Best Calling Card

The one thing I would like my Pre to have is a customized home screen. I like how the google phones and some of the new Nokias have widgets. It would be cool to just have the weather chilling on the home screen letting me know from my dark office if it is sunny or if I’m better off where I am.

While on vacation on Kentucky I found that some areas have 3G Roaming for me, but no voice!  So I can surf the net, TXT and E-mail people, but not call people…  So it would be REALLY cool if we could make VOIP calls through 3G or WiFi if there is no voice service available.  (It would mean that I could also make/get calls from my basement)
 
This would make the Pre even MORE attractive to travelers!

 

http://www.fiercewireless.com/story/sprints-blackberry-tour-sprout-wifi-next-year/2009-07-09?utm_medium=rss&utm_source=rss&cmp-id=OTC-RSS-FW0

 

Sprint is going to offer a 2nd version of the Tour sometime next year where they will add WiFi.  Sprint is also apparently requiring all future PDA phones to have WiFi.  They wouldn’t comment on when WiMax would be required. 

I have read many of the topics and searched and did not find anything regarding this issue being fixed even with the new update.  Palm tells me 60 days but that just doesnt seem right.  The error I get is "The mail server requires security policies that are not supported"

 

I have installed my certificate from my IT department and it still will not synch.  I have synched Treo Pro’s and Palm Centro and have not encountered this problem.  It seems silly this wouldnt have been an easy thing to do for this phone if other Palm phones work in regards to synching exchanges.

 

Any help would be great.

I have two Motorola I 580′s.

 

One will only operate on the speaker phone. If I get a call, I have to use it in speaker phone mode. I keep it around as a spare for emergencies.

 

My pressing issue is on my other I580. It will just reboot for no reason. Sometimes, it will occur right after a call, sometimes it will just shut down, sometimes it will reboot and go to the prompt for the password (on the sim). I have not dropped it, it has not been wet, or otherwise abused. It seems to operate fine. I only have about half of my phone book filled. I don’t use any of the features such as web, email etc.

It’s very strange.

 

Could this be a software issue? Is it something I can address?

 

PS I am a computer professional so I am pretty technologicaly educated. If you  have any suggestions, please pass them on.

 

Cheers,

 

Bristol

Ericsson’s World-Class, Day-to-Day Network Services Expertise Allows Sprint to Focus on Delivering a Superior Customer Experience, Innovative Services and Popular New Devices

OVERLAND PARK, Kan.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Jul. 9, 2009–

NOTE: Sprint and Ericsson will host a conference call for financial and industry analysts and press on Thursday, July 9 at 1:30 p.m. EDT (12:30 p.m. CDT) at 1-800-938-1120 (U.S. and Canada) or 1-706-634-7849 (International). Participants must use the code: 19153438.

Sprint (NYSE:S) is breaking away from competitors today with a unique wireless and wireline network services agreement with global leader Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC).

The seven-year agreement, matching Sprint’s telecommunications leadership with Ericsson, enables Sprint and its millions of customers to enjoy a network services model that is proven successful worldwide and praised by business experts and communications analysts, as an operational best practice for network operators.

Sprint’s Steve Elfman, President of Network Operations and Wholesale, believes the historic deal, titled “Network Advantage,” catapults the company to elite status in wireless and wireline network effectiveness.

“No other U.S.-based carrier has followed through on the business-enhancing vision inherent in Network Advantage. Our best-ever network performance will become even better by leveraging Ericsson’s world-class leadership in network services, their proprietary tools, and the knowledge of more than 30,000 dedicated and highly-specialized service professionals to power Sprint’s Now Network,” said Elfman.

The move delivers operational efficiencies for Sprint while further expanding Ericsson’s network services business in North America. The agreement, with an option for renewal, will result in payments for services valued at between $4.5 billion and $5 billion (USD) over the seven-year term of the contract. The transaction calls for about 6,000 Sprint employees to begin performing their network functions as Ericsson employees sometime in the 3rd quarter.

Key elements of Network Advantage are:
Sprint retains full ownership and control of its network assets, and solely owns network strategy and investment decisions.
Customers will continue to work directly with Sprint employees as their primary contact, as Sprint retains full control of the customer experience, customer technical support and services review.
Sprint retains technology and vendor selections.
Ericsson assumes responsibility for the day-to-day services, provisioning and maintenance for the Sprint-owned CDMA, iDEN and wireline networks.
Ericsson will optimize Sprint’s multi-vendor inventory of assets such as spare parts and transmission equipment, and provide processes and tools for managing the national network platforms and operational support systems.
The transferred employees will become part of Ericsson Services Inc., a wholly-owned Ericsson subsidiary based in Overland Park, KS, a move that retains jobs in the United States. No force reductions are currently contemplated as a result of this agreement.

“Ericsson is excited about the opportunity to expand our successful business model to the U.S., allowing Sprint to operate more efficiently while focusing even more on its customers,” said Angel Ruiz, head of Ericsson’s North American operations. “Managed Services has been successful throughout the world. Measures that provide operators with reduced cost and improved efficiency have become increasingly valid and attractive. This shows that the trend of full-scope Managed Services with tier-one global operators is now happening in the U.S. We’re looking forward to the skill and competence that the Sprint employees will bring to Ericsson.”

Elfman added, “Taking advantage of Ericsson’s global expertise to operate the tactical functions of our networks will greatly enhance Sprint’s business. Beyond the obvious network advancements, we’re now positioned to eclipse the competition by concentrating on our legacy of innovation – whether it’s revolutionizing the customer experience as we’ve done with Ready Now and our value plans, or delivering iconic, highly-sought-after products like Sprint Mobile Broadband Cards, the Palm® Pre™ and MiFi™. Further, our network powers Sprint’s one-of-a-kind wireline and wireless assets, such as our award-wining Unified Communications enablement, a robust integration of converged solutions that delivers unparalleled business mobility.”

Sprint expects to immediately benefit from Ericsson’s leadership and best-in-class economies of scale in network services. Ericsson was the pioneer with leading global carriers in Europe as well as AsiaPacific and Latin America (full reference list) for this type of partnership and has more than 15 years’ experience in the field with hundreds of carrier contracts. Ericsson today manages networks that together serve more than 275 million subscribers worldwide. Additionally, more than 40 percent of all mobile traffic goes through Ericsson’s networks. Its investments in best practices and tools will enhance Sprint’s business and bring scale and efficiency that will impact Sprint beyond what it could achieve as a stand-alone carrier.

Source: http://newsreleases.sprint.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=127149&p=irol-newsArticle_newsroom&ID=1306123

So what do you all think of this. I personally don’t see much wrong with it. All maintenance is contracted out to Ericsson, but Sprint maintains ownership (unlike what the rumors were saying). Ericsson already maintains a ton of other networks as it is, so they already know what they are doing. Thoughts?

As part of the Sprint Go Green initiative, consumer customers will be automatically switched to summary billing.

Customers will recieve 2 notifications, a bill ad which begins in May telling them about the switch to summary billing.  The second notification will be sent via a bill message that begins in June. In July, the customer’s paper bills will stop and displaying call details. The customers are given the option in the notifications to contact IVR (866-562-0649) and request to keep call detailing on their paper bill.

Please be aware, customers will still be able to view the full call details online within their My Sprint account.

re: "• Customers will continue to work directly with Sprint employees as their primary contact, as Sprint retains full control of the customer experience, customer technical support and services review."

 

If Ericsson is as good as these guys say, and the former Sprint-Nextel employees will be so happy and "energized" working for Ericsson as opposed to working directly for S-N (or "rebadged as Ericsson", as Azzi himself puts it), why not let us customers interact directly with Ericsson for any and all network problem reports?

 

The Sprint-Nextel front-end for network issues is the absolute worst "customer service" in the industry, so why not let the new broom sweep clean and let the customers report network issues directly to these newly energized Ericsson employees? Hesse, Azzi, Donahue, consider the gauntlet thrown down. I ask that you respond to this suggestion directly and honestly.

 

  – Nxtl4me

 

Funny, Amazon.com very successfully uses solely Sprint’s 3G CDMA network to deliver eBooks to its Kindle readers, yet they reportedly will carry initially only ATT & Verizon on their new AmazonWireless.com website. Given that the Sprint CDMA 3G network is generally considered to be the best in the US today, and that’s the one Kindle uses, one would think that AmazonWireless.com would carry Sprint’s products at initial launch. Hopefully AmazonWireless will add Sprint-Nextel quickly. See below.

 

  – Nxtl4me

 

SOURCES:

http://www.phonescoop.com/news/#n4543

and

http://www.businesswire.com/portal/site/home/permalink/?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20090709005215&newsLang=en

 

Partial copy&paste:

 

SEATTLE–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) today announced the beta launch of AmazonWireless (amazonwireless.com), a new Web site offering cell phones and service plans, easy shopping without rebate hassles and FREE Two-Day Shipping on a broad selection of phones from AT&T and Verizon Wireless. In addition to expanding selection and adding carriers during the beta test phase, Amazon will be testing different features and gathering input from customers to ensure the best possible customer experience.

 

“We’ve taken our eight years’ experience selling cell phones to create a new site that makes a potentially confusing transaction much easier for customers,” said Paul Ryder, vice president of Consumer Electronics for Amazon.com. “The step-by-step purchase process on AmazonWireless makes it easy for customers who already have a plan to upgrade their phones. If you want to establish new cell phone service, we’ve made it simple to find the right phone, service plan and options for your needs. We’ve also eliminated the technical jargon and frustrating rebate paperwork that customers often face when buying a phone.”

.

.

.

Ericsson’s world-class, day-to-day network services expertise allows Sprint to focus on delivering a superior customer experience, innovative services and popular new devices

Sprint retains full ownership and control of its networks while continuing to drive all strategic decisions

News Highlights

Sprint (NYSE:S) is breaking away from competitors today with a unique wireless and wireline network services agreement with global leader Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC).

•The seven-year agreement, matching Sprint’s telecommunications leadership with Ericsson, enables Sprint and its millions of customers to enjoy a network services model that is proven successful worldwide and praised by business experts and communications analysts, as an operational best practice for network operators.

• Sprint retains full ownership and control of its network assets, and solely owns network strategy and investment decisions.

• Customers will continue to work directly with Sprint employees as their primary contact, as Sprint retains full control of the customer experience, customer technical support and services review.

• Sprint retains technology and vendor selections.

• Ericsson assumes responsibility for the day-to-day services, provisioning and maintenance for the Sprint-owned CDMA, iDEN and wireline networks.

• Ericsson will optimize Sprint’s multi-vendor inventory of assets such as spare parts and transmission equipment, and provide processes and tools for managing the national network platforms and operational support systems.

• The transferred employees will become part of Ericsson Services Inc., a wholly-owned Ericsson subsidiary based in Overland Park, KS, a move that retains jobs in the United States. No force reductions are currently contemplated as a result of this agreement.

Multi-Media
Video One – What’s the Advantage of Network Advantage
Bob Azzi, Senior Vice President of Network, Sprint

Video Two – Why did we choose to partner with Ericsson
Bob Azzi, Senior Vice President of Network, Sprint

Video Three – What part of Network Advantage will our customers care about?
Tim Donahue, Vice President of Marketing, Sprint

Video Four — How will Sprint talk about Network Advantage with its customers?
Tim Donahue, Vice President of Marketing, Sprint

Quotes
From Sprint’s Steve Elfman, President of Network Operations and Wholesale:
“No other U.S.-based carrier has followed through on the business-enhancing vision inherent in Network Advantage. Our best-ever network performance will become even better by leveraging Ericsson’s world-class leadership in network services, their proprietary tools, and the knowledge of more than 30,000 dedicated and highly-specialized service professionals to power Sprint’s Now Network.”

“Taking advantage of Ericsson’s global expertise to operate the tactical functions of our networks will greatly enhance Sprint’s business. Beyond the obvious network advancements, we’re now positioned to eclipse the competition by concentrating on our legacy of innovation – whether it’s revolutionizing the customer experience as we’ve done with Ready Now and our value plans, or delivering iconic, highly-sought-after products like Sprint Mobile Broadband Cards, the Palm® Pre™ and MiFi™. Further, our network powers Sprint’s one-of-a-kind wireline and wireless assets, such as our award-wining Unified Communications enablement, a robust integration of converged solutions that delivers unparalleled business mobility.”

From Ericsson’s Angel Ruiz, head of Ericsson’s North American Operations.
“Ericsson is excited about the opportunity to expand our successful business model to the U.S. allowing Sprint to operate more efficiently while focusing even more on its customers.” “Managed Services has been successful throughout the world. Measures that provide operators with reduced cost and improved efficiency have become increasingly valid and attractive. This shows that the trend of full-scope Managed Services with tier-one global operators is now happening in the U.S. We’re looking forward to the skill and competence that the Sprint employees will bring to Ericsson.”

Full Story
Sprint (NYSE:S) is breaking away from competitors today with a unique wireless and wireline network services agreement with global leader Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC).

The seven-year agreement, matching Sprint’s telecommunications leadership with Ericsson, enables Sprint and its millions of customers to enjoy a network services model that is proven successful worldwide and praised by business experts and communications analysts, as an operational best practice for network operators.

Sprint’s Steve Elfman, President of Network Operations and Wholesale, believes the historic deal, titled “Network Advantage,” catapults the company to elite status in wireless and wireline network effectiveness.

“No other U.S.-based carrier has followed through on the business-enhancing vision inherent in Network Advantage. Our best-ever network performance will become even better by leveraging Ericsson’s world-class leadership in network services, their proprietary tools, and the knowledge of more than 30,000 dedicated and highly-specialized service professionals to power Sprint’s Now Network,” said Elfman.

The move delivers operational efficiencies for Sprint while further expanding Ericsson’s network services business in North America. The agreement, with an option for renewal, will result in payments for services valued at between $4.5 billion and $5 billion (USD) over the seven-year term of the contract. The transaction calls for about 6,000 Sprint employees to begin performing their network functions as Ericsson employees sometime in the 3rd quarter.

Key elements of Network Advantage are:

• Sprint retains full ownership and control of its network assets, and solely owns network strategy and investment decisions.

• Customers will continue to work directly with Sprint employees as their primary contact, as Sprint retains full control of the customer experience, customer technical support and services review.

• Sprint retains technology and vendor selections.

• Ericsson assumes responsibility for the day-to-day services, provisioning and maintenance for the Sprint-owned CDMA, iDEN and wireline networks.

• Ericsson will optimize Sprint’s multi-vendor inventory of assets such as spare parts and transmission equipment, and provide processes and tools for managing the national network platforms and operational support systems.

• The transferred employees will become part of Ericsson Services Inc., a wholly-owned Ericsson subsidiary based in Overland Park, KS, a move that retains jobs in the United States. No force reductions are currently contemplated as a result of this agreement.

“Ericsson is excited about the opportunity to expand our successful business model to the U.S. allowing Sprint to operate more efficiently while focusing even more on its customers,” said Angel Ruiz, head of Ericsson’s North American operations. “Managed Services has been successful throughout the world. Measures that provide operators with reduced cost and improved efficiency have become increasingly valid and attractive. This shows that the trend of full-scope Managed Services with tier-one global operators is now happening in the U.S. We’re looking forward to the skill and competence that the Sprint employees will bring to Ericsson.”

Elfman added, “Taking advantage of Ericsson’s global expertise to operate the tactical functions of our networks will greatly enhance Sprint’s business. Beyond the obvious network advancements, we’re now positioned to eclipse the competition by concentrating on our legacy of innovation – whether it’s revolutionizing the customer experience as we’ve done with Ready Now and our value plans, or delivering iconic, highly-sought-after products like Sprint Mobile Broadband Cards, the Palm® Pre™ and MiFi™. Further, our network powers Sprint’s one-of-a-kind wireline and wireless assets, such as our award-wining Unified Communications enablement, a robust integration of converged solutions that delivers unparalleled business mobility.”

Sprint expects to immediately benefit from Ericsson’s leadership and best-in-class economies of scale in network services. Ericsson was the pioneer with leading global carriers in Europe as well as AsiaPacific and Latin America (full reference list) for this type of partnership and has more than 15 years’ experience in the field with hundreds of carrier contracts. Ericsson today manages networks that together serve more than 275 million subscribers worldwide. Additionally, more than 40 percent of all mobile traffic goes through Ericsson’s networks. Its investments in best practices and tools will enhance Sprint’s business and bring scale and efficiency that will impact Sprint beyond what it could achieve as a stand-alone carrier.

Safe Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995
This news release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the securities laws. The statements in this news release regarding network performance and capabilities, business and network efficiencies, new products and services, and the business outlook and performance, as well as other statements that are not historical facts, are forward-looking statements. The words “estimate,” “project,” “forecast,” “intend,” “expect,” “believe,” “target,” “providing guidance” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are estimates and projections reflecting management’s judgment based on currently available information and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those suggested by the forward-looking statements. With respect to these forward-looking statements, management has made assumptions regarding, among other things, customer and network usage; customer growth and retention; pricing; development, deployment and operating costs; availability of devices; the timing of various events and the economic environment.

Sprint Nextel believes these forward-looking statements are reasonable; however, you should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which are based on current expectations and speak only as of the date of this release. Sprint Nextel is not obligated to publicly release any revisions to forward-looking statements to reflect events after the date of this release. Sprint Nextel provides a detailed discussion of risk factors in periodic SEC filings, including its annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 in Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors.”

About Ericsson
Ericsson is the world’s leading provider of technology and services to telecom operators. Ericsson is the leader in 2G, 3G and 4G mobile technologies, and provides support for networks with over 1 billion subscribers and has a leading position in Managed Services. The company’s portfolio comprises of mobile and fixed network infrastructure, telecom services, software, broadband and multimedia solutions for operators, enterprises and the media industry. The Sony Ericsson and ST-Ericsson joint ventures provide consumers with feature-rich personal mobile devices.

Ericsson is advancing its vision "to be the prime driver in an all-communicating world" through innovation, technology, and sustainable business solutions. Working in 175 countries, more than 75,000 employees generated revenue of SEK 209 billion (USD 32.2 billion) in 2008. Founded in 1876 with the headquarters in Stockholm, Sweden, Ericsson is listed on NASDAQ OMX Stockholm and NASDAQ New York.
www.ericsson.com
www.ericsson.mobi
www.twitter.com/ericssonpress

About Sprint Nextel
Sprint Nextel offers a comprehensive range of wireless and wireline communications services bringing the freedom of mobility to consumers, businesses and government users. Sprint Nextel is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying innovative technologies, including two wireless networks serving more than 49 million customers at the end of the first quarter 2009; industry-leading mobile data services; instant national and international push-to-talk capabilities; and a global Tier 1 Internet backbone. For more information, visit www.sprint.com.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT

Sprint Media Relations
James Fisher
Phone: 703-433-8677
E-mail: James.W.Fisher@Sprint.com

Sprint Investor Relations
Yijing Brentano
Phone: 800-259-3755
Investor.relations@sprint.com

Ericsson Media Relations
Kathy Egan
Phone: +1 212-843-8422
E-mail: press.relations@ericsson.com

Ericsson Corporate Public & Media Relations
Phone: +46 10 719 69 92
E-mail: press.relations@ericsson.com

Ericsson Investor Relations
Phone: +46 10 719 00 00
E-mail: investor.relations@ericsson.com