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.

HTC Touch Diamond to Hit Sprint Stores on September 2?

I've got another juicy bit of wireless network information scoop. This time it's for Sprint subscribers. Now, according to the folks at wmexperts.com, Sprint may be launching the HTC Touch Diamond on September 2.

The HTC Touch Diamond has been one of the most anticipated handsets since it was officially announced last May. Only the 3G iPhone has clearly surpassed it in terms of anticipation. It was rumored that Verizon and Sprint will offer the HTC Touch Pro in US soil. Prior rumors and announcements indicate that the HTC Touch Pro will be available in the third quarter. This makes the rumored release date of September 2 plausible.

The source of this info is apparently a slide or internal document that was leaked. The documents contained details and the release dates of several handsets that will be launched by Sprint. Here are the handsets that will be released in September according to the leaked document:

• Sanyo Katana Eclipse
• Motorola VE20 Vegas
• Motorola i365
• MotorolaV950 Renegade
• Samsung m220
• Samsung m320

Of course, the highlight of the list was the HTC Touch Diamond or the HTC 6950. The HTC Touch was designated as the HTC 6900. Since this info case from a leaked document, more confirmation is required. It's expected that the wireless network operator will make the official announcement in the next few weeks.

Here the expected specs and features of Sprint's upcoming HTC Touch Diamond:

• 101mm x 51mm x 14mm dimensions
  
• EVDO Rev A
• WiFi, Bluetooth 2.0
• Qualcomm MSM 7510A Processor running at 528MHz
• 256 ROM, 256 RAM, 4 Gigs internal (no expansion)
• Opera 9.5 for the browser
• 3.2mp Camera
• 640x480 screen
• 1340 mAh battery

Tune in to this blog for more wireless network operator rumors news and info.

Recent Wireless Network Rumors

After surfing through various mobile phone websites, I noticed that there are plenty of exciting rumors about wireless network operators and handset launches. So I decided to post some of the recent rumors I've read about. Here they are:


AT&T mobile phone devices and services rumors

According to the mobile phone spies at Boy Genius Report, the Samsung Omina may be coming to AT&T in the third quarter. The Samsung Omnia is a a Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional device with a 5 megapixel camera with face detection. It also has quad-band EDGE, UMTS, HSDPA, 3.2″ WQVGA touch screen, Bluetooth, and either 8GB or 16GB of internal memory. The rumors also indicate that the Samsung Omnia for AT&T will offer Mobile TV, AT&T Navigator and other services.

Here's more interesting mobile phone scoop for AT&T subscribers. According to GearDiary.com, AT&T's roadmap has been leaked and the info suggest that a number of exciting new handsets will be released in the coming months. AT&T has scheduled the third quarter for the launching of the BlackBerry Curve 8320 and the BlackBerry Bold. The mobile phone carrier will also release that BlackJack III which offers Windows Mobile 6.1, a 528 MHz processor, 3MP camera, aGPS, and more.

A new Pantech Duo sporting Windows Mobile 6.1, GPS, HSDPA, and a 528MHz processor may also hit AT&T stores in the fourth quarter. The leaked AT&T info also mentions a replacement for the HTC Tilt called the Tilt II, which will offer a Qualcomm 528 MHz processor, aGPS, HSDPA, 256MB ROM/ 128MB, and more. The AT&T Tilt II is expected to be launched on the fourth quarter together with the HTC Touch Pro.

The mobile phone operator has also scheduled a slew of Windows Mobile 6.1 upgrades for the Pantech Duo, BlackJack II, Moto Q9h, AT&T Tilt and other handsets.


Sprint mobile phone devices and services rumors

According to SprintUsers.com, rumors indicate that Sprint is getting set to increase data costs for new and old customers. The rumors also indicate that the mobile phone carrier is planning to cancel their current standalone Vision and Power Vision plans. Apparently, the have decided to replace them with a mandatory Everything plans that begin at $69/month. This new set of plans will offer voice minutes, Sprint TV, GPS nav, and other services. However, these changes may affect customers who only signed up for a simple data-only plan.



Verizon Wireless mobile phone devices and services rumors

According to Phone Arena.com, leaked information indicates that Verizon may be preparing to unveil a
host of exciting new mobile phonesin the upcoming months. The leaked information suggest that Verizon will launch the the HTC Touch Diamond and Touch Pro which are headed to the carriers CDMA lineup.

These handsets are expected to be launched on the middle of fall. even though no definite date have been mentioned. Verizon may also launch the Motorola Blaze which is scheduled to hit stores by September 22. The leaked documents also mention the Palm Treo 800w but no specific release date was indicated. The Samsung SCH-U430, Samsung SCH-U440, UTStarcom TXT8010, Nokia 2605 and the Nokia 7205 will also join Verizon's mobile phone lineup according to the leaked information.

There you have it. I hope these mobile phone and wireless network operator rumors have gotten you excited. Tune in to this blog for more rumors as well as news and info on mobile phones and cell phone carriers.

Sprint's XOHM WiMax Wireless Network Ready for Commercial Launch!

Here's some excellent wireless network news for Sprint subscribers. Sprint and Samsung Electronics Corporation Ltd. has announced that the XOHM wireless network is ready for it's commercial release.

Check out this statement from Barry West, the top man at XOHM:

"This is a major step towards launch readiness and Sprint is extremely pleased with the performance of the mobile WiMAX network and access devices from Samsung. The collaboration with Samsung and our other partners has created a WiMAX ecosystem that has now proven that it can deliver this new technology to the marketplace well ahead of any feasible alternative."

Sprint's XOHM business unit is devoted solely on developing the WiMAX ecosystem and standards to bring the latest broadband wireless technology. Sprint is utilizing the significant spectrum holdings at 2.5 GHz that were combined in the Sprint Nextel merger to deploy mobile WiMAX technology.

The new broadband wireless network from Sprint that offers the speed and mobility of WiMAX has met the demands of rigorous testing. The tests were designed to see if the network can achieve commercial acceptance criteria that includes overall performance, handoff performance and handoff delay.

The extensive evaluation of this high speed wireless network was conducted in the XOHM(TM) lab environment and with the commercial service network being built in the Baltimore and Washington D.C. area. Sprint decided to hold the launching commercial WiMAX service in those cities later this year after the vital technical milestone was achieved in the tests.

The wireless network has introduced several WiMAX-enabled devices in preparation for the launching of XOHM. The Express Card (E100 PC Card) and WiMAX embedded UMPC (Q1 Ultra Premium Mobile PC) are already in place for the WiMAX systems being deployed for Sprint in Baltimore and Washington D.C.

Wireless Networks Reviews part Two

This is the sequel to my attempt to provide some useful reviews on the services offered by various wireless networks. these reviews were mostly based on what consumers say on a particular carrier. L provided reviews on Verizon Wireless, US Cellular and AT&T in my first post.

Let us begin this sequel with a review of Virgin Mobile USA. This mobile phone network is known as a consumer champion. Of course, that doesn't mean that Virgin Mobile customers do not file complaints against their carrier. Like most wireless networks Virgin Mobile also receive complaints but surveys have shown that the company provides great consumer satisfaction and customer service.

Many consumers also like the fact that the network offers a wide variety of phones. Consumers like to have a lot of option so offering plenty of mobile phone models will sit well with consumers. A wide selection means that users will be more likely to find the most suitable handset to fit a certain lifestyle or personality.

Virgin Mobile Customers also like the freedom to roam anywhere in the country without incurring roaming fees that is offered by the company. But this offer is also limited because devices will only access Virgin Mobile cell phone towers. A mobile phone is virtually useless if the owner is in an area that is not covered by the wireless network.

Virgin Mobile also offers affordable and flexible mobile phone plans. Customers can get plans for less than fifteen bucks and do not have to worry about yearly contracts. Virgin mobile plans do not require contracts so there are not a lot of disputes.

There are also some negative feedbacks from Virgin Mobile consumers. For instance, Virgin Mobile is not yet offering GSM technology in their handsets. Consumers are unable to send packets of information to their recipients because of the absence of this technology.

The lack of relationship with other networks is also hurting some of their consumers. The network offers a wide coverage but they are still unable to offer service in some areas of the country. this means that consumers have to switch to other networks in order to use their phones.

Let us proceed with Alltel Wireless. This wireless network provider is known for proving quality service in the states that are covered by its network. Consumers in the 35 states being served by this carrier experience good call quality.

Altell also maintains good ties with other wireless networks so consumers can connect with their family and friends using thwe networks of other carriers. Customers have also expressed that this company provides quality customer service.

This company is also credited with offering generous benfits in their plans such us unlimited mintues during weeekends and nighttime. There are also a wide variety of Alltel services that are available to customers. For instance, laptop users can benefit from the networks WiFi service that grants online access in many places across the country.

However, Alltel's limited service to only 35 states can also bring problems to customers. Limited area coverage often translates to high roaming costs. Most Alltel special services are also unable in states not covered by the carrier. That means that customers may not benefit from Alltel promotions if they are out side the carrier's network.

I think I'm running out of space here. Making a very long blog post may not capture the interest of readers so I will limit the sequel to reviews of two wireless networks. i hope to cover the remaining networks in the third installment of this topic.