Sprint Nextel (NYSE:S) is running low on the HTC Evo, the carrier's first 3G/4G smartphone, a problem CEO Dan Hesse attributed to higher-than-expected demand rather than component shortages.
"The device is more popular than we or HTC could foresee," Hesse told reporters after his keynote presentation at the Forrester Customer Experience conference in New York City. He deferred questions about component shortages to manufacturer HTC, and an HTC spokesman told Reuters that the shortage was due to higher-than-expected demand.
Verizon Wireless (NYSE:VZ) has been experiencing shortages of the HTC Incredible, which it said was due to a lack of components--specifically touchscreens made by Samsung.
Hesse also elaborated on whether Sprint would follow rival AT&T Mobility's (NYSE:T) move to a usage-based pricing model. Previously, Hesse had said that "one can never say 'never,' but we have no current plans to change our pricing, and will work very hard to not only maintain, but to improve our customer service."
In his most recent comments on the topic, Hesse said "we'd certainly consider that." He said Sprint would be very cautious in changing its plans: "It's not a decision you'd take lightly, taking away simplicity from customers."
For more:
- see this Reuters article
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