Archived from groups: alt.cellular.sprintpcs,alt.cellular.nextel (
More info?)
"Isaiah Beard" <sacredpoet@sacredpoet.com> wrote in message
news:5U9ud.2$Z15.1@fe32.usenetserver.com...
>
> 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.
>
> --
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>