New Phones and Services from US Wireless Network Operators

Here's a slew of new phones and services from the major US mobile phone carriers. Let's begin with AT&T.


AT&T

• Some documents released by the FCC indicate that the AT&T logo was on the cover of a version of Nokia's 6650 clamshell 3G smartphone. This smartphone runs the latest version of S60: 3rd Edition, Feature Pack 2. The Nokia 6650 offers HSDPA data, GPS, and memory card slot. It also has a 2 megapixel camera and a QVGA display.

• It was also recently announced that the Samsung A237 will be headed for for AT&T's wireless network. This is an entry level handset that comes in a clamshell phone form. The Samsung A7237 has quad-band GSM/EDGE and will offer a VGA camera, dedicated keys for messaging functions, and Bluetooth. Customers will be able to chose from red, blue and black version. Info on the price and availability are not yet available.

• AT&T has decided to offer some free phones for the victims of Hurricane Gustav. Around 2,000 AT&T pre-paid GoPhone's will be offered for free to customers coming from government-mandated evacuation areas. AT&T retail stores in the San Antonio and Houston regions affected by Hurricane Gustav will offer free phones 15 minutes of airtime. Those eligible have to hurry because these phones will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
  

Sprint

• The wireless network provider has recently announced that the rugged Motorola i365 will be added to its handset lineup. It will be offered to Sprint customers for $90 with new agreement. The Motorola i365 is a tough handset that can resist humidity, blowing rain, dust, shock and vibration. This bar-style Sprint phone is headed for the iDEN network and supports PTT functions. The Motorola i365 will offer GPS and Bluetooth.
  

• Sprint recently announced the addition of two new entry-level Samsung clamshell phones. The and M220 from Samsung offers Bluetooth, dual displays, and speakerphones. The Samsung M320 flip phone will be offered for $30 after a new agreement and rebates and will come in red. The Samsung M320 clamshell will sport a 1.38-inch display and a VGA camera. It will come in blue and is priced the same as the M320.

• RadioShack has also started selling the Samsung Instinct for Sprint. The Instinct is Sprint's top phone and an Apple iPhone alternative.
  

Cricket

• This wireless network provider has recently launched a new video service for only $5 per month. Customers will get access to unlimited to video clips with this new Cricket video plan. However, this new service can only be added to select Cricket phones. The average length of the video clips are between 1 and 4 minutes. Customers can access these clips through the handset's WAP browser.

There you go. Those are the recent handsets and services released by US wireless carriers. Tune in to this blog for more news and updates on US wireless network operators.

T-Mobile 3G Wireless Network Launch in Las Vegas and More

Here are some of the latest updates in the wireless network operator industry. Let's being with some new scoop on T-Mobile's 3G network.

According to Phonescoop, T-Mobile has made an announcement regarding the launch of its 1700MHz AWS 3G network in the Las Vegas market . T-Mobile customers within the Las Vegas market will be able to use the 1700MHz spectrum for voice and UMTS 3G data services if they own 3G handsets. T-Mobile's 3G mobile phones will reportedly find the 3G network automatically.

The mobile phone carrier has also announced some of its plans to expand its 3G footprint to 20 additional markets before this year ends. T-Mobile is also getting ready to release information on an HSDPA-capable phone and other devices.

Here are some of T-Mobile's 3G enabled phones:

• Nokia 6263
• Nokia 3555
• Samsung SGH-T819
• Samsung SGH-t639

Now let's move on to Verizon's efforts to increase its wireless network. Verizon made some serious moves to overtake AT&T as the top US mobile phone carrier when it acquired Alltel. Now, Verizon wireless has moved a step closer to acquiring Rural Cellular Corporation for $2.67 billion.

Recently, the FCC has approved Verizon Wireless proposal to acquire Rural Cellular Corporation. Rural Cellular Corporation is a a regional network operator that operates both CDMA and GSM networks. The company serves over 716,000 subscribers in parts of New England, the Mid West, the South and the Pacific Northwest. However, one of the two companies will have to divest wireless licenses and assets in six different markets to complete this deal.

Let's move on to competition between wireless network operators. AT&T and Verizon Wireless are said to be going toe to toe in the international plans market.

Both of the mobile phone carriers have recently released new offers and expanded their international data plans. This move has been seen as an attempt to exploit the international crowd for the upcoming Beijing Olympics.

AT&T has released two new wireless plans, one for smartphone users and one for PC card users. It has also expanded its global voice and data coverage with international data roaming and increased its roaming coverage to 120 cruise ships.

On the other hand, Verizon has launched a new global mobile wireless broadband Internet program for its laptop customers. This program will offer streamlined global mobile broadband access on both CDMA and GSM networks in 125 nations.

The Red iPhone 3G and other AT&T News

Here's some more recent news from the mobile phone carriers industry. Let's start with some juicy ones. What do you think about a red iPhone? Will it sell? Will iPhone fans find it it sexy?

According to thius story from unwiredview.com, there were some reports that Apple will release a red version of the iPhone 3G. The reports also say that iPhone fanatics can get their hands this holiday season1 Well, Merry Christmas!

Looking at the red iPhone images from Macblogz. com, I can say that it looks great. It reminds of a sleek and sexy Ferrari or Santa Clause. Unfortunately, these reports are still unconfirmed. But Iphone fans dreaming of having a red iPhone should not despair because Apple might realize that they boost sales by introducing more colors for the iPhone.

Here's another iPhone report. According to a story revolving around some mobile phone sites, an iPhone 2.1 beta tester has found references to a copy and paste feature under the ‘Localizable.strings’ file in the WebKit framework. This is exciting because the iPhone 3G has been criticized for its a lack of the copy/paste feature which is standard for most smartphones.

However, some have dismissed tis report because those references may have merely carried over from the existing WebKit frameworks that are used for Windows PC and Mac application development. So nothing is definite yet on this report but I'm sure that Apple fans are hoping to get the copy/paste feature on the iPhone in the near future.

But enough with AT&T's iPhone. Here's some info on AT&T. The wireless network operator has recently filed a petition with the FCC to halt the merger of Sprint's Xohm Wimax service with Wimax provider Clearwire.

AT&T wants Clearwire and Sprint to demonstrate that the merger serves the public interest just like any other providers would have to do. This means that AT&T wants this deal to be examined thoroughly because because Clearwire is to be backed by heavyweights Google, Intel, and cable companies.

Lastly, here's some bad news for AT&T subscribers who want to have the BlackBerry Bold. According to BlackBerryNews, the AT&T BB Bold is now being scheduled for a launch on September 1. What's so bad about this report?

Well, the Bold was supposed to be released on was July, then it was moved to mid-August. And now it being set up for a September 1 release. Some say that the released depends on how quickly the wireless network operator can train personnel on the phone.

That's it for this week. Tune in to this blog for more info on the wireless network operators and the latest handsets.

Recent Wireless Network Operator News

Here's some recent news on wireless network operators that I've picked up while surfing the web. Let's begin with a story on free mobile Internet.

Well, a month ago, FCC Chairman Kevin Martin made a proposal that companies that acquire the spectrum should devote at least 25% to free Internet access for 95% of the country . This is a good proposal for the subscribers because they would be given free online access. After all, nobody would turn down a great offer like free Internet access. But mobile phone carriers may not agree to this proposal.

Sure enough, some wireless network operators and telecommunication companies have reuquested an audience with with the FCC this week to discuss a spectrum auction in which the winning bidders would have to offer free Internet. AT&T, Motorola, T-Mobile and Texas Instruments were mentioned as among those who met with the FCC regarding this issue.

These wireless network operators and companies are concerned that companies that want their products to be used internationally may be affected if the free Internet model will be implemented.

T-Mobile feeles threatened by the FCC proposal because the wireless network operator's devices operate on airwaves next to those that the FCC wants to put up for auction. There is a chance that activity on that band will interfere with T-Mobile's wireless Internet services. The company wants to request testing to ensure that the proposal will not endanger it's wireless services.

As a result of these request from telecom companies and carriers, Martin said last week that the sale could be postponed until next year. This is too bead because I would really enjoy free mobile Internet access.

Here's another wireless network news involving AT&T. Unfortunately, this is not good news for the carrier. A California retailer has accused AT&T of Nokia of selling a used cellphone as new and have filed a class action lawsuit against them.

The retailer also claims that damage was done when they purchase a brand new Nokia cellphone full the full prize but received a used or reconditioned Nokia cellphone indeed. A used or reconditioned handset is worth substantially less than a brand new unit so the complainant felt that a suit is necessary.

This complaint has moved recently to federal court from a court in LA. AT&T Mobility declined to release any comment on this matter. Tune in to this blog for more wireless networks news, info and updates.

AT&T Apple Iphone Updates

The world has been taken by storm by the new iPhone release. Well, notr all of it is good but there's no doubt the the iPhone 3G has created a lot of buzz. Let me post about recent developments related to the iPhone.

Do you love WiFi? I'll bet that you like it more if it's free. Well, At&T is betting on it as the wireless network operator has just announced that iPhone owners will get free access to the nation's largest Wi-Fi hotspot network! Now isn't that a sweet deal.

Apple iPhone owners access music, e-mail and web browsing services in the more than 17,000 hotspots in AT&T's WiFi wireless network. AT&T's hotspots can be found in various airports, hotels, universities, convention centers, sports centers, restaurants, bookstores, and supermarkets. I'm sure you'll have no problem finding one in your area.

This is one probably an effort to encourage more people to get the iPhone. Not that people aren't buying the 3G device. So many people are trying to get their hands on the iPhone that various wireless network operators around the world are running out of units. In fact, Apple recently announced that they have sold a million iPhone 3G just a few days after the new iPhone hit the market.

Apple's App store has also proven to be quite successful. Millions of people have responded to the store and they have downloaded to their hearts content. The Apple App store offers affordable applications and some are ven for free. Some experts say that this store sets Apple's product from it's rivals. With the App store, iPhone users can choose the application they want to have on their handsets.

However, there are also some concerns with the dwindling supplies of the iPhone 3G. There was so much anticipation on a faster iPhone that the supply may not keep up with the demand. Some mobile phone experts predict that the current iPhone shortage may last through mid-August. There were also some who said that Apple's initial estimates was inaccurate because the demand proved to be much larger. This is certainly bad news for those who want to get the iPhone 3G as soon as possible. I think a bit of patience will solve this problem. Apple will eventually be able to produce enough units to satisfy the demand.

There was also some news that AT&T and Apple are testing iPhone device software version 2.0.1,for both the iPhone and iPhone 3G. Apparently, testing began prior to the launch of device software 2.0 and the iPhone 3G on July 11th. The known test users have been located to the San Francisco and Atlanta areas. This device software is expected to released to the public in the near future.

That's it for today. Tune in to this blog for more updates on wireless network operators and mobile phones.

Verizon Wireless Adds the Chic Samsung Glyde to Mobile Phone Line-up

Here's a scoop that Verizon subscribers will like.

Verizon Wireless and Samsung Telecommunications America announced that the Samsung Glyde is now part of the wireless network's mobile phone roster. Interested subscribers can get their hands on the Glyde at the wireless network's website and and in more than 2,400 stores from coast to coast.

The Verizon Glyde is described as a powerful and sleek multimedia and messaging phone. It packs a robust feature-set and a full QWERTY keyboard in a compact, touch-screen device. Let's take a closer look at the main features of the new Samsung Glyde.


The wireless network's new smartphone sports a powerful 2.8” advanced touch-screen. Customers will have an easy way to send text and instant messages with the Glyde's touchscreen that offers a tactile response and a slide-out QWERTY keyboard.

The Samsung Glyde is also equipped with a full lineup of Verizon Wireless’ hottest services including V CAST Music and Video. The customers of the wireless network can sign up for V CAST Music and gain to more than 3 million songs from well-known and independent artists. This service allows them to purchased and download their favorite songs directly over-the-air to the Glyde.

They can also try the wireless network's V CAST Video service with this device. This Verizon Wireless service gives customers access to content from the best names in news, sports and entertainment. The Verison Glyde made by Samsung also offers a 2.0 megapixel camera with flash. It's microSD card slot can support up to 8 GB of external memory, and provides for Bluetooth® stereo headset.

here are the additional features offered by the Samsung Glyde:

* HTML browser with touch navigation
* Get It Now®
* 2.0 megapixel camera and camcorder with flash and zoom
* VZ Navigator(SM) capability
* Music Player for .mp3, .wma, and unprotected .aac and .aac + files
* Bluetooth
* Text, picture and video messaging
* Instant Messaging using AIM®, MSN®, Yahoo!®
* Speakerphone
* Speed dialing
* Bilingual user interface: English and Spanish
* TTY/TTD-capable
* Hearing Aid Compatibility = M4
* Personal organizer
* Phone book
* 2.5 mm headset jack


Expert say that the addition of the Samsung Glyde to Verizon's portfolio is targeted towards AT&T Mobility and its iPhone subscriber magnet. Verizon Wireless hopes that by providing consumers with affordable, large-screen alternatives to the iPhone, AT&T Mobility’s most popular device's drawing power may be decreased. the wireless network may be attempting to use the Samsung Glyde's tactile feedback on the touchscreen and a physical QWERTY keypad to overcome the weaknesses of Apple's hit mobile phone.

If you are interested in this phone then you should read mobile phone reviews, articles or other source of information about the device. I'm sure there'll be plenty of mobile phone sites offering their reviews and ratings on the Samsung Glyde as soon as it hits the shelves.

Exciting Wireless Network News and Surprises Expected at CTIA 2008

CTIA 2008 is about to start and mobile phone enthusiasts are expecting a lot from the mobile phone trade show. What so exciting about the CTIA? Well, it one of the best venues where exciting mobile phone news are revealed.

Mobile phone manufacturers and wireless networks often use the CTIA as a spring board to launch industry changing mobile phones. I'm sure every carrier subscriber is excited about the announcement of the new devices that will be sold by their wireless network.

Some exciting mobile phone news have been announced just before the CTIA began and undoubtedly there will be more scoop when the event begins. Let give you some info on the exciting news that were released just before the mobile phone trade show began.

First off, it was announced that Verizon Wireless will release the CDMA network compatible, BlackBerry Curve 8330 in the next few weeks. This silver finished smartphone offers true 3G support unlike GSM models offered by AT&T and T-Mobile. It also supports EVDO mobile broadband which makes it faster than the EDGE supported BlackBerry Curves currently on the market.

The BalckBerry 8330 will support VZ Navigator navigation service as part of it's GPS feature since it will be available on Verizon Wireless. The other features on this smartphone includes a media management software developed by Roxio and a 2-magepixel camera. Once CTIA begins, more details regarding this device will be released.

It was also announced that the Motorola Q9c will be available on Alltel Wireless and US Cellar.A new lime green version of the Motorola Q9c will be added to the carriers' handset line ups. The traditional black Q9c for consumers who may not like the new version. Alltel and US Cellular consumers can begin purchasing the smartphone this summer.

Sprint also launched a similar device a few months ago. The Mtorola Q9c is powered by Windows mobile 6 and offers a 1.3 megapixel camera, 128Mb Flash memory, Bluetooth with A2DP support, EVDO and other features. More details on the release dates and pricing of the device will be available in the next few weeks.

These are just the news that appeared before the trade show. Expect more exciting mobile phone and wireless network news in the upcoming days.

Cool Nokia Nokia 6650 Smartphone Coming to T-Mobile

I just found out that the Nokia 6650 smartphone will be coming exclusively to T-Mobile. Unfortunately, I have no ides when this phone will be available in the US but it will be released by the wireless network in the third quarter of this year. This wireless network news was announced at the CeBIT tradeshow in Hanover, Germany.

No information on the retail prices have been released but customers will crave this phone no matter what the price. I wasn't even able to find a picture of the smartphone on the Internet. The wireless network acquired this mobile phone as part of a general plan to get smartphones into the hands of multimedia consumers. These customers are willing to pay the premiums associated with advanced services so this is a good strategy for T-Mobile.

Since there is not a lot of information on when the Wireless network will launch the Nokia's 6650, let us just discuss the details of the device. Some sources describe the device as a feature-rich handset. It was designed to satisfy mobile users who expect an experience comparable to what they get in fixed environments.

Let us explore some of the features of this feature-rich smartphone. Among the features found in the wireless networks smartphone is the 6650's 2-megapixel camera with flash, FM radio, and Bluetooth connectivity. For storage it has 30 MB of internal memory and a MicroSD card slot.

The wireless networks networks' bifold handset is equipped with an assisted GPS (A-GPS) capability and multimedia player functions. This feature allows T-Mobile customers to access the wireless network's services such as Web'n'walk, MyFaves, Mobile Jukebox, and NaviGate.

Another cool feature found in the Nokia 6650 is the interface for High-Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA). At present, this feature allows 1.4-Mbps downloads and has the potential to reach 7.2 Mbps HSDPA. Web browsing video playback on the device will get a big boost from the 2.2 square-inch display and its 16 million colors.

The limited information on the Nokia 6650 smartphone sounds great. I know that mobile phone enthusiast will be excited to get their hands on this device. i hope that we can see video reviews and more information on this device soon.

LG Vu AX565 and LG Scoop Now Available at Alltel Wireless

Alltel Wireless customers can now two of the hottest devices in the mobile phone market. There is no doubt that many subscribers of the wireless network are itching to get their hands on these phones.

Let us first talk about the LG Vu. This phone is designed for streaming Web videos. Some cell phone analyst expect this neat wireless device to usher in the MediaFLO age which will allow wireless networks to offer Mobile television services.

The 1.3 MP camera with video capabilities that come with this phone will give customers the ability to create their own videos. Wireless network subscribers will also enjoy the other features of this phone especially the chat-style text messaging and Music player with FM transmitter.

The specific information on this phone are not yet available of this moment. I found out through this blog that the Vu is priced at $69.99 after rebates have been deducted and and a 2 year contract has been signed, However, let me make up for it with this video review.This should give you enough info to satisfy your curiosity about this phone.



Now let's move on to the LG Scoop the other well anticipated phone to be launched by Alltel. This cool phone is the wireless network's version of Sprint's LG Rumor. It comes in three colors that customers will love. They can choose form slate gray, turquoise blue and citrus orange.

This device is messaging friendly because of the QWERTY keyboard and chat-style IM it offers. these features will give you thumbs a break from pushing buttons while composing text messages. This phones also has AOL Instant Messenger and Yahoo! Messenger for those who love to chat over the web. Its 1.3 MP camera with video capabilities and Bluetooth capabilities makes this device a cool phone indeed. You can check the rest of the details of the LG rumor by clicking here.

Wow, with all the cool phones being launch, choosing one can really be an ordeal. The mobile phone market is constantly growing so better phones are being released all the time. I need to save a few bucks to be able to buy a new cool phone because my current phone is growing old fast. Anyway, i hope you can get useful info from this post.

Motorola ROKR E8 Music Phone is Coming to T-Mobile USA!

I've got some great news for T-Mobile subscribers and mobile phone enthusiasts.

According to this engadgetmobile article, one of Motorola's hottest phones will be launched by the major wireless network.

The Motorola ROKR E8 is described as a music phone with a heap of internal memory. That means music loving T-Mobile subscribers won't be able to wait to get their hands on this cool mobile device.

The wireless network has not yet announced the launch date and other details on this development. Nevertheless, T-Mobile subscribers will be excited when this phone is finally made available by their wireless network.

Information about the Motorola ROKR E8 spread last September but no definite info on the launching and price were released. Complete information is still not available but it is definite that T_Mobile will be offering the phone in the upcoming months.

Let me provide some of the basic Specs of the Motorola ROKR E8 to those who are unfamiliar with this music phone:

Weight: 3.77 oz

Dimensions : 4.57" x 2.11" x 0.43"

Form Factor: Bar

Battery Life: Talk: 6 hours (360 minutes) Standby: 300 hours (12.5 days)
10 hours music playback

Display Type: LCD (Color TFT/TFD), Colors: 262,144 (18-bit), Resolution: 320 x 240 pixels

Memory: 2 GB (built-in, flash shared memory)

See the Motorola ROKR E8 at PhonesScoop.com to get more details about it.

And of course, here is a video review of the Motorola ROKR E8 to whet the appetites of those who are interested in this phone.



The video should give you an idea of what this phone can offer. But then, there's nothing like the real thing and the only way to see if it's the real deal is by seeing it with your own eyes. We all have to wait until T-Mobile launches this phone. Let's all hope that the wireless network gives us a fair price or else I wouldn't be able to purchase it.

Major 3G Network Coverage Expansion for 2008 Planned by AT&T

This week major wireless network, AT&T has announced some of their major plans for 2008.

The mobile phone industry is grown steadily and the needs of wireless customers also evolve and grow unceasingly. This expansion will allow the company to continuously evolve its network to meet the ever growing needs and demands of the wireless community. To continue delivering higher speeds and capacity for the future, AT&T aims to focus on the evolution towards HSPA+ and LTE technologies.

The network released a statement indicating they plan to make high speed wireless Web connection more accessible by creating a wider network for mobile customers. To achieve this vision, the wireless network will deploy third-generation (3G) wireless broadband services to more than 80 additional US cities.

When this massive expansion plan for this year is complete, AT&T 3G services will be available to nearly 350 leading U.S. markets. No less than 1,500 additional cell sites will be necessary to attain this 3G initiative. That should give you a picture of the immensity of this project.

At&T also mentioned other plans that will be initiated this year. Oner of them is building the nation's first High Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA)-enabled network. This project is expected to be completed by the middle of 2008.

When thisa new generation technology is completed, the wireless network will deliver faster uplink speeds. This means that sending large files in a shorter amount of time will be possible for AT&T's HSUPA-enabled laptop users. They will also be able to take full advantage of the latest interactive Internet and business applications when the HSUPA enabled network becomes operational.

The evolution of AT&T's 3G network will not be possible without the deployment of the HSUPA network. Further enhancements and speed boosts will follow if the initials stages of the expansion has been established. The transition of the AT&T 3G network to High Speed Packet Access (HSPA) standards will be completed only after the deployment of the HSUPA network.

Ralph de la Vega, the president and CEO for AT&T's wireless unit released this statement,

"Fast wireless broadband is the foundation for a whole range of new and emerging applications that our customers are adopting, including everything from social networking to sending live video and large business files. With these aggressive initiatives, we're expanding the scope and the speed of our 3G capabilities, connecting people with their world and enabling more customers to do more with their wireless devices, wherever they may be."

It seems that AT&T wants to start this year with the right foot. The competition in the lucrative wireless phone industry is very tight so getting every possible advantage over the competiton will spell success. If the wireless network can sucessfully expand their networks and complete the tranistion into HSPA+ and LTE technologies, then they will have a significant edge over their rivals.

I hope that these developments will also produce positive changes for wireless consumers. Perhaps the stiff competition among wireless networks will result in the best services and products for us wireless consumers.