PGHammer
join:2003-06-09
Accokeek, MD
clubs:
 ·Comcast
| Why Pivot Flopped
Pivot's biggest issue was the underlying Sprint PCS service could not compete heads-up with the existing cellular services (especially that from VZW or AT&T Mobility). AT&T Mobility has the iPhone (and wins on *cool factor* because of it), while VZW wins on network coverage. Even worse (for Pivot), both AT&T Mobility and VZW have a greater selection of lower-cost handsets (in addition to cheaper rates on services). So *why* would anyone choose Pivot over AT&T Mobility or VZW? |
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GujuGuy67
join:2003-07-28
Garland, TX
| I suppose now the more appropriate question is, why would anyone choose Sprint over AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile...
AT&T has the iPhone "cool" factor.
Verizon has the network.
T-Mobile has amazing customer service.
The only thing that is really keeping Sprint afloat or rather keeping customers from defecting is the fact that they have ways of making you want to stay - discounts, free addons, etc... in combination with a plan that you may be on, it usually ends up being the best deal of the four. Take particular notice of SERO and their unlimited plan, which is inclusive of every service they have to offer - Blackberry, GPS, etc., etc... |
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disc
join:2005-12-31
Raleigh, NC
| reply to PGHammer
said by PGHammer  :Pivot's biggest issue was the underlying Sprint PCS service could not compete heads-up with the existing cellular services (especially that from VZW or AT&T Mobility). Are you suggesting that Pivot would have been successful if only VzW or AT&T Mobility were used instead? Dream on. Pivot was all about converged features, and simply put the converged services offered weren't compelling enough. Changing the carrier underneath it wouldn't have changed a thing.
They just needed to think a little bit more outside the box on the converged services offer. Maybe Unified Communications (premised on the wireless service) to the broadband home and/or to the TV would have been the ticket. |
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wifi4milez
Big Russ, 1918 to 2008. Rest in Peace
join:2004-08-07
New York, NY
 ·Sprint Mobile Broa..
·RoadRunner Cable
 ·BroadVoice
| said by disc :They just needed to think a little bit more outside the box on the converged services offer. Maybe Unified Communications (premised on the wireless service) to the broadband home and/or to the TV would have been the ticket. I think the real reason this failed is because they charged a premium ($15 to $20) for bundling in wireless service with your existing cable service. This was a complete disaster for a number of reasons. First, the so called "quad play", offering customers a discounted price on TV, phone, internet, and cell service is a pipe dream, and nobody wants it. Secondly (and the exact opposite), is that charging people MORE money to bundle in their cell service is the stupidest concept ever created.
Pivot could have made an impact if they offered a discount to customers who purchased the service. For instance, they could have offered customers the SERO rate given that they already had the cable services on their account. Unfortunately, they chose to not do this and thats why it failed. People will NEVER pay more money for less service, and this just proved that.
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hottboiinnc
ME
join:2003-10-15
Toledo, OH | reply to PGHammer
Sprint, VZW, and Alltel almost have the same size network. They're all partnered together for roaming. One's network is not the issue. It was the pricing for the most part. |
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wifi4milez
Big Russ, 1918 to 2008. Rest in Peace
join:2004-08-07
New York, NY
·Sprint Mobile Broa..
·RoadRunner Cable
·BroadVoice
| said by hottboiinnc :Sprint, VZW, and Alltel almost have the same size network. They're all partnered together for roaming. One's network is not the issue. It was the pricing for the most part. This had nothing to do with the network, and everything to do with the pricing model.
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PGHammer
join:2003-06-09
Accokeek, MD
clubs: | reply to hottboiinnc
VZW *has* no roaming charges (and with their network coverage, their customers have little reason to roam). You must mean Sprint and AllTel. |
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tc1uscg
join:2005-03-09
Saint Clair Shores, MI
·Comcast
·WOW Internet and C..
| reply to disc
Ding Ding.. You win for best TRUE answer for what the service was..
Fanboys of VZW, AT&T, TM or Sprint needs to see it for what it was. That's also been a selling point for CC and WOW trying to get people to switch phone service. Only when they lowered the price did people start leaving POTS for "PSoIP" (my new term.. Phone service over IP" since CC will all but fight you to the death if you call it VoIP. Just like when people using Femtocells, it's WoIP.. Call it for what it is. |
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tc1uscg
join:2005-03-09
Saint Clair Shores, MI
·Comcast
·WOW Internet and C..
| reply to PGHammer
 said by PGHammer :VZW *has* no roaming charges (and with their network coverage, their customers have little reason to roam). You must mean Sprint and AllTel. Yeah, that must be what they mean . It also could be the reason why every summer at our boy scout summer camp session, mom's and dad's ask what service works in the areas we go to (between the 2 camps). It's always the same answer. Altel, Sprint and Nextel. If you have TM, AT&T, forget it though TRAC phones work ok. VZW, it's funny to see the boys walking in circles trying to get a signal during our allowed "communications period". At best, some get "roaming on enhanced network". Meanwhile I'm getting EVDO speed weax updates on my phone (Sanyo MM7500). That's why I've stayed with Sprint. Been to some backwoods areas so I'm not convinced that anyone can offer anything better, even at the same price  . But if I was REALLY worried and wanted 100% coverage with no price restrictions, I'll just get a satellite phone.  |
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hottboiinnc
ME
join:2003-10-15
Toledo, OH
·buckeye cable
| Just because a cell provider doesnt charge roaming doesnt mean it won't. They can eat those. But VZW does roam with Sprint in Alltel. I don't know how you figure they never roam. I can tell you 1 city in MI (adrian) that VZW has on "extended network" better known as roaming. All companies eat roaming. Just some do not eat it in certain areas where they do not have roaming agreements for. |
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