Nextel Network Coverage Changes – New York City, Northern Conneticut, Northern Jersey, Southern Conneticut, Long Island, and Central Jersey

Nextel Network Coverage Changes – New York City, Northern Conneticut, Northern Jersey, Southern Conneticut, Long Island, and Central Jersey

In preparation for Network Vision, Network Ops will continue decommissioning a number of existing iDEN towers throughout the country, the evening of 6/11/12,  in the following markets: New York City, Northern Conneticut, Northern Jersey, Southern Conneticut, Long Island, and Central Jersey.

Markets scheduled:

• Tower decommission of the following markets is scheduled :
  
  
  
  • 6/13/12: Charlotte, GA/SC Coast, Myrtle Beach, Raliegh/Durham, South Carolina, and Winston/Salem
  
  
  
  


• Tower decommission continues every Monday and Wednesday evening through July.

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 - Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, East Kentucky, West Kentucky, Pittsburgh, and West Virginia

The weekly iDen Thinning update:

• In preparation for Network Vision, Network Ops will continue decommissioning a number of existing iDEN towers throughout the country, the evening of 6/6/12,  in the following markets: Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, East Kentucky, West Kentucky, Pittsburgh, and West Virginia.

Markets scheduled:

• Tower decommission of the following markets is scheduled :
  
  
  
  • 6/7/12: New York City, Northern Conneticut, Northern Jersey, Southern Conneticut, Long Island, and Central Jersey
  
  
  
  


• Tower decommission continues every Monday and Wednesday evening through July.

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.

Weekly Playbook Topics - 6/1

Here's the hot topics from the upcoming 6/1 Playbook - since we are all still waiting on a launch date for the EVO LTE, which of these (if any) interests you guys, that you want more info on? Some of these I've covered before, some are still pretty new.

• 6/1/12 - 6/11/12: iDEN Network Shutdown Notice


• 7/1/12: Sprint will no longer add new iDEN accounts


• 5/25/12 - 6/30/12: Reactive $0 Transition Offer for iDEN to CDMA Migrations


• Sprint® Direct Connect®


• KYOCERA DuraXT - launches 6/10/12


• Lenovo Ideapad™ S205s - 6/10/12 in all channels


• 6/10/12: New FleetSafer® Mobile for CL Customers


• Sprint Zone 4.0 launches on HTC EVO 4G LTE


• 6/17/12: TEP Tiered MRC and Deductibles


• Sprint BIZ 360


• 6/4/12: Welcome Calls reinstated

iDen/Nextel service to cease on 6/30/2013

iDen(Nextel) gets it's execution date. Today, Sprint announced plans to transition business and government customers from its iDEN (2G) Nextel National Network onto Sprint Direct Connect. Sprint also announced plans to cease service on the iDEN Nextel National Network as early as 6/30/13 as part of our Network Vision plan.

Beginning 6/1/12, Sprint will send written notices to business and government customers regarding the iDEN Nextel National Network shutdown.

Customer notification of the shut down along with migration offers will continue over the next year as the iDEN shutdown draws closer.

• Sprint has already discontinued selling iDEN devices in certain channels.


• It will discontinue selling iDEN devices in all channels and all brands carrying iDEN Nextel products over the next several months.


• Sprint will continue to support customers with iDEN devices during the network transition and will work with those customers to ease their transition to Sprint’s CDMA service.


• Tower retuning details available at www.sprint.com/nextelnetwork

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.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_ejv9Ud9Uw

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:

[scribd id=93665385 key=key-26j1guzc5vj9o1npj19q mode=list]

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.
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  

Motorola Stature i9 Maintenance Release

 

 

A new software release, RB7.01.01, is available for Motorola® Stature™ i9 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:

• Customers who text in Right to Left languages (RTL) can now make calls by selecting call back number hyperlink in the Unified Client Viewer (Short Messaging Service (SMS) and Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS)).


• Phone no longer locks up while in idle mode.


• Phone no longer will experience a reset when the deleting a profile while in Zoom mode.


• Phone no longer displays the SMS service center number on incoming messages.


• Calling and dispatch animation clears as soon as a call or dispatch is terminated.


• Users can now upload contacts to the Web server after they have added an SDGC talk group.


• Phone no longer resets when accessing messages with attached pictures that contain imbedded text.


• External backlight now turns off after disconnecting from a charger.


• Phones experiencing a Temporary Error Condition no longer suspends SMS messages.


• Unread Message icon now displays on the status bar when MMS is disabled.


• Ringtone assignment no longer changes with voice playback interaction.


• SMS messages with 765 characters no longer display as empty.

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 RB7.01.01.
  
  
  
  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 RB7.01.01.
  
  
  
  


• 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.
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  

Sprint (CDMA) to Boost (iDEN) Now Possible!

There's been a lot of talk about the hassle that many customers have faced when attempting to swap from Sprint(CDMA) to Boost(iDEN), despite the fact that Boost is a wholy owned subsidary of Sprint. Sounds like a simple flip of a switch, right? That's what most people thought, until they tried it and found out the hoops they've have to jump through to accomplish it. That's no longer the case! As of this week, as a last resort save option, Sprint CDMA customers will be able to switch to Boost(iDEN) service.

As of 7/23/09 Account Services will support the CDMA post paid customers who want to move to iDEN Boost - Sprint‘s subsidiary that offers customers pre-paid service. Before 7/23/09, system limitations prevented CDMA post paid customers from migrating to Boost and Sprint risked losing them to competitors who offer pre-paid service.

• In order to switch, you will have to meet the following conditions:
  
  
  
  • Sprint accont must be current. Not in a past due, hotlined, or suspended status.
  
  
  • Be aware that the standard ETF will still apply to the Sprint account, if there was one.
  
  
  
  

Sprint Specialists:

• Verify the following information and before transferring the customer to Account Services.
  
  
  
  • Confirm the account is not in a past due, hotlined, or suspended status. Take a payment to bring the account current or tell the customer they cannot migrate their account to iDEN Boost until it is current.
  
  
  • After a payment has been made, remove the hotline or suspension status on the account. Payment must post and suspension or hotline be removed in order to migrate to Boost.
  
  
  • Check to see if the subscriber agreement is still in effect. It it is, tell the customer they will be charged an ETF which will appear on their next bill.
  
  
  • Transfer the customer to Account Services.
  
  
  
  

How to fix delayed messages - Nextel & Boost (iDEN)

With the popularity of the Boost $50/Unlimited Everything plan, there's been a lot of  chatter regarding delayed text messages. In case you didn't know, Boost is owned by Sprint/Nextel, and this plan is being run on the Nextel side of the network, which operates on the iDEN network (Sprint side is CDMA). Well, if your phone has been provisioned(activated) for at least 72 hours, then there is one fix that may help you get that 'boost' you need for the delivery of your messages on time.

NOTE: If your account is under 72 hours old, then you will just have to be patient. Welcome to iDEN. Messaging works a bit funny on this side of the world, and we happen to like it that way, lol, so for 3 days you're just going to have to deal. During this initial provisioning period, you will also likely not have any headers in the messages you receive("who sent me this?!?"), nor will you likely know that they are arriving in the wrong part of your inbox (but that's another post entirely!).

So, if your account is over 72 hours old, and your messages seem to be slow or heavily delayed, here's one option you can try that usually helps. (Note that YMMV* and if you're fresh out of your 72 hours, you may require a manual refresh from Boost Mobile Care before everything's working as intended). Most people have to have this done every month or two, but for those that use messaging functions heavily, the fequency could be greater. Of course, most folks never know this is what's happening while they're on hold with the tech or care agent.

Use Urgent Page to clear pending messages from the SMS box.

1. Dial the NPA-NXX-7243 for your phone number
   Basically, you'll replace the last 4 digits of your cell number with '7243', which is 'PAGE'. NOTE: due to the portability of wireless numbers, this is not always available for every number. the NPA-NXX dialed does not have to be the same one as the number being paged, they all go to the same central system.


2. Enter the 10-Digit Number of the device to be paged


3. Press '1' to c onfirm the number entered.


4. Press '1' to leave the callback number (if desired), then '#' 


5. Press '1' to send the message


6. Press '2' to mark as 'Urgent', then press '1' for confirmation

If the cause of your delay is that another message is 'stuck' for whatever reason, then this will correct the issue, and your messages will be delivered without delay until the problem reoccurs. This helps about 75% of the boost 'delayed text' issues that I've seen, so use the comments to let me know if this helped!

*YMMV - 'your mileage may vary'