Customers Migrated to CDMA Push-to-Talk May be Disappointed

Sprint is moving ahead with its plan to transition to a 4G LTE network by gradually shutting down the iDEN network that powers its Nextel services, converting push-to-talk customers to a CDMA-based system. The Sprint Website now has  information about when iDEN towers will be deactivated in different areas of the country (http://www.sprint.com/coverage). For example, Seattle and San Francisco tower reductions will occur in April. New York City towers will be decommissioned in May and Miami’s in June. Sprint says the iDEN service won’t be completely shut down, however coverage areas will be reduced. To help make the change more acceptable to iDEN  customers, Sprint is offering incentives when they make the transition to its CDMA system. However, network capabilities and configuration have created a concern that Sprint’s CDMA push-to-talk service may be disappointing to customers who previously used the Nextel system. Verizon’s more robust network capabilities promise a superior user experience in many areas – especially Central Pennsylvania.