS marketers- please provide facts. What are your sources for this
statement?

DK - I've been a Sprint user for 5+ years and have found them to be
GREAT! Except for Carrrollton, Texas ---- really sucked.

Have no idea what Bluetooth is but I am investigating the pix phone
and internet since it is the same package. Yeah it is something to
play with but for what amounts to <pennys per day.

My wife and I both use Sprint for business and find it more reliable
than most, in the areas we travel......... BTW - att is the worst.

I would like to investigate other services but Sprint keeps making it
better and better, and cheaper.

On Sun, 2 Nov 2003 09:36:10 -0500, [email protected]
(Dave K.) wrote:

>oktane fuel <[email protected]> wrote:
>
>> It is
>> shameful that in the year 2003 I am still using a phone that lacks
>> Bluetooth.
>
>Somebody said it in another thread, but it is so true. Sprint has
>ignored Bluetooth, but jumped head over heels into camera phones. Why?
>
>Bluetooth is LOVED by business users and travellers.
>Cameras are LOVED by kids.
>
>Sprint, sadly, is more a service for kids than grownups. And not just
>for the lack of Bluetooth, of course!
>
>The reliability of Sprint is just not acceptable for "my job depends on
>this call" type of stuff. Heck- I live in the heart of Atlanta
>(Virginia-Highland) and don't have Sprint coverage at my home!!
>
>Sprint is a toy- and I think they know it.
>
>Dave

[email protected] (Dave K.) writes:

>The reliability of Sprint is just not acceptable for "my job depends on
>this call" type of stuff.

It's the opposite for me. I carry an SPH-I300 (and so does my wife)
because I know I can get service about everywhere. (It's usually
SprintPCS, but it's nice to be able to fall back to 800 MHz.) I depend
on it for most of my (voice) business calls.

Also on my belt is a Cingular T68i. I use it almost exclusively as a
pager and for Bluetooth/GPRS networking. It doesn't work in my house
though, so I don't depend on it for business (although I have one of
the nice Bluetooth headsets for it).

>Heck- I live in the heart of Atlanta
>(Virginia-Highland) and don't have Sprint coverage at my home!!

I didn't have Sprint coverage at my house until this year.

>Sprint is a toy- and I think they know it.

Yeah, I'd love to consolidate on Sprint for everything, but I don't see
it happening soon.

--kyler

CAT0NHAT wrote:

>> Sprint, sadly, is more a service for kids than
>> grownups. And not just
>> for the lack of Bluetooth, of course!
>
> I lamented SprintPCS' signing up for Looney Tunes a few weeks back, so
> there's some validity to your concern. On the other hand, chasing
> teenagers may be a profitable niche. The SMS marketers think so.

Which SMS marketers- please provide facts. What are your sources for this
statement?

gus <[email protected]> wrote:

> Have no idea what Bluetooth is...

Since you say you use Sprint for business travel, then you would LOVE
Bluetooth. Think of it as a short-range, component-to-component version
of WiFi.

Here's my favorite use of Bluetooth. Say I have my laptop and I'm in a
place with no 802.11 coverage (i.e. most of the country!)

I dial my ISP on my Bluetooth cellphone which is networked wirelessly to
my Bluetooth-enabled laptop. Boom- I'm online wirelessly in the middle
of noplace. No cords- no hassles.

Unless Sprint is planning on abandoning all business users, they need to
get with Bluetooth NOW.

Dave

"Dave K." <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:1g3t6ns.1ke9m021m8y3rkN%[email protected]...
> gus <[email protected]> wrote:
>
> > Have no idea what Bluetooth is...
>
> Since you say you use Sprint for business travel, then you would LOVE
> Bluetooth. Think of it as a short-range, component-to-component version
> of WiFi.
>
> Here's my favorite use of Bluetooth. Say I have my laptop and I'm in a
> place with no 802.11 coverage (i.e. most of the country!)
>
> I dial my ISP on my Bluetooth cellphone which is networked wirelessly to
> my Bluetooth-enabled laptop. Boom- I'm online wirelessly in the middle
> of noplace. No cords- no hassles.
>
> Unless Sprint is planning on abandoning all business users, they need to
> get with Bluetooth NOW.
>
> Dave

Wouldn't it be better to just have laptops with built-in Wide Area
Networking, leaving the phone for voice calls? Too many devices required at
one time increase the chances of one of them having problems, being
discharged, etc.

Don't get me wrong, Bluetooth is okay, but not exactly embraced by most
users. I actually expect to see some mutant form of 802.11 networking to
cut a big chunk out of Bluetooth's intended market, especially true when
printers ship 802.11 enabled.