Reply With QuoteThey have their own os based on android, sign up to be notified and a special "deal". All the pics show an optimus lg handset but who knows.
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My screen is bigger than yours
Sprint's "working diligently with OEMs and app developers in order to implement things like WiFi offload". http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/19/d...data-movement/Originally Posted by billm261
"This will allow smartphones to automatically transition from 3G/4G networks to Wi-Fi and back as appropriate depending on coverage and network availability." http://www.phonescoop.com/articles/article.php?a=9020
What is the other reason why byod is not going to happen?
My screen is bigger than yours
They have their own os based on android, sign up to be notified and a special "deal". All the pics show an optimus lg handset but who knows.
Radiation is good
It will be interesting to see the terms of service. For instance, Will a certain amount of usage on wi-fi be mandatory? It seems unlikely to me that they will allow users to use only 3g. Since people will be on wi-fi, will they push ads onto their phone? Maybe this is one reason their phones are required. I also would suspect the phones will be priced on the high side.
Even is Republic users spend all their time on wi-fi, the $20 monthly fee is still cheaper than some VOIP monthly plans. We shall see whether will this service is a great deal or just another service where "you get what you pay for."
My screen is bigger than yours
Both T-Mobile's and Sprint's Terms and Conditions of Service each mandate 51% of usage on their respective networks. This prevents at&t or Verizon-only residents from signing up and using T-Mobile or Sprint solely for roaming. Likewise, if Republic Wireless requires 51% of usage on WiFi to be mandatory (or 60% according to their estimates) then this could also prevent those without home or work WiFi from continuing services. A new twist on the definition of *unlimited* that would be, if I use 30MB on WiFi then I have a 29MB cap on cellular but if I use 2GB of WiFi then up to 1.9GB of 3G I can use?
I am one of the ones that fall into the 51-60% WiFi coverage category, and so would anyone who stays 60hrs/week near home WiFi and works 40hrs/week at the McDonald's or Starbucks. According to my last rant if the difference was not over $20 then I'd substitute an unlimited plan for my home WiFi for the convenience to be covered while driving places. But losing the $10 TV bundle discount made it next to impossible to have it for under $20. 30 days later and my wish will become reality! Nostradamus predicted unlimited prepaid would be between $10-20USD by the year 2012.
Last edited by kecel; 11-03-2011 at 01:53 AM.
I've got more phones than fingers
The real problem with this is the initial uptake.
The users who buy the special hardware that will only work directly with this Sprint MVNO run the risk of buying a door stop if the service is unacceptable.
Therefore I see caution signs every where. If this was BYOD with a software update required there would be droves of initial users.
WiFi is now in most if not all McDonalds and Dunkin Donuts which in my area means its everywhere.
If it works I see a lot of MVNOs losing customers to this including Boost, Virgin.
Planet Express
The uptake argument could be made for Sprint, Verizon, T-mobile, and AT&T. With the exception of a few sophisticated users, a Sprint phone cannot be made to work on Verizon, and can never be made to work on T-Mobile or AT&T. Same for Verizon. T-Mobile and AT&T phones can be unlocked, but most users don't know about that option. Even when you do do unlock, you won't get 3G from one to the other.
Yet, people sign up, and commit themselves to 2-year contracts, all the time. People also spend $100 to $200 for Android phones on prepaid with these carriers as well.
If Republic goes with the LG Optimus, which we think they will, they'll be offering the same thing that Virgin/T-Mo PP/AT&T PPD/Boost, etc. offer, at a lower price.
It is true that they'll be using a somewhat new technology, but that fact will be lost on the average, price conscious buyer.
It is also true that they are "new" and unknown, but the same is true of most MVNOs, at least to the average buyer.
I've climbed a cellphone tower
I wouldn't try this as an early adopter. But if I heard things were going well after 6mos usage & a decent Android with at least 3.7" screen for <$150. Then I'd be getting really froggy.
I've got more phones than fingers
Sprint doesn't allow BYOD with its MVNOs. That's all there is to it. One MVNO tried and they received a slap on the wrist.
I've got more phones than fingers
Come on. No one even knows whether this is going to work well at all. VM throttles its users now. The whole scheme is designed for someone that sits someplace all day and never needs the network. Its a niche market IF it works well. How much on net (Sprint) time do you think they'll allow before they terminate an account? Unlimited? I don't think so.
The 4 carriers are known quantities. Buy a phone from them and don't like the service - there are millions of people who will buy it. If this ends up being a bomb who will you sell the door stop to?
The average buyer will never even hear about this.
Planet Express
As I said before, we haven't heard the details. I wouldn't be surprised if the cost is $19.00 for unlimited Wifi usage, and wholesale pricing on Sprint usage. That'd still be a great deal for me and many users who sit at a desk all day in Wifi range. Wholesale Sprint usage would likely amount to a fraction of a cent per minute and the same per MB. It'd be just enough to incentivize Wifi usage when availalable. If they do that, this is a game changer.
It'd be particularly good for me since my home and office both have terribly unreliable cellular coverage.
The average user will not only hear about this, but it'll make headlines.
Planet Express
I should add that a fraction of a cent per minute isn't unusual in the VOIP world. In fact, it is commonplace.
Phone Collector
I wonder if this service will be supported by ads that a user must listen to or view prior to being able to place a call, initiate a text message, or use other data-centric services? Something like a short 15 second internet ad, etc.?
My screen is bigger than yours
So you are suggesting that the subscriber would be served with ad's using the data/WIFI that is already paid for a separately. That would be bearable if it was a free app, or if browsing on th net(bearable), but having to listen to an ad, while actually paying a monthly bill would be a hardsell for most people. point is there would be very little quid pro quo for a customer, particularly on the sparse sprint network and its already available cheap data plans.
I have a blue tooth
It will be what it will be. It could be the next Big Four level carrier or it could be a failed mlmnvo like scam factory Zero1 was back in 2009. If nothing, it will be interesting. Even Metro and Cricket have survived for years on less then national coverage and there are lots of regionals out there so it is possible to make do with less then Verizon type coverage.
I've always been a strong advocate of device freedom/byod. The reason Simple Mobile , H20 /Att mvnos and Verizon mvnos have taken off is byod. Sprint has the largest number of mvnos but like OTG said, no byod.
My belief is if you can't have byod, have great plans and good phone prices (like Net10 and Virgin Mobile). Otherwise, good luck. The pricepoint is undeniable but we'll have to see the reports from the first users to be sure...
Just like every new "unlimited" plan out there that is first met with fanfare and then anger and frustration, it could be the same. Or not...
Phone Collector
NDTV88 - Yea, I was suggesting that, as pure speculation. And I'm not arguing your point, either. Who knows?
But $19.95/month for unlimited voice/data/text just seems a bit unrealistic, comparatively speaking. Sure, it'd be great if that's all there is to the deal, and I'd love to see it, but I'm just somewhat skeptical that there isn't some catch to it.
It seems that offering such a package for that price point might - just might - be it's supported with some sort of advertising mixed in. Again, who knows what Republic's wholesale costs might be to resell Sprint.
I guess we'll see on Tuesday, huh?
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