Yeah, the "BIG DAY" for Sprint Direct Connect seems to be nothing but a whimper.

I thought the new Sprint Direct Connect was in the 1900MHz as well, I didn't know SDC was just using the 850 MHz region. But looking at the CURRENT SDC coverage (dark orange) compared to current iDEN DC coverage, I can see your point:
http://shop.sprint.com/mysprint/services_solutions/d ... » Direct Connect&detName=Sprint Direct Connect Coverage&specialCat=
PhoneScoop's initial review of the Duramax shows it is rated for 800/850/1900 MHz:
http://www.phonescoop.com/phones/phone.php?p=3340 »

Anyhow, supposedly yesterday (Sunday, Oct 02) was the day they "throw the switch" to turn on the "new" Sprint Direct Connect. From Sprint's own Community website: "Sunday, Oct. 2, will be a key milestone in Sprint history – the company is launching Sprint Direct Connect service!" (http://community.sprint.com/baw/community/sp rintblogs/announcements/blog/2011/09/29/sprin t-direct-connect-service-ushers-in-the-next-g eneration-of-push-to-talk)

ANd here's the official Sprint News Release page:
http://newsroom.sprint.com/article_display.cfm?artic ... »

Why would they pick a SUNDAY to initiate what is supposed to be the once-and-for-all replacement for iDEN?

Another typical failure-to-execute, for which Sprint is justifiably famous. How embarrasing...it's just a whimper...