iDEN/Nextel Coverage Changes: Albuquerque, Phoenix, Tucson/Yuma, Oregon, Washington

Our normal Monday/Wednesday Update for iden tower decommissionings:

• In preparation for Network Vision, Network Ops will continue decommissioning a number of existing iDEN towers throughout the country..
  • On the evening of 5/21/12, in the following markets: Albuquerque, Phoenix, Tucson/Yuma.
  • On the evening  of 5/23/2012, the following markets will experience coverage change: Inland Northwest, Oregon/ SW Washington, West Washington.
• Tower decommission continues every Monday and Wednesday evening through June.

Network Vision:

• Decommissioning eliminates excess capacity and has minimal customer impact.
• Retuning/decommissioning towers WILL NOT shutdown the iDEN market service in 2012.
• Customers who rely on in-building coverage near a decommissioned tower may experience in-building signal strength changes but street/in-car coverage should remain the same.

Sprint’s Network Vision 2012

Came across this video a few days ago.. it’s an internal explination of the 2012 Network Vision. I know it’s nothing earth shattering, or really all that interesting to most (or maybe it is!), but until we get some new EVO news, I figured I’d give you all a break from hitting the refresh key on all the sites, and give you a video to watch instead, lol.

Price increase for iDEN Unlimited Direct Connect with Group Connect add-on

Yes.. there really are other things happening besides ‘EVOGATE’ (someone coined that phrase in a comment, and I love it). Though, I have no idea why we’re charging more for iDEN features in the last 12 months of it’s existence, a reminder that as of today we’re increasing the price of the add-on for iDEN Unlimited Direct Connect with Group Connect to $10.00. Possibly it’s to drive them to the newly launching Direct Connect on CDMA features/app that’s launching? If i know anything about iDEN users, it’s that their device will be pried from their hands on the last day the towers are turned off. Then, and only then, will they switch. At any rate, this reminder:

• On 5/18/12 Sprint is increasing the price of the add-on for iDEN Unlimited Direct Connect with Group Connect to $10.00.
• The soft launch $10 SOC (DCNUNLTD) begins on 5/15 and the $5 SOC (DCNUNLTD5) expires on 5/18.
• The price increase impacts customers with Nextel and PowerSource devices who choose plans that don‘t include Direct Connect.
• Existing Nextel and PowerSource subs with a $5 add-on SOC will not be impacted.
• The price for Sprint Direct Connect (CDMA) Unlimited Direct Connect with Group Connect remains the same, $5.00.
• There are no pricing changes for plans that bundle Direct Connect services, including Business Advantage and Business Essentials plans.

• Make sure customers choosing a plan without Direct Connect understand the add-on cost.
• Tell customers using iDEN or PowerSource devices about the benefits of Sprint Direct Connect (CDMA) devices and services.

Bye, Bye iDEN – Devices no longer available for purchase

Starting 5/18/12, iDEN devices will be completely removed from Telesales, Sprint.com, Consumer Care, SWAC and Sprint Retail Stores. After Friday, the only place to purchase an iDEN device will be a 3rd Party retail store that carries Boost Mobile devices. In the interest of keeping the mole-hunters at bay, I’ll post the iDEN FAQ sheet from Boost Mobile below – it has the same facts as the one for Sprint, with a few words changed, and the addition that Boost retailers can still order and sell the devices if they choose to. 

Also, as of 7/4/12, no more iDEN activations will be allowed in the system. So those that have an iDEN phone activated before then can use it until next summer, but after that it’s bye-bye-bye.

From the Boost Retailer FAQ:

Should I still sell iDEN devices?

• Yes. If the customer is a “heavy” iDEN walkie-talkie user, you can still sell iDEN devices, letting the customer know that the iDEN network is projected to shut down in mid-2013. Offers may be available at a later date to migrate the customer to another device.
• However, if a customer is a “low” or “no usage” walkie-talkie user, suggest the customer purchase a Boost Mobile CDMA device so they can start taking advantage of our CDMA network improvements.
• Starting July 10, we will no longer allow new activations onto iDEN, however the existing
• iDEN customer base will still be able to use their handsets and perform equipment changes and network swaps until the projected network shut down in mid-2013.

From the Sprint FAQ:

• Sprint is completely phasing out the iDEN network by 2013 so this is the customer‘s opportunity to get a jump on migrating to CDMA.

• Proactively offer the opportunity to migrate to a CDMA device.
• Tell upgrade eligible iDEN customers about the great offers available for CDMA devices and the benefits of the CDMA network.
• Tell iDEN push-to-talk users that they will experience the same convenience using the Sprint Direct Connect feature. 

And there’s one more gem hidden in the box: Effective 5/18/12, the iDEN International Direct Connect add-on will increase from $10 per month to $15 per month. Existing impacted customers were sent postcards and bill messages to notify them of this change

Download the FAQ here: iDEN FAQ Document 04_25_12 – ISN

or view below:

View this document on Scribd

Nextel Network Coverage Changes: San Francisco Bay, South Bay, Upper Central Valley and Lower Central Valley

Nextel Network Coverage Changes: San Francisco Bay, South Bay, Upper Central Valley and Lower Central Valley

• In preparation for Network Vision, Network Ops will continue decommissioning a number of existing iDEN towers throughout the country, the evening of 5/14/12, in the following markets:San Francisco Bay, South Bay, Upper Central Valley, and Lower Central Valley .
• Tower decommission continues every Monday and Wednesday evening through June.

Network Vision:

• Decommissioning eliminates excess capacity and has minimal customer impact.
• Retuning/decommissioning towersWILL NOT shutdown the iDEN market service in 2012.
• Customers who rely on in-building coverage near a decommissioned tower may experience in-building signal strength changes but street/in-car coverage should remain the same.

Nextel Network Coverage Changes – PA, DE, NJ, TN, AR

In preparation for Network Vision, Network Ops will continue decommissioning a number of existing iDEN towers throughout the country, the evening of 5/7/12, in the following markets: Central Pennsylvania, Western Pennsylvania, Delaware, Philadelphia Metro and Southern Jersey.

Markets scheduled:

• Tower decommission of the following markets is scheduled :
  • 5/9/12: Arkansas, Memphis, Nashville
  • 5/14/12: Northern California, including: San Francisco Bay, South Bay, Lower Central Valley, Upper Central Valley.
• Tower decommission continues every Monday and Wednesday evening through June.

Network Vision:

• Decommissioning eliminates excess capacity and has minimal customer impact.
• Retuning/decommissioning towersWILL NOT shutdown the iDEN market service in 2012.
• Customers who rely on in-building coverage near a decommissioned tower may experience in-building signal strength changes but street/in-car coverage should remain the same.

The 5/4/12 Playbook Summary

Here’s the hot topics from the ‘Playbook’ this week:

In this issue:

• Jaime Jones, SVP, Sprint Consumer Sales share his thoughts on Wi-Fi™ and 4G WiMAX
• Important iDEN updates for May
• 5/18/12: The LG Optimus® Elite™ joins the Green Team
• Expiring 5/18/12: Corporate Liable (CL) Unlimited International Data Worldwide Plans
• Oprah Winfrey comes to Sprint ID
• 5/18/12: We’re spot on with new mobile hotspot add-ons
• Expired Mobile Hotspot (MHS) and Phone-as-Modem (PAM) Add-on Base Changes
• 5/18/12: Expired data offers and new $19.99 Tablet Session-Based offer

Sprint Direct Connect Becomes International Push-To-Talk Capable

What you need to know:

• On 4/23, the first phase of Sprint Direct Connect international capabilities launches.
• In this first phase, Sprint Direct Connect customers in the U.S. will be able to make one-to-one push-to-talk (PTT) calls to iDEN PTT customers in Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Peru and Chile.

Pricing, plans and availability:

• A $10.00 Add-On Plan may be added to the account for unlimited International Direct Connect minutes.
  • The code is INTLSDC10 which is also loaded in the Price Plan Grid under Price Plan Grid > Add-On’s > Direct Connect
• Customers that choose not to add on the $10.00 plan will be charged $.40 / minute.
• The originator of the call is billed for both parties of the call.
  • Example: A one minute call from the US to Brazil applies 2 minutes to the originators bucket of Direct Connect minutes and charges $0.40 without the add-on for billing
• Direct Connect minutes:
  • Billed to the nearest second
  • Plans determine minutes and billing
  • Only the originator of the call is charged usage.
  • The billed Direct Connect call timer is 6 seconds, lapsed time thereafter, any initiator becomes the billed originator.

Why you need to know it:

• International Sprint Direct Connect (CDMA) will not include PTT to Canada or roaming at launch.
• The phone must reside in the US to make the International DC call to an iDEN customers in the NII territories listed above.
• International Sprint Direct Connect is compatible with either Sprint Direct Connect or Direct Connect on Sprint phones.
  • See the Device Search Grid for compatible handsets
• International Sprint Direct Connect is automatically enabled when either a Sprint Direct Connect or Direct Connect on Sprint handset is activated.
  • There are no current systematic or phone restrictions that will limit International Sprint Direct Connect Service.
• Group Connect and TeamDC is not compatible with using this International Direct Connect Service.

What you can do:

• For more information on International Sprint Direct Connect, refer to:
  • International Sprint Direct Connect Matrix (CDMA)
  • Identify International Direct Connect Calling Areas
  • FAQ – Sprint Direct Connect
  • TINC > Telesales/Operations Home > Products & Pricing > Select Product or Service – Sprint Direct Connect

Incentives to keep iDEN CL customers connected with Sprint

In 2012, we have an aggressive iDEN migration plan and the pool of Q2 targeted customers has increased to help us achieve our goal of moving these customers over to CDMA.

What you need to do:

• Maximize the Q2 opportunity to move corporate liable (CL) customers over to a CDMA device with these attractive incentives for customers.
  • Rebate Life on File (RLOF) Reset for CL Customers
    • 4/9/12: Most iDEN corporate-liable customers with 1-24 lines will be made upgrade eligible to allow these loyal iDEN customers to affordably migrate to CDMA now.
    • Standard upgrade compensation rules outlined in the compensation exhibits apply for these accelerated customers
  • CL Discounted Handset Offers
    • 4/9/12 – 6/30/12: Targeted iDEN CL Customers will be able to purchase select phones at deeply discounted prices.
    • If the customer isn’t interested in a discounted handset offer, they can purchase any other CDMA device and pay regular point of sale price.
    • Customer must upgrade and sign a 2-year agreement.
  • FREE stuff!
    • Customers targeted for an iDEN to Sprint Direct Connect upgrade offer may also purchase a belt clip for $0 on the following devices (so this is a BOGO).
      • CHY4233R Holster – Kyocera DuraPlus
      • CHY0072R Holster – Kyocera DuraCore
      • CHY0082R Holster -Kyocera DuraMax
      • CHM2967R Holster and Shield Combo – Motorola Admiral
    • Telesales specialsits need to search for BOGO Offers.
    • Care specialists need to do a “combination order”.
• Dedicated Care Only
  • 100+ accounts with at least 2 iDEN subs will be targeted with an incentive to migrate in Q2.
  • If they migrate 50% of their iDEN lines to CDMA by June 30th they will recieve a $25 service credit for every feature phone and $50 for every smart phone.
  • To qualify they must have an MRC of $35 or more.
  • Offer will be loaded for Dedicate Care only.
  • Script will run after 6/30 to script on service credits.

Motorola Debut i856 Maintenance Release

A new software release, RA6.00.004, is available for Motorola® Debut™ i856 customers. Customers with access to a phone cable to connect to a computer and internet access can download this new software themselves. Customers can also go to an authorized Service and Repair center and have a technician update their phone to this new software version.

 

 

Issues that are fixed with the new software:

• Now has Battery Temperature Monitoring: A Cool Down Message screen appears when battery has been exposed to extreme heat.

What you need to do:

• When a customer reports an issue with their Motorola Stature i9 device, first verify the software version of the phone is RA6.00.004.
  1. From the idle screen, press #, *, Menu, the Right Key (Next To OK) in rapid succession. The Trace Mode menu displays.
  2. Scroll down to Unit Info, Press OK.
  3. Scroll down to access Software, Press OK. The software version should be listed as RA6.00.004.
• If the customer is not on the latest software version, tell them if they have access to a phone cable to connect to a computer and internet access, they can download this new software themselves or they can go to an authorized Service and Repair center and have a technician update their phone to this new software version.
• Customer downloading instructions:
  • 1. Have the customer confirm that their PC matches the following requirements before selecting the correct utility on the Web site:
       • Internet Explorer 5.0 or higher installed on your computer
       • If using a USB Data Cable computer operating system should be: Windows 98 SE™, 2000™, ME™, and XP™
       • If using an RS232 Data Cable computer operating system should be: Windows 98™, NT 4.0, 2000™, ME™ and XP™
    2. Go to the Motorola Web site at: http://idenphones.motorola.com/iden/support/software/html/firmware_utility.html and download the software to the phone.
    3. Power on the iDEN phone.
    4. Select the utility that matches the phone model.
    5. Connect the iDEN phone to the PC with a Data Cable.
    6. When the utility starts, follow the onscreen instructions provided.