Wireless News

Sprint has shown their commitment to the Nextel National Network by offering better choices with more flexibility. Sprint plans to hold on to Nextel and do everything they can to rejuvenate this company because they are a huge asset to Sprint. In order to better achieve this, Sprint and Motorola have extended their partnership to be able to provide the best products, service and support to their customers.

In an attempt to help make Nextel stronger Sprint has created a more powerful handset lineup, including the Motorola i576 that will be launched on November 2nd, and also debut their BlackBerry Curve 8350i. In all Sprint plans to launch a total of 8 handsets in 2009. All of these handsets are able to use Sprints leading push-to-talk service as well as Bluetooth and GPS. With Nextel Direct Connect on Sprint handsets people can send large files with amazing speed.

“Motorola has had a long and successful strategic relationship with Sprint, and we look forward to further strengthening this partnership,” said Sanjay Jha, co-chief executive officer and CEO of Mobile Devices, Motorola. “With its unique experience and functionality, iDEN has a loyal customer base and will continue to be an important part of Motorola’s portfolio. We actively support Sprint’s initiative and share its commitment and enthusiasm for the iDEN network.”

Sprint is also focusing on Boost Mobile, they plan to help people who are more directly impacted by our current economic situation with lower rates and “attractive pricing options”. In early 2009 Boost Mobile will introduce the Boost Unlimited plan that offers unlimited calling for a very low monthly fee.

Sprint and Nextel customers using certain handsets will have the option to dump their pocket full of change and, with suitably equipped retailers, use their cellphones to make credit card payments.  The software comes courtesy of Pipeline Data and is called Aircharge; once installed on a device it uses Bluetooth to send the credit card details to a vendor’s own handset, where it is validated and charged.  Initially only a number of models by Motorola and Sanyo will be supported.

The full list of handsets includes the Motorola i335, Motorola i580, Motorola i605, Motorola i615, Motorola i870, Motorola i880, Motorola Deluxe ic902, Motorola MOTORAZR V9m, Sanyo SCP-7050, and the newly launched Sanyo PRO-200 and PRO-700 models.  Aircharge is installed over-the-air, and Sprint have confirmed that they’re looking to certify other devices in the future.  Currently Pipeline Data have software clients for multiple handsets, including Treo and J2ME versions.

According to Pipeline Data, the benefits of Aircharge are simplicity and the security of not leaving your card details with a vendor to take away and charge (as would normally happen if, say, they came to your home to sell a product).  Apparently the company has been certified by Motorola and Nextel since early 2001.  All transactions are 128-bit secured.

According to Sprint CEO Dan Hesse, push email on the iDen Nextel network is going to get dragged rapidly into the present at some point later on this year, as they introduce a WiFi-capable BlackBerry to replace the ageing 7100i that’s been the best RIM option there for some time.  No time scale beyond “later this year”, but it’s a sign that Sprint are still looking ahead with their acquired network – despite it being blamed for so many of their financial problems – and not looking to sell it off as some analysts suspected they might.

Hesse mentioned the upcoming WiFi BlackBerry during his keynote presentation at CTIA Wireless this week.  He did not suggest which model BlackBerry was being considered.