Verizon's Alltel Acquisition Approved by the DOJ

A few daya ago, I posted about the regional wireless network operators that opposes the Verion-Alltel Union because of the unresolved issues on roaming, spectrum concentration and handset exclusivity. But I've just found out that the DOJ has given its blessing on Verizon Wireless acquisition of Alltel Wireless.

According to PhoneScoop, the US Department of Justice has approved Verizon Wireless's purchase of Alltel Wireless for $28 billion. However, the wireless network operator must divest its wireless assets in 100 markets encompassing 22 states.

Here is a list of states with wireless network assets that Verizon need to divest in order to acquire Alltel Wireless:

North Dakota
South Dakota
Colorado
Georgia
Kansas
Montana
South Carolina
Utah
Wyoming
Alabama
Arizona
California
Idaho
Illinois
Iowa
Minnesota
Nebraska
Nevada
New Mexico
North Carolina
Ohio
Virginia


Of course, the DOJ's approval doesn't mean that the Verizon Wireless and Alltel Wireless union is complete. The FCC will meet on Nov. 4 to vote for the approval of this controversial wireless network acquisition. Let's see if the FCC will heed the appeal of the regional wireless network operators that opposes the Verizon-Alltel Union because of the unresolved issues on roaming, spectrum concentration and handset exclusivity.

If the FCC rule in favor of the Verizon Wireless- Alltel union then the commission will probably call for wireless divestitures similar to those made by the DOJ. If all goes well, then Verizon Wireless will merge with Alltel Wireless to become the biggest wireless network operator in the US.

Tune in to this blog for more news on wireless network operators and other wireless related news.

Newly Released Mobile Phones for October

Here are some basic information on the latest mobile releases from US wireless network operators. Many mobile phones have been launched in the final weeks of October including a well anticipated Android device and a powerful HTC smartphone. Let's take a quick look at his newly launched cell phones.

New Sprint Cellphones:

HTC Touch Pro

This new Sprint smartphone is a Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional device that sports a 2.8 inch VGA touch-sensitive display and a full QWERTY keyboard. It offers a high quality 3.2 megapixel camera with auto-focus, flash and video calling. The features of this touch screen Smartphone also includes Bluetooth technology, WiFi, GPS and web browser. The HTC Touch Pro is being offered at $299 with a contract and at $579 at full price.

Samsung Rant

This new Sprint cell phone is designed for messaging users. It offers a slide out QWERTY style keyboard for text messaging and mobile email. It also offers a decent 2.0 megapixel camera for those memorable moments. The Samsung Rant also provides stereo Bluetooth, media player, GPS and microSD memory card slot. Sprint subscribers can get it for $49.99 with a contract or purchase it at the full price of $299.99.

Samsung Highnote

This new Sprint mobile phone is a music-oriented device with a stylish dual slider design. It also features a scroll wheel that reminds users of an iPod and a 2.0 megapixel camera with video capture support. The Samsung Highnote music phone also offers stereo Bluetooth, One Click user interface, voice memo, music player and and microSD card slot for expanded memory. This device is being offered for 329.99 at full price and $99.99 with a new agreement.



New T-Mobile Cell Phones

T-Mobile G1

This well anticipated Android Smartphone is now available at T-Mobile. This powerful device features a large touchscreen display and full slide out QWERTY style keyboard. The first Android device also offers a 3.0 megapixel camera, stereo Bluetooth, high speed 3G data, Wifi, Google maps with street view and music player. An Android market also provides application downloads for this device. the T-Mobile G1 is being offered for $179 with a contract and a full price of $399.



New AT&T Cell Phones

Samsung Propel

This new AT&T mobile phone is targeted towards messaging users. The Samsung Propel for AT&T features a slider design with a full QWERTY keypad for text entry. It also offers a 1.3 megapixel camera and a host of messaging features. this AT&T messaging phone also offers a stereo Bluetooth, music player, 3G high speed data, GPS and memory card slot. This messaging phone is available for $79.99 with a contract and $279.99 at full price.


Those are the mobile phones released by wireless network operators in the past several days. Tune in to this blog to know about the latest cell phone releases and other wireless network related news.

Regional Wireless Network Opposses Verion-Alltel Union

The news about Verizon Wireless' plan to acquire Alltel first surfaced during the first week of June. It was a significant development in the wireless network industry as it would make Verizon the biggest American wireless carrier. However, many expected that the union will not go smoothly as many obstacles have to be cleared before Alltel completely merges with Verizon Wireless. Another obstacle to the Alltel-Verizon merge have surfaced as some rural or regional carriers have declared their strong opposition.

In an effort to stop Verizon from Acquiring Alltel, some rural wireless network operators have sent a letter to FCC. The letter addressed to Federal Communications Commission Chairman Kevin Martin requested that the commission deny the approval of Verizon Wireless's acquisition of Alltel.

Here's a list of the wireless network operators and wireless associations who signed the letter:

• Leap Wireless
• SouthernLINC
• LCW Wireless
• Revol Wireless
• Mobi PCS
• NTELOS Inc.
• National Telecommunications Cooperative Association
• Rural Telecommunications Group
• Organization for the Promotion and Advancement of Small Telecommunications Companies

The groups and carriers opposing to Verizon Wireless-Alltel union are concerned about the issues that might go unresolved if the FCC allowed the acquisition. The groups and carriers want the FCC to rule on the unresolved issues on roaming, spectrum concentration and handset exclusivity before they vote to allow Verizon Wireless to acquire Alltel. The Federal Communications Commission is scheduled to vote on this issue ion Nov. 4.

These members of the groups that oppose the merge believe that it would be against the interests of the public. They also feel that allowing Verizon to acquire Alltel without properly addressing the unresolved issues on roaming, spectrum concentration and handset exclusivity is anti-competitive and anti-consumer.

If the FCC voted to approve the merger, then Verizon Wireless will surpass AT&T as the biggest wireless network operator in the US. However, the FCC will need to address the concerns expressed by the regional carriers and wireless consumer groups before the Verizon-Alltel union becomes a reality.

I thinks its good that these groups have publicly expressed their stand on the issue. If the FCC do not heed their concerns, then it might be possible that a lot of problems will surface from the union between two major wireless carriers. Tune in to this blog for more news and updates on the the regional and national US carriers.

AT&T's Samung Epix Samrtphone

Here's another device for AT&T subscribers. This time it's a smartphone from Samsung. The wireless network operator has recently introduced the Samsung Epix as a new addition to their Smartphone lineup. This device is being offered at cost $200 after rebates and a new mobile phone contract.Let's know more about this new AT&T mobile device.

The Samsung Epix is quad-band GSM Smartphone which means it offers global roaming. This device will still function when used in the wireless networks in Asia or Europe. It's claim to fame stems from the integrated optical mouse that it provides. The AT&T Epix is the first Smartphone to carry a built in optical mouse. Users can switched this to a four-way D-pad if they desire a more traditional navigation feature.

This new AT&T Smartphone runs on a Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional smartphone. It also sports a slim design with a cool silver finish and 2.5-inch TFT color display. This new handset also offers a full QWERTY keyboard for fast and easy email and text messaging. The Samsung Epix is also light compared to other Smartphones at only 4.4 ounces.

This new device also works with AT&T's 3G network. This means that it offers high speed data connectivity which is very important to business and personal users who rely on the speedy reception of text messages and emails. The Samsung Epix is powered 3G wireless network that provides an enhanced web browsing experience.

Here are the rest of the top features offered by the Samsung Epix bound for AT&T:

• 2 megapixel camera with video capture
• stereo Bluetooth
• Wi-Fi
• aGPS
• AT&T's VideoShare
• slot for microSD cards
• Microsoft Exchange email
• POP3 and IMAP email
• SMS, MMS and other messaging services

Keep on visiting this blog to know more about wireless networks and new cellphones.

New Messaging Handsets for AT&T

Recently, AT&T made a move towards attracting messaging users by launching four new messaging devices. The wireless network operator attempts to grab a bigger part of the text messaging and email pie with these new devices.

The new AT&T messaging mobile phones offer full QWERTY keyboards to allow users to type or compose messages quickly. QWERTY keyboards are ideal for text messaging and mobile email because users do not have to press a key several times to type in a letter or number.

Let's take a quick look at each of these AT&T messaging cellphones. Let's begin with the new Pantech messaging phones, the Slate and the Matrix.

The Pantech Slate sports a bar-style form factor and a very thin profile. This AT&T messaging phone is one of the thinnest devices to offer a full QWERTY keyboard. It will offer a1.3 MP camera, Instant Messaging, mobile email and Bluetooth. The wireless network operator is offering the Pantech Slate for $50 after rebates with new mobile phone contract.

The Pantech Matrix features a stylish dual-slider design. This messaging phone offers an alphanumeric keyboard in addition to a slide out full QWERTY keyboard. The key features of the Pantech Matrix include Quad-band GSM connectivity, 1.3 MP camera, GPS, Bluetooth, mobile Email and Instant Messaging. AT&T customers can get the Matrix for $80 after rebates with new mobile phone contract.

Let's now look at the Samsung Propel and the Quickfire messaging mobile phones.

The Samsung Propel for AT&T is a square slider phone that offers a Dual band UMTS/HSDPA, 1.3 MP camera, GPS, Bluetooth, mobile Email and 3G. The major wireless network service is offering it for $80 after rebates with new cell phone contract.

AT&T subscribers who like the SideKick design will the Quickfire. This messaging phone sports a slider and offers a touchscreen along with the QWERTY messaging keyboard. This stylish device offers GPS navigation. It is being offered at $100 after rebates with new contract.

Well, those are the new messaging devices from AT&T. If you like to send text messages then you should consider these devices. A standard keypad is not bad but a QWERTY keypad will really make texting easier and faster. These phones are also affordable and stylish so go on and give them a quick look.

Tune in to this blog for more new phones and mobile phone network news.

Motorola's Touchscreen Clamshell Phone Coming to Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless has snagged another touchscreen phone that will be added to its impressive lineup. This time the wireless network operator has launched a touchscreen device from Motorola, the MOTO Krave ZN4.

The Motorola Krave ZN4 is a full touchscreen phone that features a stylish clamshell of flip design. It resembles the Ming, a Motorola clamshell smartphone and combines the patented RAZR look with its touch sensitive display.

The Krave ZN4 touchscreen display offers some new ways of interaction with users. The screen's flip is down users will be able to access a media-focused menu. Opening up the device will allow users to access the calling and messaging features on the Motorola Krave ZN4.

The Motorola Krave ZN4 headed for Verizon Wi9reless offers an accelerometer. This feature Allows the phone to automatically rotate between landscape and portrait modes when the phone is turned. The ZN4 also offers a 2 megapixel fixed-focus camera which can be controlled by the touchscreen display.

The wireless network operator is offering the Motorola Krave ZN4 clamshell touchscreen phone for $150 after rebates and a two year agreement. Verizon subscribers can also get it for $219 on a 1 year contract and $349 without a contract.

Here are the other key features of the Motorola Krave ZN4:

3.5mm headset jack
stereo Bluetooth
EV-DO Rev. 0 radios
microSD slot
full HTML browser
miniUSB port
V CAST Mobile TV
V CAST Video
V CAST Music with Rhapsody
VZ Navigator


Here a list of other Verizon Wireless touchscreen phones:

LG Voyager
LG Dare
Samsung Glyde
Blackberry Storm (not yet available)


Keep on tuning into this blog for more on the latest phones and news.

More Upcoming Mobile Phones for US Wireless Networks

There are some cool additions to the mobile phone lineups of various major US wireless network operators. Let's take a quick look at these upcoming cellphones.

Let's begin with the BlackBerry Storm which will be heading for Verizon Wireless. This launch is probably the most significant launch for this month. The Storm is a major Smartphone and has the potential to make a big impact i9n the Smartphone scene.

The BlackBerry Storm will hit Verizon Wireless stores in November but the pricing info is not unavailable. The Storm is the first touch-screen device manufactured by RIM and sports a touch sensitive 3.26-inch display. It doesn't have the trademark physical full keyboard found on most Blackberries but it has software versions of both QWERTY and SureType text keypads for its touchscreen display.

Verizon's BlackBerry Storm will offer a 3.2 megapixel camera with flash and auto-focus. Users can use the Storm's camera to record videos. It will also offer a generous set of advanced features including 3G support, media player, full HTML browser, 1GB of on-board memory, productivity applications, GPS and Bluetooth wireless technology.

Let's move on to a couple of new cellphones headed for T-Mobile . let's begin with the Nokia 1680. This nice handset may not be classified as a high-end device but it can get the job done for users who are looking for a simple device with decent features.

The Nokia 1680 sports a bar-style design with a slim profile and will be offered for a very affordable $15 after rebate with new agreement. It offers a VGA camera with video capture for users who want to capture those precious moments. It also offers a set of basic features like speakerphone and decent messaging features.

T-Mobile has also added the Samsung t109 to its cellphone lineup. This new mobile phone is offered for free with a contract and sports a clamshell design with dual displays. The t109 has dual-band 850/1900 MHz GSM/EDGE radios and provides access to T-Mobile's T-Zones service. The Samsung t109 has basic features including a speakerphone and various messaging applications.

AT&T also launched a new phone that will be headed to their 3G lineup. The Samsung A637 for AT&T is a 3G phone equipped with quad-band GSM/EDGE radios as well as dual-band 850/1900 MHz HSDPA . It has a bar-style design and is capable of global roaming. The key features for the Samsung A637 include stereo Bluetooth, A-GPS, video share service, 1.3 megapixel camera and live mobile TV.

Those are the latest phones headed for major US Wireless networks. Tune in to this blog for more info on wireless networks and upcoming phones.

New CellPhones for Verizon Wireless

Here's some new mobile phones for Verizon Wireless subscribers. The wireless network operator has a added couple of new clamshells and a slider phone in their cell phone line ups. Let's become familiar with these new Verizon handsets.


Let's begin with the new clamshells form Motorola, the MOTO VU204 and the VU30 Rapture.

The MOTO VU204 is a slim clamshell cellphone designed to offer the every day needs of users and offer useful tools and services offered by Verizon Wireless. The MOTO VU204 is a capable messaging device and offers messaging applications such as e-mail, text messaging, picture messaging and mobile Instant Messaging. This is also a very affordable handset that will be offered for $30 after rebate contract.

Here are the rest of the main features of the MOTO VU204:

VGA camera with 4x digital zoom
2.5mm headset jack
USB 2.0 port
Bluetooth wireless technology,
Verizon Wireless’ Media Center
VZ Navigator


The Motorola VU30 Rapture is also a clamshell mobile phone. This elegant handset features a touch-sensitive external display that provides quick access to music applications. The Rapture also sports a dedicated shutter button for it's 2.0 megapixel camera. This stylish flip phone is available for $130 after rebate with new agreement.

iPhone

Here are the rest of the key features for the Motorola VU30 Rapture:

stereo Bluetooth
2.5mm headset jack
microSD card slot
Verizon's Rhapsody support
VZ Navigator


Verizon is also offering a new slider phone from Samsung, the u650 Sway. This stylish slider phone is being offered for $70 with new agreement after rebates and will be available on October 14. This handset sports an elegant a silver finish and has a great 2 megapixel camera with Night Shot and video recording ability.


Here are highlight features of the Samsung u650 Sway for Verizon Wireless:

stereo Bluetooth
microSD slot
Mobile IM
Hearing aid compatibility
Verizon's V CAST
Rhapsody music store support


Verison Wireless has also announced that its acquisition of Alltel Wireless for $28.1 billion is going as planned. The wireless network operator should completely merge with Alltel by the end of 2008. However, some analysts predict that the merge may not go smoothly. The current US economic crises may pose some problems for Verizon Wireless plans.

That's it for this post. keep on visiting this blog for the latest news and updates on US wireless network operators.