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Sprint Still Struggles With CDMA Conversion

cdmacSprint believes companies that currently use leased lines or microwave for back-up and redundancy will be attracted by a low cost CDMA-based alternative.

“We have applied wired processes to our CDMA network to provide a local access alternative,” said Gavin Throckmorton, group manager of product marketing for Sprint’s business solution division, and webmaster at Convertyourtone.com.

Devices to support direct or back-up backhaul data transmission will be priced between $250 and $400 and will also work on the slower CDMA 1x network. There are two back-up plans beginning at $19 per month for 5Mb of data transmission and a $1 per megabyte overage charge, or $40 for 40Mb, which is similar to what Sprint charges for access to its 1x and EV-DO networks. The primary plans tier up to 1Gb of data transmission for $240 per month.

Both primary and back-up plans include 90-day trials that customers can use to monitor service needs as well as allow them to opt out of the service without paying any fees. Cingular Wireless launched a similar offering earlier this year.

Tom McEvoy, president of enterprise markets at Sprint, says that the broader range of applications supported in the telco’s recent corporate deals are “evidence that our strategy-focusing on bringing high growth wireless, voice and data services together–resonates with customers and can help them solve real business challenges.”

SOME RECENT EXAMPLES

Spirit Airlines, the largest privately held airline in the US, is using a bundle of new services from Sprint to help it achieve its goals in service, price leadership and operational efficiency. The company is deploying Sprint PCS Ready LinkSM devices throughout its domestic locations for the instant communications it needs to help maintain its on-time standards. The company is also using wireless voice and data smart devices to deliver real time information to its most mobile employees, test new wireless logistics and tracking services, and connect its people to critical information through encrypted, secure wireless connections. Sprint is also providing domestic and international flame relay and internet data services, as well as long distance and back-up network services to selected airports and major cities as Spirit continues its expansion into the Caribbean and Latin American regions.

Abanco International is looking to accept credit card payments at the point of sale utilizing Sprint’s wireless network. For the first time, Abanco, a leading provider of electronic payment solutions to merchants, will offer a wireless credit card payment option to its merchant customers using Sprint’s CDMA wireless network. For example, a plumber making a house call could simply swipe the customers’ credit card on site using a wireless credit card machine. In addition, under an existing agreement, Sprint provides Abanco with a full suite of products including local, long distance and data.

Law firm McDermott, Will and Emery has selected Sprint to deliver wireless voice devices, wireless data connection cards, dedicated and dial IP connectivity, and long-distance services. Sprint is delivering innovative wireless services that will enable associates to use five-digit dialing from wireless phones to connect with each other, as they do in their offices. Ultimately, this will enable uninterrupted transferring of calls between wireless phones and office phones. Attorneys will also use Sprint PCS Connection Cards to access the company intranet remotely.

Increasingly, with all the major telcos chasing these types of deals, the ability to support and run a full mobile enterprise solution will be a strong competitive differentiator among companies that have to support a large field workforce. This will advantage the operators that are upgrading their networks for additional data rates and capacity as well as those with the most advanced security and integration capabilities.

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