re: EMC on the Sprint PCS Vision launch
>> Sprint PCS Makes a Stand with 1x
EMC Cellular
US correspondent
August 23, 2002
A good selection of devices, well-considered data services and somewhat aggressive pricing marked the 8 August 2002 launch of Sprint PCS Group's cdma2000 1x network.
Sprint PCS was the last of the top four national operators to launch a next-generation data-capable network, but it's the first to offer coast-to-coast coverage throughout its network. However, not every single Sprint PCS market has 1x service, as service is only guaranteed in those with at least 100,000 points of presence. However, that criterion is enough to allow for coverage of 248 million of Sprint PCS' 249 million pops by the new 1x service, whose packages of services fall under the umbrella name of PCS Vision.
The Sprint PCS network is covered by 18,325 BTS with three vendors (Nortel, Lucent and Motorola) used. Service will also be offered by Sprint PCS' affiliate partners from 8 August.
Sprint PCS has already said up front that it has no plans to deploy the next evolutionary step on the cdma2000 ladder, 1xEV-DO (Data Only). Though EV-DO promises peak data rates of 2 Mbps, Sprint PCS is not keen to dedicate any of its channels to a data-only solution. Instead the operator has cast its glance further out toward 1xEV-DV (Data and Voice), which promises slightly higher data speeds but, more importantly, allows voice and data to share a single channel.
Devices
Probably the most impressive part of the PCS Vision launch is the broad range of devices already available and on deck. One of the devices planned for post-launch introduction is the Hitachi P300 handset, the first-ever Hitachi model offered in the United States. Another post-launch device will be the Toshiba 2032, the first integrated Pocket PC phone from Sprint.
The first available PCS Vision devices include:
- Sanyo 4900 - $179.99
- Handspring Treo 300 - $499.99
- Samsung A500 - $299.99
- LG Model 5350 - $229.99
- Novatel Wireless Merlin C201 PC Card for data only - $249.99
- Sierra Wireless AirCard 550 PC Card for voice and data - $349.99
- PCS Vision Camera – Infohand device being sold exclusively through Sprint, for use with N400 and A500 phones by Samsung. - <$100
Devices planned for post-launch introduction:
- Samsung N400 - $199.99
- Hitachi P300 - $299.99
- Toshiba 2032 - $799.99
- Yiso CF 2031 voice and data PC Card - $229.99
All of the handsets being offered by for PCS Vision have built-in Java. And the Palm operating system-based Handspring Treo 300 is capable of downloading a Java implementation to run in the device. Nextel was the first US operator to offer Java handsets, all created by Motorola to work with Nextel's iDEN network. The remaining four of the six top US mobile operators have indicated they will also hop on the Java bandwagon.
Businesses And Consumers Targeted
Sprint PCS operator is offering pricing plans for 1x voice with data and for data only. PCS Free & Clear with Vision, the voice and data plan, bills in minutes for voice calls and megabytes for data usage. Prices range from $45 to $120, depending on included usage. A $90-per-month introductory special features 2 MB of data and 2,000 minutes of voice airtime, but it also requires commitment to a one- or two-year service contract.
Similarly, a business-oriented data-only package, designed for laptop or handheld computer users, offers unlimited data usage for $50 per month in the first 90 days and $100 per month thereafter when a one-year PCS Advantage Agreement is signed.
Sprint PCS says that going forward it will focus more on creating compelling reasons for enterprise customers to centralize and standardize the management of their wireless purchases. As such, its own sales team will focus on horizontal business plays for features such as wireless email. But PCS Vision services also will be marketed via the PCS Business Solutions Program, which focuses on vertical markets and includes consultants, distributors, systems integrators, value-added resellers (VARs) and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Five new members that joined the program with the launch of PCS Vision are Accenture, HP, IBM (Personal Computing Division), Ingram Micro and PwC Consulting, a business of Pricewaterhouse Coopers.
On the consumer side, Sprint PCS says it has enhanced its sales associates training, created sophisticated and innovative in-store merchandising, and is providing more training and differentiation opportunities for third-party retailers. This will certainly be essential if there is any chance of the 1x data services catching on in the mass market. <<
- Eric - |
