Comments on: With Nexus One on Sprint, Google Finally Flips Sales Model

By: tom

tom — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 06:43:55 +0000

i hope that this is also offered unlocked for use on the alternate CDMA prepaid carriers such as cricket and metroPCS or for that matter even verizon(yes. verizon will activate phones they do not sell if the PRL(primary roaming list) has been properly ‘flashed’ so that the phone works on verizon network.)

By: Kevin C. Tofel

Kevin C. Tofel — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 21:00:14 +0000

Correct, this only the first step. I can’t say if a CDMA Nexus One can be moved between Sprint and Verizon because Google hasn’t offered any details. Typically, it’s not something that’s easily done, but of course, that doesn’t mean it can’t be. And if Google is serious about a complete overhaul of the traditional model, they’ll need an environment as you describe — multi-frequency phones. I don’t expect a situation in the U.S. where you can simply move one from from carrier to carrier until we get 4G rolled out across all the carriers, and even then it’s not guaranteed.

By: Ray

Ray — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 20:42:22 +0000

Well a partial flip anyway…

You article didn’t say that once Sprint is picked as a carrier, is the phone locked to Sprint? How about Verizon?

The U.S. will only have a true marketplace when customers dissatisfied with their service can easily move their phones to a new carrier. Discussions about ETF’s aside, this will require phones that work on all U.S. frequencies and a CDMA SIM (Verizon was planning one a few years back.)

Google has made a good first step but it will probably take something like the FCC requiring all phones sold in the U.S. to support all U.S. frequencies to truly flip the market on its head.

By: Chris

Chris — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:19:43 +0000

I think this is a good way for phones to be sold, but there is a better way. Sell one device that supports all the radio’s for each network.

Its been reported that blackberry manufactures phones that support all radio bans for each network, but will customize the phone for the carrier (thus locking/unlocking certain radio bands).

Think about it, you just bought a brand new phone from google. You turn the phone on, it asks for your existing carrier and downloads the necessary files for your phone. A user can register the phone with their log in, without walking into the store. If you are starting a new contract, it has the options to select different rate plans.

The bonus of this: If you switch carriers you can take your phone with you!

By: HG

HG — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 15:44:29 +0000

I think this is going to be the way mobile phones will be sold. This way it’s not on a certain carrier for months before its available with other carriers. They would have to workout the support side, so if you have problems with phone your not left out not knowing whir to get support.

By: Chris

Chris — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 03:55:44 +0000

This is how I see the Nexus One and supersonic debate going down:

The supersonic will be a Wimax device, WITH Sense, with a similar processor to the Nexus one. The caveat: It has sense, thus updates are going to be slow, just like the hero. By the time you get a significant upgrade, a new model will be out soon. Wimax may cost more per month, hopefully not

The nexus one will be 3G only, no sense, and easily upgreadable straight from google.

So, depending on your needs, and what you value (4G/upgradability). You, the consumer will have 2 great Android choices on Sprint. Each with pluses and minuses.

By: Tom

Tom — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 03:32:13 +0000

How do you like your Palm Pre? I have had one since last December and I love it. I used to have a Palm Treo 650 and Palm Centro too.

By: Rob C

Rob C — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 01:16:44 +0000

Supersonic or Nexus… Supersonic or Nexus… decisions, decisions.

By: Joe

Joe — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 00:35:51 +0000

Until they get subsidized on every carrier, this is really a non-story for most, honestly.

Normal people aren’t going to spend the $529 on a phone.

By: Dan

Dan — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 00:33:16 +0000

Isn’t there a Blackberry (other than the Storm) on every carrier?