I thought about this after some of the discussion in another thread about how long it takes for CDMA handsets to be released in NZ.

It seems that the firmware needs to be modified to work with the software that we have here.

So I ask:

Now that TC have this new partnership(?) with Sprint for handsets, why not also install the same software on the network so they can be released in a more timely fashion?

I understand that there may be a significant cost, but if the hardware is the same (and it seems that it is - they don't need to rebuild the handsets, do they?) they surely they can develop/buy the network software, have it installed and then just change over. Of course, all those people with the current firmware would be mildly annoyed. But most dealers have a data connection in the store. Maybe it would be possible for the customers to simply drop into a dealer and have the upgrade done via this.

Surely Reckless and Skyplonk are only a small representation of the true number of people that TC are losing to or in danger of losing to Voda simply because of the handset range. I know a number of my friends don't care about the security and/or clarity of their call - they just want a status symbol which they can whip out whenever anyone calls or SMSs them.