"Cox: Unbelievably Clueless Wireless"

[dirtyblueshirt]

So Cox Communications (a major cable TV and internet provider in the US) just launched their own wireless service. Let's see what they offer in smartphones...

Their flagship is the HTC Desire with Android 2.1 and a 1GHz Snapdragon processor ("The fastest processor on the market today"... someone should clue them in).

Others include a lackluster HTC Wildfire, LG Axis, Motorola Plus (aka Droid Pro), and Samsung Gem. The phones are all from 2010 with the exception of the Axis (the most modern one with Android 2.2 and a 5MP camera), from January 2011.

Unbelievably Fair Wireless

[wmussatto]

Depends what you need. I'm running pre-paid service with dumb phones, on Page Plus which uses all of Verizion's network. Since I don't use data, which they don't support, it a great plan. Phones from them are either rebuilt or last year's models. So far its worked well. Wife has AT&T's Go Phone so we are on different networks. I got stranded in an AT&T dead zone and had to call AAA on a borrowed Verizion phone.

Had to connect various Android versions in to the mail server at work and the docs on how to do this vary wildly and each release seems to be different.

[Cobra348]

Welp, I be stoopid. I have a phone that does what I want it to do ... a Motorola Razr V3 ca. 2006. Works fine, takes decent pictures when I need some.

[BondiBlue]

I don't know much about the smartphone world or their networks. I'm happy with my US Cellular network and Samsung Mesmerize phone.

[dirtyblueshirt]

Originally Posted by wmussatto

Depends what you need. I'm running pre-paid service with dumb phones, on Page Plus which uses all of Verizion's network. Since I don't use data, which they don't support, it a great plan. Phones from them are either rebuilt or last year's models. So far its worked well. Wife has AT&T's Go Phone so we are on different networks. I got stranded in an AT&T dead zone and had to call AAA on a borrowed Verizion phone.

Had to connect various Android versions in to the mail server at work and the docs on how to do this vary wildly and each release seems to be different.

I suppose if they were competing with Cricket, or a prepaid MVNO, then yes, but their commercials are specifically going after the big four networks (which is funny, since they are an MVNO* using Sprint's network.

*MVNO = Mobile Virtual Network Operator. Essentially a third party leasing space on a carrier's spectrum. Sprint is the largest leaser of MVNOs in the US, leasing to Cox, Virgin Mobile, Comcast, Boost (among others)

[psi chick]

you're dealing with a new cell service, so the phone manufacturer's aren't going to willing to sell them the new phones. they're stuck with the left overs. plus that's what most budget services offer, last years phones at really cheap prices to keep the cost down, plus cheap service. one of the benefits of being with the big names is that you get access to the better phones.

[dirtyblueshirt]

Well... That was short: Cox to exit wireless business: sales end Nov. 16th, leaves the air March 30th, 2012 -- Engadget

[deadlast]

Small companies can't get into the business. It's dominated already. Sprint is the weakest. Only thing holding them afloat is the leasing of their spectrum.