The Sprint/Nextel Merger
Their recent merger seems a mess. They use different technologies which right now aren't compatible, in fact, Nextel's system, Motorola's TDMA based iDEN, should have been retired some time ago. The future is with CDMA systems which Sprint uses. So what's going on? Even industry experts are baffled. Here's Ken Schmidt's (internal link) take on this:
"Here's what I've heard: Nextel is the voice platform -- Sprint's technology becomes the data platform, although this would require duplication everywhere. Nextel and Sprint both evaluate conversion to EVDO or to Flarion's high speed technology. I strongly doubt that they go away from the grain on EVDO."
"Here is what I think might happen: Nextel and Sprint both focus on business consumers so their network will cater to them. They may try developing high speed reliable data networks, while building a symbiotic WIFI network until EVDO comes online. This means they must come up with new, multi-function handsets, using advanced applications focused on business. Like tools allowing access to company databases and cross platform location technology that lets customers track equipment and personnel. We'll see."
"Go to this new web page at my site to read about how mergers may impact cell site leases. (external link)
Ken