Simplexity, best known for providing the infrastructure necessary to enable virtual operators has announced that it has reached an agreement with Sprint to resell the entire line of services with the goal of serving as the back end for new virtual operators wishing to launch branded services using Sprint’s network. The multi-year agreement spans Sprint’s complete line of services and operates at the wholesale level, meaning that any future MVNOs would have to go through Simplexity to build the infrastructure necessary to launch a new virtual operator.

The announcement of the new agreement follows last week’s launch of Ting from the company behind the Tucows portal and the January announcement of a similar agreement with Clearwire in January. Simplexity also has such an agreement in place with beleaguered network LightSquared, but the likelihood of that agreement becoming viable is slipping by the day as it fights to gain FCC approval.

LightSquared is currently working to maintain agreements with Sprint in relation to its LTE network and fighting potential insolvency, as the parent company in Harbinger Capital Partners sustained a 47% loss stemming from the writedown of LightSquared assets for the fourth quarter of last year since the assets are not being actively used, pending final approval from federal regulators following the results of interference testing that have shown that LightSquared’s satellite based network causes problems with navigation systems.

With LightSquared coming up against its last deadline from Sprint before the termination of its LTE agreement, it remains to be seen whether the entire venture can be saved at this point, as LightSquared makes up the majority investment vehicle for Falcone and Harbinger Capital Partners with a 62% stake.

Shareware software portal operator Tucows has officially taken the wraps off of its latest venture in Ting, which is a new virtual operator powered by the Sprint network that brings two key features to cellular service in usage based billing and has done an end run around carriers such as AT&T and Verizon in implementing shared data plans.

Other key features of the service include support for up to 20 lines for an additional fee, included mobile hotspot and tethering access. Continue reading for a breakdown of the new service.

As Ting does not feature standard service agreements, phones must be purchased at full price and consist of the following in the Kyocera Zio ($105) LG Optimus S ($155) Samsung Transform ($245) Conquer 4G ($295) HTC Detail ($395) and Motorola Photon 4G ($545). Two feature phones are also available the Samsung Reclaim ($45) and the M360 ($65). Each of the 4G-capable handsets may use Sprint’s WiMAX network as well as EVDO for data access and tethering and is reflected in the pricing for monthly data access which starts at $3 for 100MB and goes all the way up to $42 for 3GB per month.

Monthly pricing for messaging is broken down in a similar manner for 100 messages at $3 all the way up to 6000 messages for $14. Plans can be selected individually based on initial needs, but this is where Ting’s approach to usage-based billing is different from other attempts. When plans are initially selected for the first month of service, if usage falls far below the limits for each particular plan, whether it be voice, messaging or data use, the remainder of each plan is carried over to the next month and the difference is credited to the monthly cost.

Conversely, if usage tends to be above the limits for each plan up to XXL, the account is automatically moved to each successive plan and usage is charged based on the rates in each plan up to XXL levels. If usage happens to surpass the XXL  plans for voice, messaging and data, the additional  charges then move to individual overage rates of $0.02 for voice, $0.0025 per message and $0.0225 per MB.

While the service may not be conducive to single line use based on the regressive rates of the standard service plans, the capability to add up to 20 lines of service and shared data access plans means that Ting undercuts family plans from AT&T and Verizon when factoring in the additional $6 fee for four lines, making it a better deal for families. Individual plans can exclude voice service and can be activated with data and messaging only, though per minute rates without a voice plan end up being more expensive in comparison.

With Ting, Tucows may have stumbled on the perfect hybrid of plan options while adding additional flexibility not seen since the days of Sprint’s Fair and Flexible plan and expanded to include both messaging and data access without the need for service agreements. Time will tell whether Ting will make an impact, but the initial plan seems to work in its favor, as AT&T and Verizon have yet to roll out their own shared data plans and the Ting implementation may be the best example of the idea.

Ting Official Site 

Sprint has announced its first Android tablet sourced from Chinese device maker ZTE in the Optik. The tablet features a 7-inch touch display at WXGA resolution, Mobile Hotspot support, dual cameras with a front facing 2.0 megapixel camera and 5.0 megapixel rear main camera with 720p video capture, microSD slot, Bluetooth, Android Honeycomb 3.2 with pinch to zoom support, 16GB of internal memory and full access to Google services.

The tablet will be available for $349.99 or $99.99 after new 2 year agreement and rebate. It will be launched this weekend in all Sprint sales locations. Continue reading for the full list of specifications.

PRODUCTIVITY

• Google mobile services such as Google Search™, Gmail™, Google Maps™ with Navigation, Google Books™ and YouTube™
• Corporate email (Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync) and personal (POP & IMAP) email
• Mobile Hotspot capability supporting up to five Wi-Fi enabled devices simultaneously
• Android Market for access to more than 400,000 useful applications, widgets and games available for download to customize the experience
• Wi-Fi^® (802.11 b/g)
• Integrated GPS

• Dual cameras – a rear-facing 5MP auto-focus camera with camcorder and a  front-facing 2MP camera
• Sprint Zone, Sprint TV, Sprint Music Plus, Sprint Navigation, Sprint Football Live and NASCAR Sprint Cup Mobile^SM
• Media player with 3.5mm stereo headset jack
• Bluetooth v2.1+EDR
• Stereo speakers

Sprint has announced the forthcoming launch of the Kyocera DuraPlus DirectConnect phone.

The phone is the third in Kyocera’s line of rugged push to talk handsets with an M810G certified bodyshell  for resistance to dust, shock, vibration, temperature extremes, humidity, blowing rain and water immersion for up to 30 minutes in up to 1 meter of water.

Along with the bodyshell, the phone has an embedded LED Flashlight with a dedicated button and a remote speaker microphone jack allowing the use of heavy duty remote speaker microphones and it features an external charging port that enables the device to be used with a single or multi-bay charging station which will be sold as an additional accessory and is targeted to fleet purchases for commercial use.

The phone features the following specifications:

SPRINT DIRECT CONNECT FEATURES

• Sprint Direct Connect – Instant, one-to-one push-to-talk calling nationwide on the Sprint network, with any other Direct Connect subscriber. Direct Connect is the core push-to-talk feature and is designed for interoperability across Sprint and Nextel network platforms.
• Guaranteed Talk Permit – The assurance that when you hear the push-to-talk “chirp” that your call was successfully transmitted.
• Call Alert with Text – Send an audio alert with an optional text message to let another Direct Connect subscriber know you are trying to reach them and why.
• Group Connect® – Communicate with up to 20 other Sprint Direct Connect subscribers all at once – nationwide, at the push of one button.
• TeamDCSM – Communicate with up to 200 other Sprint Direct Connect subscribers at the same time nationwide2.
• NextMail® – Send a recorded message to any email worldwide or mobile handset via text message by using the Direct Connect button.
• Availability Notification – Request the availability status of another push-to-talk member and, if they are busy, request a notification when they are free.

KEY FEATURES

• Military Standard 810G Spec compliance for dust, shock, vibration, temperature extremes, humidity, blowing rain and water immersion (up to 30 minutes in up to one meter/3.28 ft. of water).
• Encased in rubber, non-slip Dura-Grip® material for sure hold and extra durability.
• Additional connectors for a remote speaker microphone and charging bay (optional accessories not included).
• Robust, front-ported speakerphone for excellent sound quality in noisy environments.
• Embedded LED Flashlight with dedicated button.
• Non-camera phone for jobs where cameras are prohibited.
• Ultra-efficient display produces superior brightness and contrast using less power, making it ideal in outdoor settings.
• Flat, stable bottom for freestanding operation.
• Limit Use – a great tool for business managers that restricts users from utilizing certain functions on the phone
• Sprint Mobile Sync – add and edit all your contacts and groups, including TeamDC groups, online. Also allows you to transfer contacts to a new phone and erase contact information from a lost phone.
• Bluetooth® connectivity 2.0 + EDR (includes support for Bluetooth capable PTT headsets and barcode scanners).
• SMS and MMS messaging.
• Browser-based email for access to POP3 and IMAP accounts.
• 2.5 mm headphone jack (supports PTT headsets).
• Multiple language support – English, Spanish.
• Hearing aid compatibility (HAC): Rating M4/T4 TTY capable.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 5.3 x 2.2 x .93 inches, weight: 6.67 oz
• Display: 2.0-inch QVGA TFT (240 x 320 pixels)
• Removable 1650 mAh battery for up to xx hours continuous talk-time

The phone will be released during the first half of the year.

According to the latest internal Sprint employee documentation, the carrier will begin the second phase of its Network Vision initiative by “retuning” iDEN cellsites in order to repurpose spectrum for CDMA and future LTE service beginning next month, with a wider retuning in April.

The newsletter breaks down what Sprint will do for customers that will be affected by the gradual phase out of iDEN, which includes migration offers to CDMA service, but does not mention any such process for Boost Mobile users that still rely on iDEN for domestic and International DirectConnect service.

Courtesy of BriefMobile

It should be stressed that the phaseout occurring next month will not shutdown iDEN, but it will reconfigure the service to the point where indoor service may be adversely affected, as the cell sites will not be broadcasting at full power and will be gradually moved to CDMA until the planned complete shutdown of the iDEN network in 2013. Customers near and in New Orleans are the most affected by this part of the phase out, with ETF Out currently open to the end of March for those customers in that market that don’t wish to migrate and the rest of the nationwide iDEN customer base can begin exercising ETF Out options from next month to the end of July.

Sprint is actively seeking to push those affected by the phase out to CDMA with Sprint Direct Connect, but is making an exception for those that rely on International Direct Connect and will not actively target those customers for migration until April, when International Direct Connect support via Sprint Direct Connect will be deployed and will speed up the migration/iDEN phase out process.

Sprint has taken great strides to de-emphasize iDEN since the last major upgrades to the network in 2008 which allowed it to offer unlimited flat-rate service and proved unexpectedly popular, so much so that it was able to increase ARPU on the network and draw in more customers than expected.

The offering also led for a new lease on life for iDEN, with new phones and devices being offered while Sprint worked out development of the first iteration of Direct Connect on CDMA, which did not fare well and was shelved while more development work was conducted. With iDEN now being phased out after years of maintenance and QChat finally working as hoped, the days of maintaining the iDEN network are now numbered.

Of course, this will also leave Boost Mobile customers that use iDEN in the lurch, since they will have to buy new phones and it is not known whether Sprint will extend Direct Connect service to Boost Mobile with new compatible CDMA models. Should Sprint decide to expand Sprint DirectConnect service to Boost Mobile, it would give that virtual operator a reason to exist aside from its Shrinkage service plan as it was originally a Nextel MVNO that offered pay per use unlimited push to talk for a daily flat rate.

Boost Mobile is steadily shoring up its Android smartphone lineup as it has added the LG Marquee to its lineup with the launch set for January 23rd via Boost Mobile’s online portal and retail stores with a wider launch in February. The Marquee is identical to the version released on Sprint with a 4 inch NOVA display, Android Gingerbread, front facing camera for video calling, Wi-Fi radio, Bluetooth and a 5.0 megapixel camera with 720p video capture. Pricing for the phone is set at $279.99 with either the monthly Android service plan or daily unlimited plans for activation.

As Boost Mobile transitions from the push to talk service that made it a pop culture icon, the move to smartphones does improve its prospects for longevity, but with Virgin Mobile following a near identical path with its own cheaper plans and smart phone selection, it will need to differentiate itself even further besides the Shrinkage program that rewards long-term customers for staying with the virtual operator and adding to Sprint’s overall subscriber numbers.

With the arrival of the Network Vision realignment and the focus moving quickly to LTE, it also remains to be seen how much attention will be paid to Boost Mobile and Virgin in terms of network access priority, as the popularity of the service has led to longstanding complaints of poor service for both services in terms of quality and data speeds. The next few months ahead of the expected launch of LTE on Sprint will prove crucial for both Boost and Virgin Mobile as they follow behind Sprint’s lead in terms of direction.

Sprint and RIM have announced the rollout of BlackBerry OS 7.1 for the Bold 9930 and Torch 9850, which adds Mobile Hotspot support to both devices for the usual $29.99 monthly charge on top of the required Everything Data service plan and BlackBerry access charges. The update will be rolled out over the air and can be manually downloaded as well, if patience is thin.

To update your modern BlackBerry, tap go to the Home screen and navigate to Options. Then select the Device field, and finally, Software Updates.

BlackBerry OS 7.1 is an incremental update to the aging BlackBerry OS platform, which has not received a complete overhaul since its introduction. The 7.1 upgrade adds, in addition to Mobile Hotspot, support for FM radios and improved NFC sharing. FM radio is not available in the pair of Sprint BlackBerry devices updated today.

The update is also important in matching features such as NFC and Mobile Hotspot that Nokia aims to provide in Symbian Anna and Belle. Both RIM and Nokia are in similar positions, they are both struggling to provide a modern robust platform, in the wake of consumers fleeing their existing technologies. RIM recently announced major delays to BlackBerry 10, its embattled QNX-based platform that is derrived from the BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 software.

At CES, RIM touted announcing both PlayBook OS 2.0 and 7.1, but these platforms were announced at previous events. PlayBook OS 2.0 has been in beta since the announcement at BlackBerry Dev Con North America, and RIM has been providing 7.1 in beta form since Sprint’s Open Solutions Conference, where developers were given access to RIM’s NFC API stack. NFC was first introduced in a Verizon BlackBerry Bold 9930 update to OS 7.

Read more to see the first live shots of Sprint’s tiny LTE portable hotspot.

Keeping true to Sprint’s promise, the LTE hotspot will be a tri-mode device with CDMA, LTE and WiMax. As such, it will be immediately useful in all WiMAX markets as Sprint rolls out Network Vision.

Sprint has contacted us and corrected the specifications for the hotspot and it will feature LTE, WiMax and EVDO Rev. A, but it will be the only tri-mode device released on the carrier, with future smartphones staying dual-mode and focused on LTE.

Similar to other LTE portable hotspots, the device will come with a desktop cradle that provides for improved reception. The desktop charging cradle will provide >5dbm reception improvement, crucial for using the device as a home Internet connection backup or replacement. The 1.7 inch LCD display will provide for persistent status, similar to Sierra’s other hotspots.

Also check out our Galaxy Nexus LTE live shots, and LG Viper LTE live shots from Sprint’s media event tonight.

The first live shots of the LG Viper LTE, Sprint’s second LTE smartphone announced at CES. Sprint was up-front in saying that the Viper was not as far along in development as the Galaxy Nexus LTE that they also had on show.

But, they did show us the phone for the first time. With a four-inch display, and Android 2.3.x installed, the Viper is shaping up to be one of Sprint’s entry-level LTE smartphone.

Read more to see the hands-on.

Note: While this phone has Gingerbread installed, we could not confirm or not if it will launch with Gingerbread or Android 4.0, Ice Cream Sandwich.

Unfortunately, due to lighting, and LG’s guarded nature, this was about all we could grab of the phone. Unlike Galaxy Nexus, it was a very locked-down demonstration of the phone. Little more than the device’s home screen was viewable, and Sprint was not making devices available for private shots of the device.

We also could not confirm if NFC and Google Wallet would be included, but could find no evidence of it on the device.

We have some of the first Samsung Galaxy Nexus photos on the web, hands-on with Sprint’s first LTE phone, in the highest resolution of any member of the mobile media.

Hit read more to see the live shots.

Sprint did caution that these were prototypes of their form of the Galaxy Nexus, which will be only offered in its 32 GB version at launch. The phone was missing references to Google Wallet, but we were able to confirm that NFC and Google Wallet were intact on the device as of the prototypes shown.

Stay tuned later for the first live shots of the LG Viper, Sprint’s second LTE smartphone.

We do apologize for the quality of some of these photos, the lighting at Sprint’s CES aftershow is extremely poor, and Sprint is not making units available for behind-the-scenes access (such as, with proper lighting).

Update: Sprint confirmed to us that their version of the Galaxy Nexus LTE will indeed include NFC and Google Wallet support at-launch.