With the craziness of the internet comes rumors galore and articles are published with a furry that rivals jackals around a downed wildebeest. Of course, all of these ‘rumors’ need to be taken with a grain of salt, but usually there is a bit of truth to them. Just like the once rumored Verizon iPhone, 3 years later, the rumors came to pass with the release of the CDMA iPhone4.
The newest barrage of major rumoritis surrounds Deutsche Telekom (the parent of T-Mobile USA) selling their interest in T-Mobile USA to Sprint/Nextel for a simple controlling interest in the new company. The biggest issue that would face a merger of the number 3 and 4 carriers is the incompatibility of their networks. T-Mobile currently operates a GSM/HSPA+ network and Sprint is running CDMA/WiMAX. This creates a logistical nightmare not unlike the one that Sprint is still working through after their 2005 merger.
Overall, the short-term affects of a deal of this magnitude would be rather small. For the first few months after announcing an agreement, Sprint and T-Mobile would continue to operate as 2 separate companies. About 6 months in to the deal, the FCC would grant their approval, which is almost assured since both companies are bleeding funds and need something to stop the hemorrhaging. This is also about the time that billing departments, technical support lines and retail locations will be merged into a single entity.
Within 12 months of finalizing the deal, a network protocol will be decided on, the new hardware designs will be drifting into Sprint/T-Mobile Stores. New signage and plans will be popping up in stores and the websites will soon merge to the new and improved ‘T-Int’ network.
By the time the merger is finalized, phones like the EVO, will be due for upgrades. But if for some reason, Sprint closes the door on the WiMAX option before your date is up, you can bet you will see an early upgrade credit. For now, get that EVO while you can and enjoy the best 4G experience in the nation on the Now Network.
Get your HTC Evo 4G today at our partner site – http://www.getsmartphones.info.
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