Sprint/Nextel launches ic502, combines iDEN and CDMA

Posted November 14, 2006 at 06:52 PM by Doug Berger

Section: Communications, Cellphones, Broadband Cards

Sprint/Nextel have launched the new ic502, which will finally merge their iDEN and CDMA networks.  iDEN is a proprietary network developed by Motorola and used by Nextel.  Since Sprint and Nextel have since merged, their goal is obviously to bring the two technologies together and become a dominant carrier.  The ic502 uses the iDEN network for its walkie talkie functionality and the CDMA for its standard voice services.  The one drawback of this phone, other than its looks, is that the data transfer is limited to 1X speeds.  Expect Sprint/Nextel’s next iDEN/CDMA offering to add EVDO into the mix.

Read [Phone Scoop]