Business Solutions on Your Terms

February 10th, 2010

All businesses are looking to get more from each employee.  The best way to do so is providing them with the tools and technology necessary to improve productivity, stay informed and expand their connections to people and information they need.  We’re committed to help you design specific solutions to help solve your challenges in the field, on the production line, at a customer site, on the retail floor or en route to make a customer delivery as a way to improve business efficiency and gain profitability.

We’ll meet with you at your place of business, talk with your employees and develop a communications strategy to connect the right people with the right information and/or people. Your customized solution will include the necessary wireless services, required equipment and subsequent support.

You could:

 

  • Give your real estate agents real-time access to MLS listing information when their client hasn’t found that perfect property
  • Manage multiple construction projects by communicating with everyone on the job at the same time or instructions for only your foremen with direct connect capabilities
  • Instantly track your truck fleet and the status of their deliveries to your customers with GPS functionality

We also understand the importance of retaining your best people.  As a company benefit you can offer to your employees, we’ll design a wireless program that is only available because they work for you.  Most include monthly service discounts, special phone and accessory pricing along with dedicated local customer service.

Contact us today for your free consultation. 

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Sprint launches the first and only wireless 4G network

February 10th, 2010

The first generation of wireless technology was designed for voice communications. Second generation advancements allowed basic small packets of data to be sent over the airwaves like test messages. Third generation or 3G technology brought about enhanced non-voice communications like email, short video and basic gaming. During 2009, Sprint was the first and only wireless carrier to successfully launch 4G in 30 markets across the country. Sprint 4G provides “WiFi like” experiences in a city-sized hotspot. Aggressive expansion is planned and underway to add 80 markets in 2010.

3G connections operate at speeds equivalent to a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) with static landline phone service. Sprint’s 4G network offers the fastest wireless connections available at speeds up to 10 times faster than typical 3G service. That’s as fast as cable modem service and allows you to stream live video, watch movies and even download or upload huge files quickly. With 4G’s increased speed and capacity, multi-taskers can get everything done without being confined to the home or office.    

A quick summary of the key differences is provided for you below:

 

Feature

4G (WiMAX Broadband)

3G (CDMA Broadband)

Speed

Average Download:  3.0 - 6.0 mbps

Average Download:  0.6 - 1.4 mbps

Technology

WiMAX Standard Network built for mobile broadband wireless data

CDMA Standard Cellular voice network with added on data features

Reliability

Built in

Integrated

Security

Uses security certificates for both devices and network

Uses secure CDMA technology

Cap

No cap

5 Gigabyte data cap

Download Times

10 MB Photo – 0.8 seconds

250 MB Movie – 21 seconds

10 MB Photo – 3.3 seconds

250 MB Movie – 83 seconds

Enables

Video Chat

Cloud Computing

Digital Storage

High Definition

Full Length Video

HULU.com

Online Interactive Gaming

Instant Messaging

Desktop Applications

Email

Standard Definition

Short Video Clips

You Tube

Online Static Gaming

 

Let us show you what Sprint’s industry leading Now Network can do for you!

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How Do I Download Mobile Applications to My Phone?

February 10th, 2010

To download the latest applications, simply access www.Sprint.com/digitallounge from your phone or computer. Select your phone make and model. Browse through the apps menu and select the product for additional details and price. Click on BUY IT for those you want. When the message arrives on your phone to notify you the app is available, follow the prompts to download.  Be sure to choose the SAVE option so your download stays on your phone. 

At Sprint’s Digital Lounge, you’ll find Entertainment and Application categories. Under Entertainment, there’s hundreds of ways to personalize your phone with Ringers and Screen Savers. Choose call and text notification from your favorite music genres including Rock, Pop, Country, Hip Hop and more.  Proudly display your favorite college or NFL team on your phone screen. Scope out the latest cultural trends with a mobile subscription to People Magazine. You can even download your favorite games like Guitar Hero 5! In the Applications category, you can choose from Finance and Business Apps like Expense Manager or Handmark TweetCenter to Utilities and Travel Tools like MapQuest 4 Mobile and a subscription to the Weather Channel.

Prices vary depending on the App. Some are charged as a one-time fee for unlimited use while others are charged as a monthly subscription. Standard data charges will also apply for the kilobytes used in downloading the App to your phone. Most Apps are charged to your monthly wireless bill from Sprint. You will be charged when the download is purchased and cannot receive a refund if you choose to delete it from your phone.

To enhance account protection as you purchase apps on-line, Sprint requires you to secure your account with a 6- to 10-digit personal identification number (PIN). You’ll need your PIN the first time you register your account online at Sprint.com - although you won’t need it to sign on to your account once you’ve registered. Instead, you will use your Sprint.com username and password. This will better ensure that no one else can access your account without your authorization.

For the new HTC Hero and Samsung Moment phones, a popular source of mobile applications is Android Market. Following is an example of how to download Apps on your Android device:

  1. Tap Market.
  2. Select a category; for example, tap Applications, then tap Entertainment.
  3. Select an option; tap Movies and Showtimes.
  4. Review the onscreen information, then tap Install.
  5. Review the application access details, then tap OK.
  6. Tap the application again, then tap Open.
  7. Once the download is complete, you can use the Back key to return to the Android Market Homepage.

Note: To return to this application, tap the All Programs key on the Home screen to locate it.

 Let us know if you need any assistance downloading your favorite Apps!

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Android Is Here

February 10th, 2010

Android is an operating system (OS) developed for mobile devices. Similar to Windows or Mac operating systems that control desktop and laptop computers, Android is built to control mobile devices, including smartphones, internet tablets and netbooks.

Android is an open-source platform, meaning interested parties can contribute to the development of Android and cater the software to meet their needs and desires. As an engineer close to the early development of Android succinctly put it, Android gives you “the ability to have your cell phone do whatever the heck you want it to do.”

Android’s Beginnings

Originally developed by Google, the search giant handed off Android’s reigns to the Open Handset Alliance – a consortium of hardware, software and telecom companies including HTC, Intel, LG, Motorola, Nvidia, Qualcomm, Samsung and Texas Instruments, among numerous others.

Applications

There are thousands of applications available for the Android platform, and the list is quickly growing larger and larger as Android makes its way to new handsets and wireless carriers. The Android Market offers both free and paid applications, discoverable and downloadable from any Android device. Google does not screen applications, and any developer can create applications for the Android platform. The Android Market provides descriptions, screen shots, and ratings and reviews from the Android community for each application.

Google Integration

Because of Android’s Google origins, many Android devices are closely integrated with a variety of Google’s litany of services. Google search with voice, Gmail, and Google Calendar are pre-installed on most Android handsets.

Android Phones

Sprint already has two Android phones… the HTC Hero™ and the Samsung Moment™. 

HTC Hero™ with Google™

 

  • Exclusively from Sprint
  • Virtual full QWERTY keyboard and touchscreen
  • Customize homescreens for your life – one for work, one for family, one for play
  • Android Market™ with thousands of apps and continuously growing
  • 5.0 megapixel camera/camcorder

 

Samsung Moment™ with Google™

 

  • Dynamic touchscreen with slide-out full QWERTY keyboard
  • Simple customization for fun and productivity
  • Access to thousands of apps in Android Market™
  • Built-in Google™ applicatioins including Google Search™, Gmail™, Google Maps™ and YouTube™
  • 3.2 megapixel camera with flash and video recorder

  What Does It All Mean For You?

  • Browse the real Web—not a stripped-down mobile version of your favorite sites—including sites with Flash content.
  • Choose from a broad range of phone styles and manufacturers—anybody can build a phone with the Android platform.
  • Browse thousands of applications—right from your phone—to fit whatever need you have. From GPS-guided directions to restaurant finders, from music managers to email clients. You can download new apps on the go from Android Market.
  • Ongoing enhancements to your phone’s capabilities. Anybody can build and distribute new applications for Android phones thanks to an open development platform and a powerful developer community.

Small Sample of Incredible Apps

KEI

 

It’s essentially a Bluetooth key which functions as a control for your car so that you can automatically unlock or start the vehicle remotely by using your phone. It’s set up so that you can control one car with multiple phones (for families that share cars) and/or you can control multiple cars with a single phone (for people who have more than one vehicle). KEI requires a simple install device in the car and is designed to eventually be able to read the car’s diagnostic information for you.

 

Locale

 

Ever get embarrassed at a company meeting when your cell phone unexpectedly goes off? With Locale, you can make sure your device knows to switch to vibrate mode the minute you step into your office. With Android’s GPS capabilities, Locale adjusts your phone’s settings to wherever you’re located. Your phone will forward calls to different numbers based on whether you’re at work or home, or will send out a status message on Twitter letting people know where you’re located. 

 

Wertago

 

Billing itself as “the mobile application nightlifers have been waiting for,” Wertago is a social networking application that lets users coordinate social events with their friends, rate current hotspots and create personalized social networking profiles for users to share their favorite locations. Like many other Android applications, Wertago uses Google Maps to map out different clubs, restaurants and theaters. 

 

Life360

 

This is a neighborhood-centric social networking application that keeps users up-to-date with their local communities and families. Life360 users can receive emergency alerts in their neighborhoods and can send notices to everyone in the area. Whether you’re holding a backyard neighborhood barbecue or looking for help to find a lost pet, Life360 gives you quick access to your neighbors and your family. 

 

GoCart

 

The goal of GoCart is to help shoppers gather as much information as they need to make smart, informed decisions. Using GPS and Android’s built-in camera to scan bar codes, the application will search both the Web and local stores to compare prices of any product. The application also lets you read user reviews of products and can set up price alerts whenever prices go down either in stores or online. 

 

Stop by and let us show you what Android can do for you on the HTC Hero and Samsung Moment.

 

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The Newest Innovation in Hands Free Driving

February 10th, 2010

Stylish in design and easy to use, the BlueAnt S1 car speakerphone offers a safe way to use your phone while driving. No installation is required since it mounts right on your sun visor.

Answering a call is as simple as saying the word “Answer”. There is no need to take your hands off the wheel or your eyes off the road. If your phone has a voice dial feature, then you can make calls using your voice too. Just one press of a button and the S1 will activate your phone’s full voice dial functionality.

With multipoint technology, you can connect your passenger’s phone to the BlueAnt S1 at the same time. Either of you can answer your phone when it rings over the S1 speakerphone.

The S1 introduces music streaming which allows you to play music through the high performance speaker from any mobile phone that supports A2DP Bluetooth® profile. In addition to playing music, the S1 can be used to hear turn-by-turn directions from the GPS application on your phone.

Phones can connect up to 33 feet from the BlueAnt S1.  It comes with a 2 year replacement warranty (excluding the clip and charger). Each battery charge lasts up to 15 hours of talk time or 33 days of standby time.

Stop by your nearest Sprint Authorized Retailer location or give us a call to purchase yours for only $99.99.

To see if your state has implemented new Distracted Driving Laws related to cell phones, text messaging or hands free requirements, go to http://www.drivinglaws.org/indexhf.php.

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Calling All Fans

November 20th, 2009

Your phone keeps you connected in so many ways.  Wireless capabilities change on a daily basis.  To help you keep pace, we’re now on Facebook.  Become a fan and get automatic updates.  You’ll receive Tips, Tricks and News to get the most from your wireless phone.  Fan benefits will include exclusive coupons and discounts.  You get access to our online accessory superstore for thousands of items you can’t find anywhere else.  When we have special events and sales, you’ll be the first invited!  For these benefits and more, sign up today.

 

Instructions for becoming a fan and inviting your family/friends

 

  1. Log on to facebook.com (if you don’t have an account, it is free and easy to sign up)
  2. Search for “Coastal PCS” or “Coastal Blue Wireless” or “Blue ETC” (whichever applies) - a list of each area’s page will appear
  3. Select your store’s area
  4. Once on the page, click “Become a Friend” at the top right - you will now automatically receive any messages that are posted to that site
  5. Under the profile picture of your store’s site, click “Invite your friends,” select the friends that you wish to invite off of your friend’s list and send the invitations.

 

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What Are My Options When My Phone Has Been Damaged?

November 20th, 2009

Believe it or not… You’re not the only one who’s bounced your phone on the pavement, forgot it was in your back pocket before you sat down or dropped it in the (let’s just say water).  We understand you’d be lost without it.  Do you know your options when this happens?

 

Total Equipment Protection

One out of every 3 customers will lose or damage their phone within the first year.  If you signed up for the Total Equipment Protection (TEP) within the first 30 days of owning your phone, RELAX!  Here’s what TEP can do for you:

  • TEP provides coverage for anything that could happen to your phone other than intentional damage.
  • Many device issues can be resolved the same day at Sprint-authorized service locations.  In some cases device issues can be serviced or repaired in about 1 hour.  TEP can save you $99 or more for these in-store service or repair transactions.
  • If your device is lost, stolen, or exhibits liquid or physical damage, approved replacements will typically arrive in 1 business day.
  • And at only $7, the monthly fee is less expensive than the cost of an average lunch.
  • TEP could potentially save you from paying $300, $400, $500 or more to replace your handset.
  • Total Equipment Protection allows you to avoid the inconvenience and aggravation that comes with an equipment issue.  It’s convenient, affordable, and designed to give you everything you need to protect your phone wherever you go.

 

Upgrade Eligibility

The Sprint New for YouSM Upgrade Program provides current customers with big savings on the newest and most innovative phones.  That way, you can continue enjoying the same great service you’re used to, while also keeping up with the latest in handset advances.  It’s just one more way Sprint is making wireless better for you.

Depending on the contract you choose and how long you’ve had service with the same phone, you may be eligible for a discount on the purchase of a new device.

Length of service

with the same device

2-year contract

savings

1-year contract

savings

22 months

$150*

$75

1 year

$75

$25

*Get $150 off or Sprint’s nationally advertised price on a new device, whichever is better. 

Nationally advertised price reflects regular price minus all eligible mail-in and instant rebates.

                    

The $25 and $75 offers are a savings off regular price.

        

To take advantage of this offer, you’ll need:

  • An account in good standing
  • 1 or 2 year contract
  • $39.99/mo or higher plan**

 

Offer details:

  • $18 activation fee per upgrade applies.
  • Sprint may change or terminate this program at any time at Sprint’s sole discretion.
  • **Does not apply to Sprint Relay, SERO and Nextel Direct Connect Custom Plan customers.

 

 

Service Center

 

Stop by one of our Phone Repair Centers, and we may be able to fix your device while you wait or within 24 hours. 

 

These repairs may include:

  • Software updates
  • Device unlock/reset
  • Antenna replacement
  • Routine maintenance
  • Phonebook swaps

 

If repairs cannot be completed in a Phone Repair Center, the estimated turnaround time is 2 to 3 business days.  Not to worry… most of our locations have loaner phones to keep you in touch while your device is repaired.  You can find our Phone Repair locations at www.sprintconnects.com.

 

Phone Replacement

 

You always have the option of purchasing a new device at the retail sales price.  There’s also a selection of pre-owned and refurbished phones that you may want to consider until you’re upgrade eligible. 

 

Send us a note, give us a call or stop by the store and we’ll help you with the option that best meets your needs.

 

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Where Do You Work?

November 20th, 2009

Employees from thousands of organizations enjoy discounts on Sprint services.  Every month, they automatically have their monthly charges reduced by a set percentage.  Discount eligibility will depend on your employer’s agreement with Sprint.  To see if you - and potentially your family – are eligible for discounts through your employer, just stop by your Sprint Preferred Retailer location.  After a quick search, we’ll let you know if you’re eligible for a discount and at what rate.  With a few clicks, we’ll add your employer’s id to your account and you can enjoy another work perk every month. 

Click on the Locations tab at the top to find a store nearest you.

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The Ultimate Calling Circle

November 20th, 2009

Do you know anyone that doesn’t have a wireless phone?  Most of your conversations are probably with one of the 250 million people that own one.  For the first time ever, you can get unlimited mobile-to-mobile calling to any wireless number on any U.S. wireless carrier at any time!  Without a doubt, this new offering is the best value in wireless.

Any Mobile, Anytime® is a feature of Sprint’s Everything Data plans.  These plans start at $69.99 per month and include unlimited text, video and picture messaging.  You get mobile data, GPS and services like Sprint TV®, NFL Mobile Live and NASCAR Sprint Cup Mobile along with at least 450 anytime calling minutes to landline numbers.  If you are a current customer with an Everything Data or Everything Data Family plan, you will get the new unlimited wireless calling feature automatically on the first day of your next billing cycle.

 

Forget about restrictive calling circles the other carriers offer.  Sprint has simplified wireless by allowing you to call any of the nation’s 250 million wireless users while you’re on the Sprint NOW Network.  If you’re not on an Any Mobile, Anytime plan, let’s get you set up today!

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My Hero!

November 20th, 2009

Appropriately named, there’s not much the new HTC Hero won’t do for you!  The most feature-packed Google Android phone ever includes Outlook e-mail, calendar, and contacts synchronization, a 3.5mm headphone jack to enhance your music experience, and a 5-megapixel camera. You get Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, 3G speed, multi-touch capabilities and more.

Android Market™

Get direct access to thousands of useful applications and fun games which you can download and install on your phone.  As you browse through the Market you find apps everywhere: What’s this ToggleWifi app?  Oh, it lets me toggle Wi-Fi on/off without having to dig through the menu.  Google Voice?  It’s there and it’s free.  Thanks to Wheres My Droid I can send a quick text to it and it starts chirping.  Once you get started, you can’t put it down!

HTC Scenes

The idea of Scenes is that you can change your phone’s identity to match what you are doing that day.  Change the theme of your phone depending on whether you’re at work, traveling, or out on the town. For example, the Work scene shows you things like upcoming appointments and stock quotes.  The Travel scene will display more relevant apps, such as maps, local time, and weather information. 

Social Networking

Stay close to the people in your life, with all your text and Twitter exchanges, email conversations, Facebook status, Flickr photo albums and phone logs neatly organized by person.  You can watch your friends in real time, picking up tweets, updates, and Flickr images without thinking about it.  All your communications are consolidated and displayed as one conversation as it flows across numerous mediums. 

Contact Management

From the main directory, you can view all your friends in one massive list.  Along the bottom of the screen, you’ll see tabs where you can filter down the list to Favorites, Groups, and Call History.  There’s also a tab for Updates and Events, where you can see upcoming events or any updates people have made to their Facebook profiles and so forth.  The tabbed interface carries over to individual contact pages and is even more handy, since it aggregates any text messages and/or e-mails you’ve exchanged with the person.  It’s nice to see all this information in one place so you don’t have to go through your in-box to find that one e-mail.

Touch Screen

The Hero has multi-touch capabilities.  That’s right.  Now you can zoom in and out of Web pages and images by pinching the screen.  You can scroll through long lists, such as your address book, with a flick of the finger.  Stop the motion with a simple tap of the screen.  You can also do a more controlled scroll by slowly swiping your finger up and down the screen.  To move through the home screen panels, simply swipe to the right or left. 

Keyboard and Keypad

For text entry, the HTC Hero features a virtual QWERTY keyboard in both portrait and landscape mode.  In landscape, the buttons are large with ample spacing between the keys.

E-Mail

The HTC Hero can sync with Microsoft Outlook e-mail, your calendar and contacts.  Setup is simple!  The Calendar app color-codes appointments based on which account they were created in (e.g., Outlook, Google Calendar).  You can easily distinguish them on the fly.  Your attachments can be opened and viewed right from Outlook. 

Media Player

The Hero is the first HTC Android Phone with a 3.5mm headset jack and reason enough to make music lovers drool.  Combine that with the HTC Sense Music Player and you’ve got a sensational music device.  Tunes are rich with a nice balance of treble and bass.  Download your favorite album and jam away!

Other Notables

The Hero sports a 5.0 Megapixel Camera and Camcorder to capture high-resolution images and create your own video clips.  The Memory Card Slot supports up to a 32GB card for storage of your photos, voice memos and music.  Of course the Hero is Bluetooth® Enabled including Stereo Bluetooth profile for convenience of hands-free communication by using headsets, car-kits and other Bluetooth-compatible devices.   Its WiFi capabilities allow you to utilize nearby Wi-Fi access points for high-speed data connection and internet access.

Sprint Features

In addition to the Android goodies, Sprint throws in a few of its own services on the Hero. Sprint Navigation, Sprint TV®, NFL Mobile Live, and Nascar Sprint Cup Mobile are all included with Sprint’s Simply Everything plan.

WARNING: If you try it, you’ll buy it!

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