[Scan-DC] Getting a feeling of who still uses Sprint Nextel directconnect.

[Alan Henney]

Nextel's iDen push-to-talk network had been a Godsend... having to care for 
an ailing mother who is often bedridden.

She used her Motorola ic502 like a "call nurse" (call Alan) button.  It 
worked great for several years.

Sprint was insistent that we move to the new network but we stalled.  The 
customer reviews on "dumb phones" with PTT on Sprint's own website are 
dismal.

We eventually were given a pair of Kyocera Duracore phones and our bill 
increased for both phones per month to $79 (from $56!).  While the phone is 
similar and in some cases an improvement of the ic502, the PTT has proven to 
be unreliable... the whole reason we got this service.  It also sounds 
worse.

Often the phones will not connect.  I have called Sprint customer service. 
They always act surprised.  We turn the phones off, back on, update the 
"data profile."  By that point, the network usually works again.

The industry has failed us.  In my world, PTT is as valuable or more 
valuable than text'ing.... yet PTT barely works within a carrier yet alone 
across carriers.  Why is that?

I have written several complaint letters to the Sprint CEO.  I feel they 
don't care about us.  The letters are passed around to Sprint employees who 
call me back, pretend not to know exactly what the problem is, promise to 
call again.... then tell me it's the best deal in town, take it or leave it.