Is Sprint finally dropping that annoying chirp-chirp?
For some time now people using iDEN Motorola handsets have been driving the unassuming every day consumer bonkers with those incessant chirp-chirps of walkie-talkie cell phones. Perhaps by an act of God, Sprint’s recent hemorrhage of consumers might drive the CDMA carrier to sell off the Nextel portion of its business.
Sprint reported massive customer fallout during the first quarter of 2008 and must now look for ways to redirect business to bandage its wounds. Engadget Mobile is doing its part to push a recent rumor that Sprint is looking for potential buyers of the iDEN (Integrated Digital Enhanced Network), which is estimated at a value of approximately $5 billion.
Word also has it that NII Holdings, a Latin-American company that distributes and operates Motorola iDEN networking technology, could be looking to purchase that part of Sprint’s failing business. iDEN technology has been around since its inception in 1994, but most believe the technology is so limited that it really can’t go any further.
Personally, I think it will be a beautiful thing when innocent civilians can walk the streets freely without fear of being assaulted by the harsh chirps of iDEN handsets. While many contracting companies and labor groups do still use the technology, there is absolutely no reason for the every day consumer to broadcast his or her conversation for the world to hear. Furthermore, I’m of the mindset that by squawking your yammering accompanied by chirps, you are saying to the rest of us that your business is, in fact, more important than what we are doing. iDEN is a selfish technology.
So good riddance, Nextel/iDEN users. You might still be able to shout at your phone, but at least now I don’t have to be alerted to each break in the conversation, or what your conversant is shouting back at you. Get a normal cell phone and out of the dark ages.
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August 11th, 2008
ignorance is bliss! Most seasoned or novice Iden users know that they are in total control of their Direct Connect conversation whether it be private or for the world to hear. A simple push of the speaker button will allow the end user to silence the speaker and continue his/her conversation on the IDEN network in “Private” .
That is the beauty of a IDEN Direct Connect call. Truly a phenonemal way to communicate at the touch of a button, seamless, Private, and reliable.
August 14th, 2008
Uh let´s see…speaker phones are now common one most phones not just Nextel iDEN phones..and and others can hear conversations out loud on those phones too. There is also a private (speaker off button) so conversations are not heard in public. Having walkie─talkie on a phone is another way to communicate and it can be faster and more convenient. Maybe you should keep your negative, uniformed opinion to yourself. You must be a conservative…because they always have the narrow─minded…annoying opinion. Ciao!
August 14th, 2008
Conservatives (supposedly conservative because I don´t think most truly are, they´re imposters) are people who always want something to be outlawed, prohibited, or to disappear simply because they don´t like it. Although not all are like that, some people do realize not all cases are the same. Where I live I see kids…teenagers usually, blaring their conversations with walkie─talkie…but if they´re not using their phone, they´re screaming or talking out loud anyway. Maybe the police should just jail them and all of us Iden users even if we are using “Private” or give us a heavy fine…that will teach us a good lesson on American freedom. Oh, but the cops also have walkie─talikes that can be heard when you´re next to them too! It´s also kind of hard to keep your conversation private while on the bus or train even without a speakerphone even if you text. Get real and please learn to ignore things you don´t like.
January 6th, 2011
Thank your for that enlighten post. Be sure that I recommend your blog to my mates.