Thursday, December 28, 2006

Telenav Track CDMA Launch

With this December launch, Sprint will now launch their four Telenav Track packages into the Sprint PCS portfolio! This means that a full-featured tracking application with handset–initiated GPS is now available to CDMA customers! Features that are now available include time sheets, job dispatching, wireless forms and more frequent GPS position updates.

Also NEW! – Introducing Telenav Track 4.0! Telenav Track 4.0 introduces a significantly updated web application, focusing on ease of use and personalization.

  • Telenav Track is one of the leading Fleet and Field Force Management solutions in the Sprint Nextel Portfolio.

  • Telenav Track has five different plans (Basic, Plus, Enhanced, Premium, and Lite).

  • These products have been part of the Nextel portfolio for about four years. In April 2006, Sprint launched Telenav Track Lite on CDMA for Sprint PCS users.

Pricing and Promotions:










  • A Blackberry data plan required

  • For handset-initiated GPS devices
    Service Plan Eligibility:

  • Business subtypes only (IL and CL)

  • A Blackberry data plan required

  • Supported Devices:
    · BB 8703e
    · BB 7130e (firmware version 4.1.0.359 or later required. Upgrade is available at www.sprint.com/downloads)

Sprint Plan Advisor








Sprint announces a tool that helps customers ensure they are on the right wireless plan to meet their mobile usage needs. This tool is also a great guide for new sales reps. looking for an easy way to sugesst the right plan(s) to your prospective customer.

Sunday, December 03, 2006

Sprint Nextel Launches EV-DO Rev A in Salt Lake City and Sacramento

Sprint Nextel announced this week that it has launched its EV-DO Revision A mobile data service in two new markets, namely Sacramento, California and Salt Lake City, Utah.

Both of these cities have been upgraded to the newer and faster wireless communications technology, which allows for upstream bandwidth of 300 to 400 kbps and download speeds of up to 800 kbps. The original EV-DO technology, widely used by both Sprint and Verizon, provides upstream data transfer of only 50 to 70 kbps.

EV-DO Revision A, which is expected to be available in 21 sprint markets by month’s end, will be much better suited to high bandwidth applications like video telephony, wireless music, and mobile video. It will be especially important for interactive wireless services which require a high level of upstream bandwidth.

Friday, December 01, 2006

Ovation U720 Sprint Mobile Broadband USB Modem by Novatel Wireless


Sprint's first Mobile Broadband EVDO Rev A capable USB modem.
First Rev A capable device that's compatible with the Apple Intel-based MacBook and MacBook Pro lines running Operating System X version 10.4.8 or higher


Introduction

· Designed to take advantage of the Qualcomm 6800 chipset and when Sprint's Rev A EV-DO network is available they will experience 6x greater upload speeds.
· Advanced unique flip-up antenna providing greater performance.
· First USB device with built-in GPS receiver.
· NOTE: At launch, neither the Rev A Network capable nor the GPS enablement software will be available.
· Both of these capabilities will require an automatic firmware upgrade that is targeted to be available in 4Q'06.

Key Benefits to the Customer:

· Plugs into a USB port on your PC laptop or desktop
· Advanced flip-up antenna and an external antenna jack

Unique Features:

· Built-in GPS receiver
· With the evolution of EV-DO Revision A, users in markets where it is rolled out, will experience faster average upload and download speeds to enable richer applications and services

Pricing & Promotions

· Suggested Retail Price (SRP) $249.99
· Two-Year Promotion Price $99.99
· An additional $50 MIR
· Two-Year Net After Rebate: $49.99

Thursday, November 30, 2006

Red MOTORAZR V3m

Sprint's RED MOTORAZR V3m by Motorola is designed exclusively to support (RED), an initiative founded by Bono and Bobby Shriver to raise awareness and money for The Global Fund. The Global Fund is an innovative public-private partnership created to finance a dramatic turnaround in the fight against AIDS in Africa with an emphasis on women and children. RED RAZR is operates on Sprint's Power VisionSM Network enabling downloads of the latest news, music and entertainment content at broadband-like speeds.

Key features include:

· Access to Sprint Music Store for quick and easy over-the-air downloads
· Sprint TV with live programming
· Stereo Bluetooth® technology
· MicroSD card slot and a 1.3 megapixel camera
RED RAZR comes packaged with a stereo headset and five preloaded (RED) themed screen savers.

Pricing and Promotion

· Suggested Retail Price (SRP) $304.99
· 2-Year Commitment $154.99
· $90 mail-in rebate $64.99

MOTOKRZR K1m

Portfolio Impact:

· New Sprint's EVDO phone in line-up with a mid-tier clam device focusing on advanced EVDO technologies.
· New Device (Not Replacement).

Key Features:

· Power Vision
· Sprint Music Store
· On Demand
· Phone as Modem (USB Cable not included)
· Sprint TV
· 1.3 MP Camera
· Ultra thin RAZR design
· Bluetooth
· MicroSD Card Slot
· NFL Application pre-loaded this application is Exclusive to Sprint
· Telenav is preloaded to the device with a 15-day trial

Offer Message

· This device has all of the latest and greatest a customer could want and it is the next generation RAZR. This phone will be preloaded with NFL mobile and will be great for those that want to keep up with their Fantasy Football team.
· This phone will appeal to Advanced Connected and IL Influencers.
· Power Vision, Sprint TV, Sprint Music Store, 1.3 MP Camera and Bluetooth

Pricing & Promotions

· Suggested Retail Price (SRP) $399.99
· 2-Year Commitment $249.99
· $50 instant rebate $199.99

SCP-7000 by Sanyo

Introduction

· The SCP-7000 by Sanyo supplements the Vision line-up with a low-tier rugged and affordable, compact clamshell similar to the Sanyo 2400.

Key Features

· Rugged / Rubberized form factor
· Parental Control (security)
· Sprint PCS Vision
· Built-in Speakerphone
· Wireless Back Up
· Sprint PCS Ready Link enabled
· SMS Voice and Text Messaging enabled
· Blue & Black Faceplates
Unique Features:
· Parental Control (security)
· A unique icon on the Main Menu will provide easy access to the security features built within the phone. This feature will restrict incoming and/or outgoing direct dial calls as well as limit access to services such as Sprint PCS Vision and/or Sprint PCS Ready Link.

Pricing & Promotions

· Suggested Retail Price (SRP) $179.99
· One-Year Promotion Price $104.99
· Two-Year Promotion Price $ 29.99

M500 by Samsung

A slim Power Vision device with advanced features including a MicroSD external memory card, Bluetooth, Themes and GPS capability for use with applications like Telenav and Garmin.

Portfolio Impact

· Drive Sprint Power Vision handset adoption down into the middle and lower cost market segments with the goal of increasing Vision service subscribers and decreasing churn.

Keys Features

· Power Vision
· GPS Enabled
· 1.3 MP Camera
· Speaker Independent Voice Recognition
· Stereo Bluetooth
· MicroSD Card Slot
· Themes (ability to customize the Standby, Main Menu, and Favorites screens)
· Available in 2 colors: Silver and Red

Pricing & Promotions

· Suggested Retail Price (SRP) $279.99
· 2-Year Commitment $129.99
· $50 Mail-in Rebate $79.99

LX150 by LG

Introduction:

The LX150 by LG is a stylish and affordable handset that offers Sprint PCS Vision services with a unique dedicated text message key.

The dedicated text messaging key will appeal to the important teen and young professional audiences who are typically avid text message users.




  • Key Features
  • Slim & fashionable design
  • Dedicated text message key
  • Bluetooth® - enabled
  • Speakerphone
  • Internal Antenna

Pricing & Promotions

  • Suggested Retail Price (SRP) $179.99
  • One-Year Promotion Price $104.99
  • Two-Year Promotion Price $ 29.99

ic402 by Motorola

The ic402 is a new category phone that combines the strength of Nextel and Sprint PCS technologies. The ic402 leverages IDEN and CDMA in one solution, offering Nextel Walkie-Talkie service, including Direct Talk( The all-digital off-network walkie-talkie that works, anytime between compatible phones within close range. Range will vary based on terrain and conditions-See additional disclaimer info under Walkie-Talkie services), and Sprint PCS voice coupled with Vision data services. Launch of the ic402 will be in 24 specific markets only in Q4, 2006.and will be offered nationally in Q1, 2007. The handset is small and stylish calm phone. The ic402 has features and functionality like Color Screen, GPS, Speakerphone, SIM Manager and Accessory Connector Cover. The ic402 has productivity tools such as Voice Recorder, Calendar, Calculator, Alarm and World Clock. The key differences from the ic502, is the ic402 is non-rugged & has no external display.

Customer Benefits

Affordable price

  • Affordable price
  • CDMA and IDEN network coverage
  • Nextel Nationwide and Group Connect Walkie-Talkie
  • Direct Talk-Off Network Walkie-Talkie
  • Sprint Vision Data service
  • Web access and email
  • Small, stylish clam form factor
  • Speakerphone

    Pricing and Promotions
  • $39.99 – Net Price after $40 mail-in rebate with 2-Year contract
  • $79.99 – 2-Year Promotion Price
  • $229.99 – No Commitment Price (SRP)
  • $39.99 - Flat Rate Pricing

ic502 by Motorola

The ic502 is a new category phone that combines the strength of Nextel and Sprint PCS technologies. The ic502 leverages IDEN and CDMA in one solution, offering Nextel Walkie-Talkie service, including Direct Talk (The all-digital off-network walkie-talkie that works anytime between compatible phones within close range. Range will vary based on terrain and conditions-See additional disclaimer info under Walkie-Talkie services), and Sprint PCS voice coupled with Vision data services. Launch of the ic502 will be in 24 specific markets, only in Q4, 2006 and will be offered nationally in Q1, 2007.

The handset is certified to MIL SPECS for dust, shock and vibration. With a rugged, clam shell design, the ic502 also projects a slim and sleek form factor. The ic502 has features and functionality like Color Screen, GPS, Speakerphone, External Display and SIM Manager.



  • The Hybrid will utilize the CDMA and IDEN Networks depending upon the service being used.

  • Voice and Data will use the Sprint PCS network only

  • Walkie-talkie will use the iDEN network (800 MHz)

  • Voice and data roam with other 1900 MHz, but not with 800MHz
    Hybrid phones will operate with complete functionality (voice, data & PTT) in areas where CDMA and IDEN overlap.

Voice and Data service on the Sprint Nextel Hybrid phone will roam to other carriers 1900 MHz coverage. International roaming in Mexico and Canada with CDMA 1900 coverage is limited. Existing IDEN users will experience reduced coverage in these countries when using voice calling and data services. IDEN coverage and International Walkie-Talkie in both countries remains the same.



  • Affordable price

  • CDMA and IDEN network coverage

  • Nextel Nationwide and Group Connect Walkie-Talkie

  • Direct Talk-Off Network Walkie-Talkie

  • Sprint Vision Data service

  • Web access and email

  • Rugged durability with sleek and slim clam design

  • External Display and Speakerphone

Pricing & Promotion



  • $59.99 – Net Price after $40 mail-in rebate with 2-Year contract

  • $99.99 – 2-Year Promotion Price

  • $249.99 – No Commitment Price (SRP)

  • $59.99-Flat Rate Pricing

Sprint has rich handset offers for the holiday season that will make sales easy!

National Handset Offer Highlights:
  • Holiday sales on camera phones just got easier!
  • Samsung a640 = Free after mail-in rebate.
  • Power Vision phones starting at $49.99 with mail-in rebate.
  • Lower prices from prior period on the a900 and Fusic after mail-in rebate.
  • Katana $49.99 BOGO – perfect gift giving idea
  • Instant savings on the new MOTOKRZR.
  • PDAs and Connection Cards perfect for the business customer this holiday season.
  • New Novatel U720 for only $49.99 after mail-in rebate – first USB Rev A device from Sprint.


National iDEN Offers – MIR

  • Introducing the Hybrid handsets with mail-in rebate (red markets only).
  • The new i880 is only $299.99 after mail-in rebate.

Program Details for all iDEN & CDMA National Handset Offers

  • Available to all New and Existing Customers (Consumer, IL, and CL)
  • Required Commitment Term: 2-year agreement
  • Program Participation: New Line of Service or Eligible Existing Customer Upgrade
  • Existing upgrades must meet Upgrade Program eligibility requirements.
  • Participating Channels: All Consumer and Business
  • CL customers (100+ lines on a contract) receive Flat Rate Pricing. CL customers (5-99 lines) receive the consumer promotional handset offer.

Consumer ID Waivers:

  • All Regions:
    Phone: 800-639-6116

Business ID Waivers & Field Fraud Prevention Contact Information:

ID Verification Resources

Reverse Lookups / Directory Assistance:

InfoSpace
Yahoo People Search
White Pages
AnyWho
Freeality
PhoneNumber.com
Google
Yahoo Yellow Pages
Yellow Pages.com
MSN Yellow Pages
Switchboard.com
Lycos
Search Bug

Drivers License Validity:

Florida
Washington State

Business Verification:

Secretaries of State

Area Codes:

Search
Maps

Contact your Regional Fraud Team if assistance is required with ID verification or ID Waivers.

Saturday, November 25, 2006

Palm Treo 700p smart device Sales Training

By now, you’ve heard of the Palm Treo smart device, the all-in-one device that helps people stay in touch and be more productive on the go.

Now, Palm introduces the next generation of Treo devices: The Palm Treo 700P smart device on the Sprint Power Vision Network. Featuring the broadband-like speed of Sprint’s network along with Palm’s familiar operating system and world-class usability, it’s the ultimate combination of speed and ease, and just what your customers want.

The Treo 700P smart device combines a mobile phone with wireless email, a built-in web browser, organizer, camera, and rich media capabilities. Add to that 128 megabytes of memory and built-in Bluetooth wireless technology, and it’s the one device they’ll be reaching for.

So buckle up and get ready for the smart device people love—now with the speed they demand.

Monday, November 20, 2006

Exclusive Dealer Early Bird* Handset Offers

Exclusive Dealer Early Bird * Handset Offers including an (PDF)

  • $130.00 INSTANT REBATE for the Samsung® A900/A900M from 11/23-11/26 **
  • Additional $50.00 INSTANT REBATE for the LG® Fusic 550 from 11/23-11/26 **
  • Additional $100.00 INSTANT REBATE for the Treo™ 700P/700wx through January 13, 2007

* The Early Bird INSTANT Offers are only available for Sprint Exclusive Dealers and for a limited time.
** Offers only available between November 23, 2006 and November 26, 2006.

Save Desk and Port-Out Process Opens for all iDEN (Nextel) at-risk customers regardless of market

What’s New? Effective immediately the Save Desk and POP Box are available as a retention option for at-risk iDEN (Nextel) customers nationwide. To roll this program out quickly, the only the Account Services team is eligible to offer the Hybrid outside of the 24 designated Target Launch Markets.

This means that Power Source (formerly known as Hybrid) handsets will be an option for qualified customers who are at-risk of deactivating iDEN (Nextel) units but do not reside in one of the 24 Target Launch Markets through Sprint Account Services only.
Sprint dealers residing within the Targeted Launch Markets will continue to have access to the Motorola ic502 for at-risk customers residing in a Target Market. Dealers should continue to use the Hybrid Phone Sales Territory Lookup Tool posted on i.n.c > Top Informational Resources > Sprint Nextel Hybrid Information > Hybrid Phone Sales Territory Lookup Tool to verify customer eligibility.

Non-Target Market dealers can report at-risk iDEN (Nextel) customers through the Port-Out Process (POP Box). To access the POP Box, Go to i.n.c > Top Online Forms section > Port-Out Prevention (POP)/Account Services Request link and complete the "Port-Out-Prevention" form or send an email to P_O_P@Sprint.com and include the number of units at risk and the Billing Account Number (BAN) in the email.
Please only use Sprint Account Services when assisting customers you believe may be at-risk of deactivating or porting out because of Unresolved Network and Coverage issues. If customers have general questions about the Hybrid phones, please access Hybrid Program Reference Materials on i.n.c > Top Informational Resources section > Sprint Nextel Hybrid Information link.

What’s Changed? As reported during the Dealer-channel launch of the Motorola ic502,
“And if non-Target Market ARs identify a non-Target Market customer as “At-Risk…? The POP Box (Port Out Prevention) is a dedicated path built for sales channels to partner with the Retention (Account Services) team whenever Sales believes any of their iDEN [or CDMA] accounts may be at-risk of deactivating or porting out because of: unresolved network and coverage issues, [Competitive rate plans and offers, Equipment upgrade pricing, cost reductions, etc.]” [AR Sales Café Presentation, Slide 28]

Sprint Dealer Rewards -- Now with iDEN

That's right -- 22 iDEN handsets are now eligible for rewards -- and BIG REWARDS. How about 150 points for each sale and activation.

More Points for the Sprint PPC 6700 (Flier)
Limited time offer -- now receive 150 points for the Sprint PPC6700. And don't forget the quiz sponsored by HTC - worth 30 points for a passing score! With a net price of only $199, the Sprint PPC6700 is an unbelievable value for your customers and you're rewarded.

Plus -- All the great handset promotions and chances for prizes already launched are still available.
  • Get your chance to win thousands of prizes by visiting the Palm Sell Spin and Win promotion.
  • 38 Handsets with rewards ranging from 30 to 150 points.
  • 7 Mobile Broadband Cards at 50 points each! And the Pantech PX-500 is free!

For a complete listing of participating Sprint products visit the following link: http://www.sprint.com/dealerrewards/Dealerrewards_holidayflyer.pdf

Visit web site for details at http://sprintdealerrewards.giftcert.com.


Holiday cheers to our Dealer Sales Representatives. Reward yourself!
Sprint Dealer Rewards Team

Samsung Holiday Spectacular Sales Contest

Think Sprint First this holiday season, and reward yourself with spectacular Samsung prizes and handsets. Accelerate your gift card rewards with more points and more phones with the addition of iDEN handsets to the Sprint Dealer Rewards program!!
Starting November 20th:

Samsung Holiday Spectacular Sales Contest -- (FLYER)

Over 60 BIG PRIZES
For 60 Top Winners
Win More than $60,000 in prizes!!

  • Grand Prize - a Samsung 71” Widescreen DLP television, a 5-disc home Theatre Audio System plus….
  • Samsung Ultra Compact Sports Camcorders
  • Samsung 20” LCD Televisions
  • Samsung 8 MP Digital Cameras

Plus, each winning Dealer Sales Representative will also be awarded the newest handset in the Samsung line-up, the Samsung M610!!
Sell 10 or more qualified Samsung handsets, and you'll be entered into a random drawing for 1 of 30 additional Samsung M610's.

Wednesday, November 15, 2006

Referral Rewards Program

2006 Reward Tactics

The Sprint Referral Rewards Program will…

  • Allow iDEN non-shared additional line referrals.
  • Reward referrers and referees with a $25 Visa Debit Card.
  • Reward 2-3 times faster than current process.

What Does This Mean To Me?

Increase Your Sales By Increasing Your Sales Force and Eliminate Cold Calling!

  • Grow your sales by turning customers into your Sales Force! -One happy customer could refer ten new ones, those ten could each refer ten more, and those 10…the possibilities are endless!

How?

  • Provide each new and existing customer with a Sprint Referral Rewards brochure. i_referral_rewards_training.ppt
  • Attach a business card or write your contact information on the detachable referral cards. This way, the prospects your customer refers will be more likely to contact you when they’re ready to buy.
  • Take 15 seconds with customers to show them how the program works, benefits, and timeframes for receiving rewards


What’s New with the Program?

  • Referrer and Referee both receive a $25 Visa Debit Card-no more service credits.
  • Referee will call #REF (#733) on their handset and enter both the referrer and referee numbers to get credit.
  • New for CDMA-only the NEW customer can call #REF (#733) to complete the referral.
  • New for iDEN-referrals are no longer entered via FDT, new customers call #REF (#733).
  • New customers must call #REF within 15 days of activation rather than waiting 60 days.
  • The customer’s Visa Debit Card will be mailed within 6-8 weeks to the account holder’s address.
  • If a customer needs assistance using the Visa Debit Card, they can call 1-800-424-4357, also on the back of the card.
  • Maximum of 12 referrals per calendar year. No monthly maximum.

Eligibility

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must be a new line of service-either consumer or individual-liable customer type.
  • Sprint and Nextel employees, Affiliate and 3rd Party employees are not eligible for the program.
  • Business accounts including Corporate-liable, Government and Public Sector are noteligible.
  • Maximum of 12 referrals per account per year. No monthly maximum.

View Training Document >

Push-to-Talk / Direct Connect

Years ago, Nextel made a huge splash with Direct Connect communications. It worked just like a walkie-talkie. Instead of dialing a phone number and waiting for the person to answer, you simply just pushed a button and began talking. Now that digital phones can transmit more than just voice, the "push to talk" offering has evolved to include something known as "push to X." Our conversation with Beverly Little reveals the possibilities of "X."

Listen to the pocast

Tuesday, November 14, 2006

DIRECT SHIP:

Due to the increased number of Direct Ship orders, warehouse consolidation and systems issues – Direct Ship orders are taking longer than expected to fill and ship. Please bear with us while we get our new facility up to speed. You should see Direct Ship orders go out within 3-5 days of being placed.

Delayed Handset Launches for November/December:

  • The LG LX150 has a unique launch situation. Dealers may sell the inventory out of their stock beginning the week of November 12th, but the Direct Ship option will not be available for a few weeks. There is no issue with the handset, only with the activation software used at the warehouse for Direct Ship orders.
  • The Sanyo 7000 has been delayed until December 3rd.
  • The Novatel U720 has been delayed until the week of December 3rd for all channels. This is due to the FCC needing to certify the cable that is included in the box with the card.
  • Motorola RED RAZR (EVDO version) – DIRECT SHIP Launch has been moved back to November 9th. This is available through Direct Ship only. Employees have been asked to wait a few weeks before purchasing.
  • The Motorola ic502 has been approved for launch on November 12th. This handset is only available to those dealers in Red Markets.
  • The Motorola ic402 has been delayed until late November/December time frame.

$500 Customer Deposit Return - No SSN

We have recently discovered a database error that impacted the deposit amounts for some non SSN credit applications. Many of the credit decisions were returned with a $500 deposit with a $400 account spending limit. A fix is scheduled for tonight and should be in place by tomorrow. The credit team is working to revisit the applications submitted within the last four days. This application review should be completed by close of business on Tuesday and if necessary, will be reassign credit decisions.

Indirect Agents who feel strongly that the decision return is erroneous, should contact the Sprint Credit group and "ask for a supervisor" for a manual review. This group can be contacted @ 800-639-6116 by selecting option 2 then 2 again. Please be prepared to give the Credit Agent the application number. Also, please be aware that this does not guarantee that the decision return will change.

Note: Please make sure tickets are being created with NSS when dealers are experiencing these or any other system issue. Also, because of the number of outstanding issues that require the assistance of NSS you may experience longer than normal hold times when contacting that group. Your patience is greatly appreciated.

Price Plan Term vs. Equipment Term - FDT

We have discovered an issue around the commitment terms associated with Price Plans and Equipment. Price plans will be displayed only when the associated price plan commitment term matches that of the equipment term. For example: A user that associates a 24 month commitment term with a piece of equipment will not be able to select price plans that have a 12 month associated commitment term. The largest population of price plans we are seeing with this issue are the Business Essentials price plans. Until this issue is fixed, the work around that should be communicated to Indirect Agents should be to submit the order with a price plan that they can select and create a follow-up to update the price plan once the order has been submitted. NSS will receive the follow-up and change the plan accordingly.

Update: We have isolated the cause of this issue and are testing a fix this week. This fix should be loaded into FDT on the night of 11/19/06. Please make sure your Indirect Agents are aware of the workaround until this fix has been loaded.

Sprint Dealer Rewards presents: Palm Sell Spin and Win

Palm has awarded over 900 prizes to the Indirect Sales Team and there’s more to come! This is the sales incentive that awards prizes to Authorized Sales Representatives for selling a Sprint Treo 700 smart devices.

This is a great opportunity to win great prizes and sell more Treos. This incentive will run through the end of December. What better time of year to have a contest running.
Please forward the announcement your AR's.

All they have to do is register at www.palm.com/sprintsellspinwin.




For questions, please contact Joy Gish at joy.l.gish@sprint.com or Melinda Carter at mailto:melinda.r.maberry@sprint.com

Thursday, November 09, 2006

Motorola i880

Motorola and Sprint have teamed together to make the i880, an all-in-one multimedia iDEN handset. This is first to have a built-in 2.0 megapixel camera, as well as other features.

For example, the i880 also has an integrated music player so a user can enjoy MP3s, audio files, and audio podcasts, all through the front dual-port speakers in stereo sound. You can also store extra multimedia files with the included 64 MB microSD card.

The i880 also is on Nextel’s Nationwide walkie-talkie services, with several options including: Group Connect, which can enable conversations with up to 21 participants worldwide; Direct Talk, allowing short range conversations without network coverage; and Direct Send, which allows users to send contact information and pictures to another Direct Send customer.







Wednesday, November 08, 2006

Sprint Accelerates EV-DO Revision A Mobile Broadband Upgrade

Sprint Accelerates EV-DO Revision A Mobile Broadband Upgrade

  • Implementation starts in 4th quarter 2006
  • Upgrade will provide users with a mobile DSL experience
  • Total mobile broadband footprint to cover 200 million people by year end 2006
  • First over-the-network connection successfully completed
  • EV-DO Rev A devices to be available to customers this fall


Last week Sprint successfully completed the first EV-DO Revision A data connection over the Sprint Power Vision network in San Diego, CA. This development combined with a series of other positive performance tests drove the decision to speed up the deployment plan. Additionally, Sprint has been demonstrating applications such as all IP video telephony, high performance push-to-talk (walkie-talkie service), multi-user video conferencing, real time gaming and video streaming of both content and live web cams simultaneously.


"We have taken this technology out of the laboratory and are currently integrating it into our network," said Kathy Walker, chief network officer at Sprint. "We are really pleased with the results and excited about rolling it out to our customers."

Read more>

Tuesday, November 07, 2006

January/February handset/card launches:

Novatel Express Card –possible late January launch. More information to come.
Motorola Q – possible late January launch. More information to come.

December handset launches

  • Novatel U720 - delayed until the week of December 3rd . SRP = $ 249.99
  • Sanyo M1 – this Power Vision clamshell includes 2.0 MP camera, 1 GB of internal memory, MP3 player, Bluetooth and Ready Link. Replacement for Samsung A920. Launches as a Direct Ship ONLY option the week of Dec. 3rd. SRP = $349.99
  • Samsung M610 (Glint) - slim premium EVDO clamshell device. Power Vision; GPS Enabled; 2.0 MP Camera; Speakerphone; Stereo Bluetooth and MicroSD Card Slot. SRP = $329.99
  • Novatel Mini - testing a mini Card. Launch date may get pushed back to Q1.

(Note: Launch dates may change)

Handset Inventory Delayed ~ Update

  • Novatel U720 - has been delayed until the week of December 3rd. This is due to the FCC needing to certify the cable that is included in the box with the card.
  • Motorola i880 - there were system issues when loading the SKUs and Codes for the Motorola i880, so delayed a few days. The handset is now available for purchase!

Unified Billing Platform Updates

Upgrade Later - FDT

FDT users may experience intermittent issues around their ability to submit upgrade later orders for both iDEN and CDMA Ensemble subscribers. There is currently no ETR available. We are aggressively working to resolve this issue and will provide updates as they become available.

Credit Check - FDT

FDT users may experience intermittent issues processing credit applications in FDT. This delay is driving higher then normal call volumes into Sprint Call Centers therefore you might experience higher then normal hold times. We are working aggressively toward a solution for this problem and will provide an update once the issue is resolved.

Note: Please make sure Indirect Agents are dialing 800-639-6116 and selecting option 2 for all customer credit checks that need to be processed over the phone - both CDMA and iDEN.

NSP/ESRP at the BAN Level - FDT

FDT users may experience a hard stop error message when trying to add a subscriber to an account with NSP attached at the BAN level. The error message states "Error 110031513: The selected Price Plan/Package Feature is invalid at line 1". The temporary workaround that should be communicated to Indirect Agents would be to call National Sales Support to obtain assistance with the order. NSS will activate the subscriber directly through CSM (Ensemble) on behalf of the dealer and apply the dealer's agent code. We are aggressively working to resolve this issue and will provide updates as they become available.

Reminder: Please make sure tickets are being created with NSS when dealers are experiencing these or any other system issue.

Fraud Prevention

November edition of West Express

For those of you in the CORS channel this will be your first edition of getting our monthly newsletter. Welcome! We hope you enjoy reading our newsletters and that you find them beneficial in helping us reduce the risk of fraudulent activations, especially during this upcoming holiday season. Our monthly regional newsletters are primarily targeted to our Indirect Dealer channels, however we will always try to present news and helpful tips that are applicable to you as well.

In this month's edition:
  • New Indirect Dealer Channel "Get Well" Program
  • Understand the risks associated with entering bogus SSNs
  • Protect your FDT User IDs and Logins
  • NOCA News in regard to the Indirect Dealer channel's documentation audits
  • Call us for fraud prevention training!


Please provide your feedback and please ask us any questions that you might have.


Thanks.


Your West Region Fraud Prevention team:
Kristina McConnell, Mike Nixon, and Lou Hackbarth
West Fraud: 925-904-4000

Indirect Merchandise Pre-Launch Ordering Site

We are pleased to announce the launch of the Indirect Merchandise Pre-Launch Ordering Site.
The Pre-Launch Site is being used to collect orders in advance for merchandise needing to be purchased in bulk, as well as to sell excess inventory at Blow-Out Sale pricing.

Important Details:

Visit http://63.135.120.125/sprint to review products and place orders.

  • Deadline: November 20, 2006: Orders may be placed starting Monday, October 30th through Monday, November 20th.
  • Payment: Funds will be deducted directly from your AAS Co-Op Account for all orders placed via the Indirect Merchandise Pre-Launch Ordering Site. If funds are not available, the Dealer will be contacted directly by the vendor and asked to pay via credit card. Credit card orders may be submitted for Co-Op Reimbursement following the standard reimbursement procedures. A Pre-Approval is not required.
  • Quantity Available: Quantities are limited for all Blow-Out Sale items. These items will not be reproduced once inventory has been depleted. Orders will be fulfilled on a first come-first served basis based on when the order was submitted.
  • In-Hands Date: Items pre-launched through this site are being manufactured based on the quantity ordered. Product manufacturing and shipping times vary. Please review in-hands dates for specifics, which can be found on the main screen or under the more info > section for each product.
  • Shipping Fees: Please review each item carefully as some include shipping and others do not.
  • Shipping Addresses: If you would like items sent to multiple addresses, please complete a separate order for each ship-to address.
  • Tax: Michigan, North Carolina, and California orders are subject to sales tax, which will be added to your total amount and deducted from your AAS Co-Op Account separately, after the order has shipped.
  • Questions / Issues: If you have questions about this program, the products being offered, or about your order please feel free to contact Michelle Lawrence at (703) 433-8825 or via email at michelle.m.lawrence@sprint.com.

Handset Inventory Delayed

DELAYED LAUNCHED:

Motorola i880 – there were system issues when loading the SKUs and Codes for the Motorola i880. This issue is being worked, and we hope to have resolved by COB, Friday, November 3rd.

The following handset launches have been delayed until the week of November 12th for all channels (which means they could show up as late as Friday November 17th):

  • LG LX150
  • Samsung M500
  • Sanyo 7000
  • Novatel U720

Motorola RED RAZR (EVDO version) – DIRECT SHIP Launch has been moved back to November 9th. This is available through Direct Ship only. The RED RAZR will have an SRP = $304.99 with the additional amount to be donated to the RED campaign.

The Indirect Dealers will not be launching the Motorola SLVR in November.

Friday, October 06, 2006

Port Out Prevention

WHAT’s NEW?

The POP Box (Port Out Prevention) is a dedicated path we’ve built for the sales channels to partner with the Retention (Account Services) team whenever Sales believes any of their iDEN or CDMA accounts may be at-risk of deactivating or porting out because of:

  • Unresolved network and coverage issues
  • Competitive rate plans and offers
  • Equipment upgrade pricing
  • Cost reductions, etc.

Effective Monday October 2, the POP team has incorporated the HYBRID phone as a retention solution for iDEN customers with network or coverage issues.

The earlier sales partners with the POP team , the more successful our retention effort as it gives us an opportunity to resolve the customer’s issues earlier in the dissatisfaction phase, prior to a deactivation or a port-out.

How to get requests into POP

We’ve made it very simple:

  • Preferred Method: Requests to the POP team can be submitted online through our http://indirect.nextel.com/ websites. Click on the Customer Support Tools link and open the Port-Out-Prevention (POP)/Account Services request form. Online submission will provide you with an auto-generated request number allowing for easier tracking.
  • Back-Up Method: From a blackberry or if you cannot access s.n.c or i.n.c, send an e-mail to P_O_P@sprint.com and include the customer’s account number, contact information and a description of the issue and note if you want to be contacted first.
  • POP team reps are our most experienced retention reps and have a very good understanding of Enterprise and Government contracts.
  • SLA for customer contact is 24-48 hrs.
  • POP Box save rate is >90%

Upgrade Program Clarification

What is it: The “New for You” upgrade program recently underwent some program changes. Please see below for a program overview.

Program Effective: September 9th, 2006

Program Overview:

Changes for iDEN:

  • iDEN customers will no longer be eligible for a $75 rebate anytime they upgrade. Instead, they will be eligible to receive $75 the first day of 13 calendar months since their last equipment discount.
  • On 9/9/06, eligibility for the upgrade program will be reset for some iDEN customers based on time since their last discount of $75 or more instead of based on just their last discount of $150 or more.
  • IDEN Customers will be able to receive $150 discounts earlier. They will be eligible for a $150 discount, day 1 of 23 calendar months instead of 24 months.

Changes for CDMA:

  • Customers will be able to receive $150 discounts earlier. They will be eligible for a $150 discount, day 1 of 23 calendar months instead of 24 months.
  • Customer's eligibility date for the new program will continue to be based on Handset Life on File. However, once a customer takes advantage of a rebate, their new eligibility date will be based on the last rebate received.
  • After 09/09/06, customers rebate eligibility will not be reset when they upgrade their phone unless they receive an equipment discount at the time of upgrade. This will address the number one complaint received in Customer Service regarding the old program.

Summary of Changes to the New for You program:

Current Program (iDEN):
1-12 months- Up to $75
13-23 months - Up to $75
24+ - Up to $150

New Program (iDEN):
1-12 months- No rebate
13-22 months- Up to $75
23+ - Up to $150


Current Program (CDMA):
1-12 months- No rebate
13-23 months- Up to $75
24+ - Up to $150

New Program (CDMA):
1-12 months- No rebate
13-22 months- Up to $75
23+ - Up to $150

See complete program document attached.

National Handset Upgrade Progam - Pricing Sheet (10/01/2006)

Thursday, October 05, 2006

3rd Party Hotline Job Aid

We are currently experiencing routing issues with the NSS hotline.
Please use the 3rd Party Hotline number (1-866-542-1248) for all IDEN and CDMA support until further notice.

Below are the three main prompts options in the 3rd Party Hotline. Each prompt will take you to more options (see attached 3rd Party Job Aid).

  • Option 1: Hybrid Support. Not to be used until November 5th
  • Option 2: CDMA Support
  • Option 3: IDEN Support

3rd Party Hotline Job Aid

"Who to Call"

The AR Operations "Who to Call" list revised October 1st, 2006. This document is posted in INC under "Top Information Resources".

"Who to Call"

Unified Billing Platform...

WHAT’s NEW?

Sprint is launching a new bill format in support of moving toward a Unified Billing Platform. The primary goal of the Unified Billing Platform initiative is integrate the Company's systems to provide our customers with a better experience. Existing IDEN customers will begin seeing the new format on their October 2006 invoice. CDMA customers will begin to receive the new invoice once they are migrated to Ensemble during various Conversions scheduled under the UBP initiative.

When Will This Begin?


Existing IDEN customers will begin seeing the new format on their October 2006 invoice. Existing CDMA customers will be migrated to the new bill in phased Conversions. The first Conversion (C.1) is scheduled to occur Oct. 19 through Oct. 22nd and will consist of approximately 145,000 customers in the South Region. Sprint has mailed a notification to each of these customers to provide them with advanced notice of the format and to explain benefits of the new bill. These CDMA customer Conversions will continue through the end of the year 2007 at which point all customers will be receiving the new bill.

More information on the first scheduled Conversion will be made available prior to 10/19.

Highlights of the New Billing Format

  • The bill has fewer pages
  • Each bill is personalized
  • Increased white space for better readability
  • Information provided on the bill contains more detail
  • Designed to work with customer online billing options
  • ”WOW” factor with use of more color and the Sprint brand

Where Can You Find Information on the New Billing Format?

There is a web based training that has been created to educate you on the new format.

Training materials are also posted to i.n.c.

Training > Ensemble > Ensemble – Unified Billing Release 1 > New Bill Preview Training

Wednesday, October 04, 2006

How do I get started?




We are so glad you have taken a moment to explore Wireless Partners. To facilitate processing of your application, please complete all of the attached documents as listed below:

Confidentiality & Indemnification Agreement (click)

Wireless Partners New Dealer Information Sheet (click)

Wireless Partners AAR Agreement (click)

Credit Application (click)

W-9 Tax Form (click)

Dealer Demo Request Form (click)

When completed, deliver the entire package of information to:

Mail original to:


Wireless Partners
Attn: Patrick Walsh
Vice President National Dealer Operations
3225 Grande Vista Drive
Newbury Park, CA 91320

E-mail or Fax just the signed pages to:

Patrick@thewirelesspartners.com or
Fax copy to: 866-756-3512

Sprint Nextel announce 4G data network

Sprint Nextel announce 4G data network by ZDNet's Matthew Miller -- Sprint Nextel look to be leading the pack with their announcement of WiMax rollout beginning in 2007. Customers will be able to replace their DSL or cable modem with a wireless router in the next couple years.