The United States’ third-largest wireless service provider Sprint has closed 150 of its service and repair centers and laid off 330 technicians in a move meant to streamline and reduce operating expenses. In January of 2014, the mobile network announced a broader cutback initiative which will also include a reduction in customer service staff and closure of underperforming retail stores.
This is a significant announcement not only because it puts skilled technicians out of work, but because it is emblematic of the industry trend of disposable smartphones with looser postpaid contracts. As the high-tech smart devices continue to decrease in price, customers are encouraged to replace them more often. With no repair staff on hand, Sprint customers would have to face the additional step of sending off their broken device to a remote repair shop, or traveling there themselves. It serves as an impetus to replace rather than repair.
What to buy for Putin’s New War
Russia’s encroachment into Crimea has the world concerned that there will be a larger Russian move into former Soviet territories. With sanctions in place already, there are going to be changes in commodities that flow across Russia’s borders. One commodity for oil and gas tank construction might be one that isn’t immediately obvious…
