Earlier today, internal documents leaked onto the web that begin to explain the future of the iDEN network. Much of this has been already reported information. Sprint will continue to grow the iDEN network as it integrates with Sprint CDMA network through PTT and dual-network phones. QChat will be tapped to bridge PTT between CDMA and iDEN networks.
Sprint did state than an “internet rumor” existed (and released by PCS Intel) that the iDEN network would be acquisitioned by the United States is untrue. However, Sprint to this day has refused to make that same statement on any public record. Further, Sprint’s wording internally does not preclude the potential for the federal government to be the sole lessee of the network in the future, simply that the federal government would not have control of the network.
Sprint maintaining ownership of the iDEN network would ensure Sprint�s ability to provide, at their choosing, endless access to the iDEN network for consumers, as well as avoid many conflicts of interest by simply designating iDEN, and not a carrier/network for a national internal wireless communication standard.
Sprint also states that they are still evaluating their options for the post-2010 usage of the iDEN network. This is the same statement as their public response to our article, wherein they did not dispel our report. Sprint did not outline any other potential use for the iDEN network post-2010 in the internal report.
PCS Intel will continue to report coverage of DoD iDEN, and the future of the iDEN network, as it develops.
