Why doesn't Telecom standardise?

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jase250

90 posts

Master Geek

#3478 16-Feb-2005 15:20

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.

Bunty

58 posts

Master Geek

#12869 16-Feb-2005 15:26

Thats a great idea.

In fact thats what Telecom is actually doing. A large network chnage is happening to align a number of layers to Sprint PCS. This is what is bringing handsets such as the 7400, A680, 8200 ++++ to this market along with video streaming, P2T etc.

Telecom will soon be delivering new devices to market soon after/ at the same time as they hit the US market. The 7400 launched here 4 weeks after it launched in the US.

Jama

1420 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#12870 16-Feb-2005 15:27

All CDMA carriers have different systems. CDMA from a network perspective is standard its everything else around it that is non standard.

Telecom is working on standardising platforms with Sprint - this does take time. You don't just whip out a server, plug it in, power it on and suddenly it works! So far PTT and MMSC platforms are the same as Sprint.

Out of the box almost any CDMA handset will work in NZ on voice and SMS - its just everything else that will not work......

It will get better this year with the majority of handsets coming via Sprint.

jase250

90 posts

Master Geek

#12871 16-Feb-2005 15:30

Is this integration with Sprint's s/w seamless and backwards compatible? So customers won't have to change their current handsets' firmware?

jase250

90 posts

Master Geek

#12872 16-Feb-2005 15:35

Ahhh... thanks Jama. Makes my previous post irrelevant now.

Bunty

58 posts

Master Geek

#12874 16-Feb-2005 15:36

It sure is. This alignment has no impact on older devices
Most of the changes are happening in the application layer....new platforms to support Picture/video mail, P2T etc.
What this means is that older handsets continue to operate unchanged whilst new innovative devices from Sprint can be delivered quickly to market.

There are still a number of software changes needed to get a Sprint device to work well in NZ. As Jama points out voice and SMS typically work out of the box. Data on the other hand, and the complex apps such as video need customised settings for NZ. Also simple hygiene factors such as date formats, logos, NZ English, tradenames et all have to be modified in s/w.

And you might ask why change all these - save time - The downside of not tidying up them up is Customers then feel they have a sub standard handset.

jase250

90 posts

Master Geek

#12876 16-Feb-2005 16:16

Agree with your last statement especially. There is nothing worse from an NZ consumers viewpoint then having USA spelling, incorrect date formats or poor grammar in the menu options.

Thanks for the feedback, folks. Has been a rather enlightening afternoon.