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Amazon drops Sprint in favor of AT&T for Kindle 2

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On October 23, 2009, 8:02 PM

Amazon has quietly dumped Sprint as its carrier for the most recent versions of the Kindle 2. Instead, Amazon's e-book reader will be backed by AT&T's 3G network. A spokesperson for Amazon simply says that, "Due to strong customer demand for the new Kindle with U.S. and international wireless, we are consolidating our family of 6-inch Kindles." The move follows a recent $20 price cut for the Kindle 2, prompted by the launch of Barnes & Noble's "Nook" e-reader, which also makes use of AT&T's network.

Amazon introduced the first-generation Kindle in 2007, and earlier this year the company launched the Kindle 2 as well as the Kindle DX, a big-screen reader -- all of which have been powered by Sprint and exclusive to the US. This month, Amazon rolled out an international version of the Kindle 2, which uses AT&T's network instead of Sprint's. "Now that they are selling a Kindle overseas, it makes sense for them to have just one product that they can sell in all markets," notes Forrester Research analyst Charles Golvin.

Kindles already in circulation won't be affected, however, and will continue to utilize Sprint's US network. New sales of the Kindle DX will also remain with Sprint, as Amazon has not yet introduced it to the international market.

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  1. October 23, 2009 9:07 PM
    Staff
    Rick
    Rick, TechSpot Staff, said:

    I wonder exactly how Amazon is able to procure 3G services from rotten companies like AT&T without a monthly subscription or very, very high price?

    Reply
  2. October 24, 2009 12:43 AM
    Guest said:

    I'm finding this a bit curious also. Considering the problems AT&T has had trying to keep iPhone users connected this deal with Amazon is interesting.

    Reply
  3. October 24, 2009 12:53 AM
    Staff
    Julio Franco
    Julio Franco, TechSpot Editor, said:

    [sarcasm] Last thing I heard, iPhone users were very satisfied with their AT&T service, so it must be good... [/sarcasm]

    Reply
  4. October 24, 2009 12:45 PM
    DarkCobra
    DarkCobra said:

    Well Verizon is far from perfect but their 3G foot print is Ginormous compared to AT&T's and AT&T can't even deliver consistent service within the foot print they do have! AT&T may be larger than Sprint but no where near as reliable. They should have stuck with Sprint or went to Verizon.

    Reply
  5. October 25, 2009 4:04 AM
    tengeta
    tengeta said:

    I know Sprint sucks, but this is like going from gold to glitter...

    Reply
  6. October 26, 2009 7:18 AM
    LightHeart said:

    Sounds like a bad move or at least one that has no gain. I believe the Kindle though first out of the gate will not be the Reader winner in the long run.

    Reply

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