Cricket launches first AWS CDMA handset

It doesn't look like much, but it's the innards of UTStarcom's unassuming CDM7126 flip that makes it a superstar. It turns out that this is the very first CDMA phone to launch in the US on AWS bandwidth, meaning that in addition to the typical 850 and 1900MHz support, this one adds in a little extra coverage punch via the new 1700MHz spectrum that T-Mobile is also sharing for its 3G services. We spied the CDM7126 at CES earlier this year -- hence the somewhat unusual picture -- and while we can't find it hiding out on carrier partner Cricket's website, residents of Tulsa, Oklahoma should be able to march into stores as soon as today to pick 'er up. Don't get too excited, though; other than the noteworthy use of AWS, the phone lacks EV-DO and an external display. Yikes!

[Via Phone Scoop]

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 8th 2008 3:04PM]

Not even CLOSE to the iPhone....

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 8th 2008 4:29PM]

I'm sick to death of having every new cellphone compared to an iPhone.

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 8th 2008 5:27PM]

You, sir, are an idiot

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 11th 2008 10:27AM]

And you sir, obviously didn't get it...

WHY THE HELL would I really compare this phone to the iPhone????

come on now

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 8th 2008 3:08PM]

From the original article:
"US Cellular, MetroPCS, and Verizon Wireless also bought AWS spectrum in the 2006 FCC AWS auction."
So... I'm not seeing how this has anything to do with T-Mobile's services. T-Mobile will be using HSPA on 1700Mhz, while the other guys will be using EVDO on 1700Mhz. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but this just isn't going to let you roam onto T-Mobile.

[Chris Posted Mar 8th 2008 3:09PM]

That's correct, T-Mobile and Cricket are deploying different technologies in the AWS space.

Chris

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 8th 2008 3:52PM]

wait, where is cricket also availible?
I have it here in Buffalo, NY but where also?

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 8th 2008 5:38PM]

So uhh what's the point of this having the 1700 frequency on it? Are there actually parts of the country where the phone will get reception on 1700 where 850 and 1900 don't?

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 8th 2008 8:28PM]

Cricket is launching markets in south texas with 1700 aws frequency.

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 8th 2008 7:03PM]

so let me get this straight... this has a 850/1700/1900 AWS/3G/EVDO or whatevercrap this has. so how exactly does this work on 850/1900 bands. as far as i can see the only speed faster than cdma that this fone will ever use is the 1700 AWS band. my question is: why the f*** do they have the other att 3g bands on it? bragging rights?

[terryjohnson16 Posted Mar 8th 2008 9:32PM]

Um...Why do you get the idea that the 850/1900MHz band is native to AT&T? Verizon uses the same 850/1900MHz bands as AT&T. Only difference is the technology that each company is using! AT&T uses GSM/GPRS/EDGE/UMTS/HSDPA/HSUPA on the 850/1900MHz bands, while Verizon uses CDMA/1xRTT/EvDO on the 850/1900MHz bands. If you haven't noticed also, Sprint and T-Mobile both own spectrum on the 1900MHz bands natively. T-Mobile added AWS 1700MHz licenses to their inventory list back in 2006. T-Mobile owns spectrum now on the AWS 1700MHz band and the GSM 1900MHz band, while Sprint(not including Nextels network) only owns 1900MHz spectrum.

So get your facts straight before you say why are they using AT&Ts bands.

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 11th 2008 7:23PM]

i can understand his confusion considering cdma is usually referred to as being on 800mhz. what i dont understand is why the phone has 1700 if it doesnt have edvo? so are we implying 1700 will be used for voice on cdma networks? i mostly expected carriers to go with 1700 for data. roaming into a 1700 voice area would suck for the 99% - 100% of customers who only have 800/1900 phones

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 8th 2008 8:30PM]

@narutouzumaki16


its not a 3g phone it just a cdma phone with 1700mhz cdma

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 2nd 2008 1:02AM]

If used properly Cricket Wireless can be a very valuable commodity in the wireless market. I've heard tons of complaints revolving around them adding late fee's etc. However, if you pay your bill on time they are a quality service. In my service area (san diego) I would say they are just as good or better than Verizon. The fact that Cricket is even using AWS before other carriers is a sign they are attempting to make some hedge in new markets. They also started unlimited data EV-DO w/ PCMCIA cards for cheaper than other carriers. Hopefully they keep it up and include these new technologies in their existing markets and they might have a chance to compete. I blog about them and other off-brand carriers IE: MetroPCS,alltel @ http://www.cheapcellphonewireless.com Just glad to see engadgeTMOBILE giving cricket some love.