The end is nigh for Sprint's Pivot

Three of the four cable partners in the Pivot joint venture that was intended to combine cellular- with cable television service is apparently falling apart.

The silent exit was almost the polar opposite of the fanfare that surrounded the service's launch in November 2005. At that time, the group announced a landmark 20-year deal, exclusive to Sprint for a decade.

Spokespersons at Comcast, Time Warner, and Cox all said they had stopped marketing the service to customers. Those that may have signed up for it will have the option to revert to a traditional phone plan.

A free month will be given to those staying with Sprint after the transition, with a period of time available to these customers to cancel their contract if they so desire.

It is not yet known what Advance/Newhouse (the fourth partner) plans to do, but it appears from the quick withdrawal that they will likely follow a similar plan to their partners.

Central to the cable operator's departure appears to have been the difficulty in combining the operations of the companies into a marketable product.

There still may be wireless options available to customers of these companies, as Cox indicated that it "remained committed" to offer a wireless solution. Time Warner seemed to be less apt to bring back wireless, saying it wasn't clear how wireless would play into its plans.

It is not known how many may have signed up for the service as those numbers have not been disclosed.