[darnell]

EarthLink Wireless Offers Power-Packed Treo(TM) 650 smartphone From palmOne

A new Wireless carrier! http://www.sk-earthlink.com/

Now this sure makes the game interesting .

Will they offer things like better insurance and better customer service than the other providers out there? I guess we will find out soon enough.

[ambtreo]

They are a reseller for Cingular and VZW; don't hold your breath on the customer service side - it once took me 5 fone calls to cancel an account!

[godschoice]

Watching the video at http://www.sk-earthlink.com/video makes me think they are talking about my Treo 650 (without saying it, or showing it).

[hersko]

Is the version they're selling the Cingular or Verizon one?
Actually, what I mean to ask is is it CDMA or GSM?

[godschoice]

The Treo 650 from EarthLink Wireless operates on the CDMA/1xRTT wireless network with nationwide coverage in the United States. - More Info

[darnell]

They are a reseller for Cingular and VZW

This deal is supposed to be a joint venture between Earthlink and SK Telecom.

http://www.sktelecom.com/eng/about_s...ion/index.html

SK Telecom introduced a first generation analogue cellular service for the first time in Korea. Next, the company completed a second generation mobile communication technology by successfully commercializing the world's first CDMA cellular service. SK Telecom then followed with the launch of the world's first commercial 2.5 generation CDMA 2000 1X service, as well as the third generation CDMA 2000 1xEV-DO service called synchronized IMT-2000. This has built a strong foundation for the development of the 4th and 5th generation mobile communication technology. Today, SK Telecom is the absolute leader in Korea's information communications arena. The continued support, affection, and encouragement of our valued customers has made possible the two decades of brilliant accomplishments by SK Telecom.

[robangel]

It looks like they are doing specific content delivery and over the air updating of your address book. Thats kind of interesting although what folks seem to need more is access to their work outlook. etc. Looks like their unlimited data is $ 20 per month. Competition is good.

[roamer1]

They are a reseller for Cingular and VZW

and Sprint

(As for Cingular, that's indeed true, but only for old Blackberries that use their Mobitex network; Earthlink has never sold anything that uses Cingular otherwise.)

-SC

[flash123]

They are doing MVNO using SprintPCS network like Virgin Wireless. It is a joint venture like Verizon and Vodophone except not owning the wireless network.

[darnell]

For anyone wondering:
What is a MVNO?

[Pearl_Diva]

I have Earthlink internet, maybe I'll check this out. Thanks!

[treoneo]

I am confused. When you get a Treo from them, you are signing up for Earthlink cell phone service AND data service?! Huh?! Well if they offer unlimited EVDO for $20 then I'd jump ship but otherwise I ave unlimited vision for $10 now but only the RT1xx

[darnell]

treoneo - To summerize the posts in this thread that explain it all. Earthlink has cut a deal with a company named SK Telecom. Together they "front" wireless phone services under their own brand. But actually the service is being provided by Sprint for this CDMA T650. So anyone that got this would be paying more ($20 instead of $10-$15) for the same service. Although there will be some Earthlink specific add-ons. It will not have EVDO.

[darnell]

I think Earthlink made the slickest ad for the T650 I have ever seen!

[craigg]

The commercial is good but I would otherwise avoid Earthlink like the plague. They are a reseller for most of their services. I had dsl with them a few years back and the service was awful. Customer service and billing were a nightmare and as mentioned in a prior post, wait until you try to cancel, you will be given the run around. I spent hours talking to some 3rd world customer service representatives trying to cancel. They would not accept a cancelation via their secure website, via email, or even via live chat. I had to end up canceling a credit card and disputing the charges to get them to stop with the excess billing. I can't even imagine signing up for cellular service with this company. If you do...don't give them your SS# or credit card #.

[ambtreo]

The commercial is good but I would otherwise avoid Earthlink like the plague. They are a reseller for most of their services. I had dsl with them a few years back and the service was awful. Customer service and billing were a nightmare and as mentioned in a prior post, wait until you try to cancel, you will be given the run around. I spent hours talking to some 3rd world customer service representatives trying to cancel. They would not accept a cancelation via their secure website, via email, or even via live chat. I had to end up canceling a credit card and disputing the charges to get them to stop with the excess billing. I can't even imagine signing up for cellular service with this company. If you do...don't give them your SS# or credit card #.

Craigg -

I was being polite

[Pearl_Diva]

They seem to have improved. I have had no problems with their DSL or CS so far, knock on wood. BUT if their wireless service is actually going through Sprint, well that ends that LOL!

[Pearl_Diva]

LOL! I just got an email from them to pre-register for the 650 and get $150 off!

[Darkflame]

I think Earthlink made the slickest ad for the T650 I have ever seen!

No kidding. I felt like I was holding the holy grail when I saw that ad. Then my unit farted and resetted. lol nah j/k but yah that's one slick ad!..i'm going to use that as my bragging link when people ask me what kind of phone i got.

[modma]

I wonder if you'll be able to purchase one of those and use it on a Sprint PCS plan. I would buy one outright just to get the "unbranded" CDMA version of the Treo 650, but I wouldn't give up my Sprint plan.

-M-