Sprint: WiMAX, New Smartphones in 2010

Oct 30 2009, 9:06am CDT | by Robert Evans

Sprint's numbers showed some improvement last quarter, but the carrier is still weathering some financial issues. They're losing customers (albeit at a slowed rate) and it's going to take more than some new marketing and the Palm Pre to reverse that trend. Today, in a live chat (via Boy Genius), Sprint executive David Owens talked about how his company intends to get back on the right track.

First off, Sprint will be giving its customers more of what they want. More Android smartphones (mostly from HTC) will be coming soon, and Owens stated that he expects a price decrease for Android smartphones once a significant volume have been sold. Sprint's current Android devices, the Samsung Moment and HTC Hero, are both due for an update soon. For the Hero, this likely means Android 2.0; the Sense UI doesn't work on 1.6, and HTC has confirmed that they are working out a 2.0 release for the Hero.

Owens also said that Sprint is looking into the possibility of an Android smartphone with a built-in MiFi-type router. Combo CDMA/GSM Android smartphones could also be in the near future, although nothing has been decided yet.

Sprint will also be bringing new WinMo devices to their customers. A WinMo 6.5 update should be ready soon for the Touch Pro 2 (and others), look for that to come in early 2010. Owens stated that his company is eager for Windows Mobile 7 phones, but that the timetable is up to Microsoft. New BlackBerries will also be landing next year, along with a WiFi update for the Tour.

The most exciting news from this chat was Owens' confirmation that WiMAX WILL be coming to Sprint in 2010. Unfortunately, you won't be able to use your 4G network to tether; Sprint's killing tethering on all smartphones. Ah, well, give and take.

where to buy

Buy from Amazon

What Others Say about This

Bristol Evening Post published 'Let's scrap the big billboards and support local businesses'

CALLS have been made to scrap all advertising billboards in Bristol as a way of supporting local businesses. Green Party councillor for Ashley Gus Hoyt believes people have had enough of being bombarded with large corporate banners at every turn. The num ...
Full article at: This is Bristol More like this 31 minutes ago

SYNC Accelerates into 2013 as Standard Equipment on New Ford Fusion and Flex

2013 Ford Fusion and Flex get SYNC® as standard equipment on all trim levels Ford SYNC, the voice-activated in-car connectivity system introduced in 2007, now is installed in more than 4 million Ford Motor Company vehicles Powered by the Microsoft Window ...
Full article at: Street Insider More like this 31 minutes ago

SYNC Accelerates into 2013 as Standard Equipment on New Ford Fusion and Flex

AtLeast one of the check box should be selected You are following news about Follow the latest news about F 2013 Ford Fusion and Flex get SYNC® as standard equipment on all trim levels Ford SYNC, the voice-activated in-car connectivity system introduced ...
Full article at: PR Newswire More like this 41 minutes ago

Don't miss ...

Mobile Phones

4 Million iPhone 4S sold in First Weekend

Robert Evans
The excitement about new smartphones, tablets and anything mobile drive Robert to unearth the latest rumors and developments in this fast moving space. He adopted 4G as soon as it become available and knows where the mobile market is going.
Robert can be contacted directly at robert@i4u.com.