Friday, May 18, 2012

7AM Update - HTC EVO 4G LTE Launch Delay

Morning, all! After some MUCH needed sleep, and catching up on some emails, I just wanted to give a quick update before I head into the office to see what the day will bring.

  • I CAN confirm that an email with out to the 3rd Party distro with the 5/23 date.

  • Since Best-Buy is saying 'whoops' for sending the email, I'm not sure if they got smacked for releasing the date first, or if someone just messed up.

  • I do believe I'll be able to get a copy of the actual email today to post.

  • There is a 2PM Conference bridge today about the launch.. but we've had these daily at some point each day, so don't get too excited. Yesterday's was simply boring stuff we all already knew. Generally these are not the venue for breaking news.


Also, thanks to everyone that's been reading the blog over the past couple of days, I've been able to get in touch with someone who actually works for the warehouse in Louisville yesterday! It took me a while to figure out how to verify who they were, but finally I was able to do so. According to them, we have some stock there that is in the foreign trade zone (aka customs) and some that is not. Apparently some of the earlier shipments have been in the racks for a while(some are always held back for replacements, demos, store models, training phones,etc...). They have indeed picked and packed both sections for the ones that are being shipped out, and last night they were prepping for 'rollout'. I don't have any more information than that... but I'm determined to find some out today :)

Time for the morning commute. Hopefully I'll be able to confirm something more soon. In the meantime, if you're new to ISN, I've posted a TON of stuff over the past few years you might find interesting, so check it out - and let me know what else you'd like to see. From training docs, to processes, to launch decks.... I am generally so accustomed to seeing it all so much that I only post stuff that I think would be REALLY interesting to others.. but if there's other stuff you're curious about, please speak up!

50 comments:

  1. I just wanted to say thanks for keeping us updated. I will being watching your blog and non of the others for the breaking news. Have a great day.

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  2. Thank you for speedy updates as a new reader this is hands down the best informed detailed site about Sprint. I hope the 23 is the date for pre orders I want my Evo.

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  3. thanks for keeping us in the loop as much as possible! This has been a roller coaster ride that we'll all someday look back at and laugh.... oh wait, I know exactly what day that will be.... the day I get that awesome phone in my hands!

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  4. Your blog and tweets are most informative. Look forward to the next.

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  5. Ooooh, here's a good one: What updates can you give regarding the LTE rollout timeline? If that's too broad of a question, I can narrow it down. :-)

    Have you posted any articles on it before?

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  6. "There is a 2PM Conference bridge today about the launch."

    What time zone?

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  7. Great, thanks for the update! This is by far the best site I've encountered for EVO LTE updates over the last few weeks. I hate to say it, but I only found out about your site a few weeks ago! I'll check in later... Thanks again for keeping us in the loop!

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  8. yeah time zones would be a good thing to know :) then i know when to check back :)

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  9. I would assume CST as that is Sprint HQ's timezone.

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  10. BTW, I just found this site and I would like to thank you for keeping us all informed on what is going on. I now have it bookmarked and check it often! I will continue to check it for up to the minute information on not only the "Evogate", but any other information in the future. I hate being in the dark. Sprint should keep us all up to date like you are doing. It's much easier to sit back and relax when information is being filtered in; even if its preliminary. Sprint should take note from you!
    -thanks the once uniformed.

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  11. Guys assume he is talking in realtime? means his local time, and thanks for all you do out there for us.

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  12. I believe it's EST. But I'm only basing that off of the fact that when I checked the Sprint.com/myorder page at 11pm MST 05/17/2012 (last night), it told me that the order had last been updated on 05/18/2012. Confused me for a bit.

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  13. You're awesome!

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  14. Thank you ISN for telling us what no one else will but SHOULD be!

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  15. Any info on LTE rollout, especially for the Phoenix metro area would be great to know. Thank you for keeping us informed on the EVO4GLTE delays!

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  16. I know this isn't the first time for someone to say this....but YOU ARE THE MAN!!!!!! This blog has definitely made the pill easier to swallow.. Thanks a lot

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  17. im just basically going to echo what everyone else said. ive never seen your blog until this whole evo4glte fiasco, but from now on ill be following you on twitter and frequenting your page when i want to know something...

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  18. I feel the same way Eric does--now following on Twitter. The bloggers on the internet RULE everyone else, don't they? Thank you for taking the risk to get info out to us.

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  19. [...] 7AM Update – HTC EVO 4G LTE Launch Delay Inside Sprint Now For all of those itching for some news about what's going on! (If you aren't already following his blog.) Looks like we are getting EXTREMELY close. [...]

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  20. Finding this blog and getting updates here has been great. I'll def be keeping an eye here for any future interesting tid-bits. Thanks so much!

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  21. My God this is really the greatest blog ever..Funny thing I am less pissed than I would normally be about this whole debacle because of this blog. I have nothing to go on but I still feel up to date that the situation is being worked on. Sprint really could learn a lesson here. Run Neo Run

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  22. Yes, Neo posted it earlier - He's awesome! here's the link: http://s4gru.com/index.php?/topic/212-network-visionlte-deployment-running-list/

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  23. I just found your Blog yesterday because of Good and EVO. You are very appreciated. GREAT BLOG! Thank you for the updates.

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  24. This blog is awesome. Thanks for all the info. Couple of interesting things I found this morning. I ordered my EVO 4G LTE through Costco a week ago, and up to today, you could still pre-order it, but it's no longer on their website. It also shows on Amazon, but there is no purchase button for it. Cause for concern???

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  25. PROPS!!!! Probably the most informed I've ever felt about Sprint information.

    Keep doing what you're doing and you'll have MORE than 30,000 visits on your site!

    I'm looking forward to May 23rd! :D

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  26. Thank you soooo much for running this blog. It really IS the only place to receive reliable and timely information on this snafu. Sprint PR/customer service departments could learn a thing or two from this blog.

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  27. So I was the first one to Pre Order at a store in Merriam, Ks. If the phone arrives at the store prior to the 23rd will they be able activate it?

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  28. Following your blog very informative.. soo tired of following on forums where the status changes post by post lol THANK YOU!

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  29. My Amazon still says they are going to ship it today.
    (I am not going to hold my breath)

    I simply would be happy if I get the phone sometime next week.
    I need to send my Moment to Hell!

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  30. Neo? Is that what ISN goes by?

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  31. lol.. it came from a comment by Feech:
    "This dude should be named Neo..He’s so deep in the Matrix its ridiculous..Keep your eyes open for Agents"

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  32. http://s4gru.com/index.php?/topic/212-network-visionlte-deployment-running-list/

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  33. http://forums.androidcentral.com/htc-evo-4g-lte/174455-lack-information.html#post1790274

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  34. I just want to say thanks for keeping us informed , because everytime i call Sprint about my order they NEVER have ANY information for me , so THANK YOU !!!

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  35. Let us know if get a tracking number. It will be interesting to see if Amazon can ship their pre-order before Sprint ships theirs.

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  36. I recieved an email last night from sprint that the EVO is delayed. In Sprints defense, I did get the email before the actual launch date. I think that there were no communications sent out until last night because Sprint was wating to see if they could get the phones out at the last minute and they didn't want to panic everyone. Even though alot of people were already paniced. lol. I for one am not mad or angry about this situation. Not even at Apple. Its business and in business, you don't make money if you are the nice guy. Apple had the insight to see something that may help their sales and they utilized it. It may be ethically wrong but that is the way big business goes. I will however, never purchase an Apple product because I belive that Apple is morally wrong in its actions and that the company has no good principles. I will not knock people who use Apple products, they simply like the product. This situation sucks for those of us that prordered the phone but I think that Sprint would rather us get the phone than not. The lack of communication is very common with companies these days, especially if they don't know whats going change from minute to minute. Waiting on the government sucks. I have done that for many years, but that is the government for you. The truth is that no one knows whats going on and as soon as there is an offical statement from Sprint, HTC or even Customs, I am sure that we (the customers) will hear about it. I also don't think that Sprint owes me "compensation" like I have seen on some forums. They have no controll when customs will release the phones, and neither does Apple. It is what it is. Have a fantastic weekend everyone! And thank you NEO!!!

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  37. referring to the August 28th mediation hearing...

    "...HTC said that the case has nothing to do with the delayed shipments of two of its flagship smartphones to the U.S. due to an import ban on its products filed by the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC)."

    if this is true, then this is the first statement I saw that confirms the ruling that a mediation must happen later this summer is NOT related to the release of our EVOs!

    source: http://www.chinapost.com.tw/business/company-focus/2012/05/19/341548/HTC-confirms.htm

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  38. the thought crossed my mind. Lol

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  39. Its now 12:30 Cental and it still says simply:

    Shipment #1: Not Yet Shipped
    Shipping Estimate: May 18, 2012
    Delivery Estimate: May 22, 2012
    Shipping Speed:FREE Two-Day Shipping

    Interestingly though this has popped up as shipping along with the phone:

    [FREE GIFT] AmazonBasics Micro USB Universal Car Charger with Micro to Mini USB Adapter and Nokia Barrel Adapter

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  40. Just got a message from someone who ordered it from Amazon. They are changing their tune from what they were telling him yesterday. His order is delayed indefinitely now.

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  41. If there is truely a patent or copyright problem with the new HTC Evo..., this could drag on for months. I will cancel my order if I dont get my phone by the end of next week. If anyone is familiar with patent laws and litigation; they know these things could take forever to resolve. And if Sprint or HTC is at fault for any of those rumors, the phones capabilities and features will definitely be altered making the product less appealing than previously advertised. Do I smell a class action suit coming. False advertisement/breach of contract. I have been a loyal customer with Sprint. they have some of the best wireless plans but I wish they would offer a much better assortment of phones. I attended the 2012 C.E.S. in Las Vegas, NV. I saw some awesome new cell phones that will be launched this year. The problem is, Sprint is not on many of those list of providers. Look how long it took Sprint to get a contract with Apple. The Samsung Nexus was one of the hottest phones I saw at the show. I was told Sprint will not be a supplier. Good luck to all. i do hope this issue will be resolved, but I am very optomistic. I wonder How much Sprint has lost due to cancellations. How can a company that was once worth $60+ per share; now be worth $2.32. In the past 5 days, their shares dropped from $2.54 to $2.32. I hope someone bails them out or they change their marketing direction. Yes, I am a shareholder ans yes i'm losing money. The rumor i hear is that some of the new HTC phones have features that the new iPhone 5 is to release. and they are saying HTC violated some patents

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  42. Sprint came out with the Nexus a month ago

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  43. Is there any hope at all that Sprint will roll LTE in Dayton, Ohio...and soonish? We got screwed over with the original Evo...2 years and no 4G and from the list I just viewed on here Dayton is nowhere to be found.

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  44. Michael O'stean (09:14:44) :

    These 2 new lte4g sprint phones (evo and gs3) are great, but this sprint network sucks….It’s no longer the “now” network but better yet should be called the “vision” network…. i was one of the “lucky” first ones to get the lte4g only to learn that i am now stuck on a 3g wimax network til lte comes alive here in tampa, fla.. depending on who u talk too, lte will be here next month, 2 months, this summer, Q3, end of this year, and from off many reliable blogs such as this one, 2013. Why TF does sprint sell phones for networks that they are so far behind on….and i was told by the “care” department that it is up and down the east coast and more cities are coming…so i found a map…..lol and her idea of the whole east coast are cities like bos, nyc, atlanta, and a very few others….otherwise…welcome back to the year 2000 and 3g wimax speed….
    Now as far as issues ive had so far with this phone… where i once had 4g service in my home, i now get 3g only and occasionally bounces into roaming..and i recently did a trip up to Panama city Beach for memorial day weekend and had the worst phone service i ever remember having…another issue is my bluetooth connection in both my Ford truck and my BMW.. both new models.. the phone connects but unable to use it or get voice to work on it… more issues but im bored of typing…thought i was the only one with these issues but they are all over the blogs with more issues then what i have… The sprint stores and care, excalated up too supervisors, escalated up to retentions departments, etc are clueless about the issues and now are wanting to charge me a restocking fee for returning the phones as well as another activation fee to start up my trusty ole 3d evo until something better comes along…such as ATT or Verizon… funny thing is retentions said they would reverse these charges if i would stay with them..(i’m within 30 days of my contract).. i declined.. because your lte service sucks compared to everyone else.. I’ve been with Sprint for a long time but you guys have put the cart before the horses lately….and you’re going to lose a lot of customers because of this… I’m a Pilot for a Major Airline who has enjoyed the little discount I get from sprint and I am a big “pro-sprint” guy at work…but trust me, after last night dealing with these departments, I am going to be a MEGAPHONE against sprint and wake up people to just how much better service is from the other carriers….I say all this just to let people know my experience, but hoping too that this inside sprint guy is somewhere up on the food chain and can affect change for the better for others….
    thanks…your once loyal customer

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  45. Hey I understand your frustration but at the same time Sprint has been very upfront about the issues they have with the network and putting the iPhone on the network did not help matters at all. Most of us that are with Sprint are either fans of Sprint, cheap, or some combination of the two. I am over in the St. Pete area and honestly I am on a wing and a prayer as far as the LTE network is concerned. Although, I love Sprint I do realize they outright screwed people with Wimax coverage that never came to them. I am told that the Tampa Bay market which covers as far north as Spring Hill, as far south as peninsula goes, and as far east as Plant City/Lakeland is very important to them. If it isn't the Orlando/Miami area definitely is. The Tampa Bay market was one of the first markets to get Wimax. The EVO was released in June of 2010 and Wimax officially was turned on I believe in Nov of the same year. I can remember at the time I was living in Brandon and when I would drive the crosstown I would get flashes of the Wimax being on months before that. Keep this in mind too. 3G and Wimax are two different things. The EVOLTE does not have a Wimax radio in it. So you are strictly on 3G right now with this phone.

    Sprint has had issues in the past. I know believe me I have been with them for over 10 years and know the pain first hand. I can say though since Dan Hesse has been in charge things have taken a turn for the better which is why I stay. I could go to Verizon and actually have good coverage in my building but I think its important that these carriers have checks and balances and taken Sprint or T-Mobile out of the equation would be foolish for everyone.

    Lastly let me say this. If you smart enough to find blogs like this one and have a total meltdown over Sprint. There is a part of me that can't believe that you didn't know that you would be losing your Wimax when you got this phone. Don't blame Sprint that you did not do your homework. There is not one person that reads blogs on line about Sprint or this phone and didn't know that. Hold yourself responsible too.

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  46. Dude...I totally did my homework, but not being a tech geek, the fact that this phone didnt come with 4gwmax as an option did get past me...plus i was sold on the fact that at the time sprint stores were talking about lte within a month...also...its not just the bad sprint service, its the phone as well..bluetooth, etc....anywho...i just read this sh++, seldom commenting...
    So heading over to Att today to start enjoying the lte experience.....Honestly bro, Sprint and thier "vision" plans are for suckers... all this just in the last few years when they started putting the horses ( phones) ahead of the carts (plans) and i can't wait to get back to work and start spreading the good news.... no meltdown earlier, just a nice release...and not mad, angry, just dissappoointed... Thanks for reading...:)

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  47. in the above i meant to say networks, not plans...

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  48. Its cool..To each their own. Sprint def ain't for everyone..Like AT&T prices aren't for me. For the most part I need my phone to do certain things, and Sprint for a good part of the time allows me to those things..

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