Expert: DebiN - 10/7/2009

Question
Hi, The only cell phone carrier that seems to work in my house is Nextel.  Although they have merged with Sprint, Sprint service does not work.  Neither do Sprint style cell phones.  If I have Nextel service but a Sprint phone - it does not work.  The only thing that works is Nextel service and Nextel Motorola phones.  Does this make sense?  Am I stuck forever with only using Nextel and Nextel phones?  Does the type of phone really make a difference?  Thank you!!

Answer
This makes complete sense and I'll explain why. Though Sprint bought Nextel, the two companies use different networks. Nextel uses an iDEN network and Sprint uses CDMA. A lot of people wonder why a company would buy another company with a completely separate network that couldn't be integrated together (and they can't). When Cingular bought AT&T Wireless, both were GSM networks and the company was able to integrate them. This is not the case with Sprint/Nextel. Sprint now operates two completely separate networks. So, if only Nextel works, then that means that Sprint doesn't have service on their CDMA network that will reach where you live. What will solve your problem is if Sprint builds out their CDMA network where you live or another carrier does. Have you tried AT&T or T-Mobile where you live? Eventually, the technology is changing and this may change what happens where you live, but no time in the next couple of months - maybe years. I hope this helps. Thanks. DebiN