AT&T to Launch Nokia N95?

I found an interesting wireless network article as I was surfing the web today. This phonedog.com article says that there are rumors that the Nokia N95 may be coming to AT&T.

The article also indicated that the Nokia N95 maybe available in AT&T outlets during the second quarter of this year. As these are still rumors, it is still unsure whether wireless network will launch the N95 or the newer 8GB model. Let me give a short preview on these phones just in case you are unfamiliar with them.

The Nokia N95 Super Phone

The N95 is Nokia's flagship Nseries mobile phone. This smartphone has a an enormous features list that is packed into a compact slider form. The phone has a large QVGA display with slide-activated landscape mode. It also has a 5 megapixel auto-focus camera with high-quality video capture.

GPS, Wi-Fi, quad-band GSM, EDGE data, Bluetooth, memory card slot, and version 2 of Nokia's full web browser software are also included in the Nokia N95's features. It weighs in at 125 g and has dimensions of 3.9" x 2.09" x 0.83" in inches.

Here is a video tour of the device to give you more info on this phone



I also scanned some user reviews about the Nokia N95 so I'll give a brief summery. Users generally love this device because of the screen, the 5MP camera, high quality videos, and the web browser. However, the device has its shortcomings as users disliked its battery life, high price and the absence of a Qwerty keyboard.

Nokia N95 8 GB

The 8GB is an updated version of the N95. This newer version features 8 GB of built-in memory and an even larger display. The N95 was criticized for having a poor battery life so the 8 GB improved on this aspect.

Generally, the version retained the features of the N95. The 8 GB features the 5 megapixel auto-focus camera, GPS, Wi-Fi, version 2 of Nokia's full web browser software and stereo Bluetooth.

I'm sure AT&T subscribers are thrilled with these rumors. The N95 is one of the coolest phones to date so mobile enthusiasts will be glad that the wireless network may make this smartphone available in the upcoming months. I hope that the high price will decrease, so I can afford one of my own. :)

Sprint Nextel Launches Cool Samsung Cell Phones

Sprint Nextel maybe having a tough time starting from the later part of last year and the wireless network is facing a few hurdles in the early part of this year but they have managed to offered their customers some new mobile phones in their lineup.

The new cellphones that have recently appeared on Sprint Nextel's lineup are both from Samsung. The Samsung i325 ACE and the Samsung M520 Slider are now available on the wireless network's website. Let me give you a few details on these phones to help you decide if these devices are what you need.

The Samsung i325 ACE is one of the new Samsung mobile device on Sprint's lineup. The wireless carrier describes it as the sleekest world phone with Windows Mobile 6. This mobile device has dimensions of 4.65" x 2.32" x 0.46" and weighs 3.9 ounces. It has a Lithium Ion 1300 mAh battery with a talk time of more than four hours.

Customers can access their professional (MS Outlook) and personal email, text messages with the Samsung i325 ACE . This phone also allows users to view documents and files, surf the web, take pictures and capture videos.

Here are the key features of the Samsung Ace:

• Sprint TV^SM enabled
• Speakerphone
• Built-in camera
• Web, email capable
• Bluetooth
• External display
• Memory card slot
• Voice dialing
• Broadband speeds where available

The second new Samsung cellphone that was launch by the major wireless network is the Samsung M520 or the Slider. This device is a dual-mode phone meaning it has both CDMA/EVDO for use in the U.S. and GSM/GPRS for roaming abroad.

The Samsung M520 Slider is an updated version of the M510 and the wireless network's first EV-DO slider. Its dimensions are 4.01" x 2.04" x 0.5" and it tips the scales at 2.75 oz. The 800 mAh Standard battery that runs the Samsung Slider provides up to three and a half hours of talk time.

Here are some of the key features of the Samsung M520 Slider:

• Sprint Music Store^SM
• Sprint TV^SM enabled
• Speakerphone
• Built-in camera
• Web, email capable
• Bluetooth
• External display
• GPS enabled
• Memory card slot
• Voice dialing
• Broadband speeds where available

Sprint Nextel is currently trying to recover from customer losses as well as the class action suits that have been filed against the wireless network. However, the arrival of cool cellphones will attract a few more customers too the wireless carrier. If they can offer great services along with their mobile phones then Sprint Nextel will be able to weather the storm that the company is facing right now. You can check out the deatils of these phones at Sprint Nextel. Simply suplly your zip code to view the cellphones and other products available to your area.

Virgin Mobile USA Suffer Continued Losses

It seems that another wireless network is going through a tough time.

It has been reported that despite adding more than 210,000 customers in the final quarter of last year, Virgin Mobile USA Inc. will be taking on a loss of $3 million to $6 million. The company stock was down more than 13% to $6.99 according to the news. Well, if I am an investor, then I will have a pleasant day with those figures.

I don't find it surprising that a lot of consumers decided to choose Virgin mobile over other wireless carriers. After all, this wireless network has been a consumer champion according to some studies. In fact, this company added a total of about 512,000 customers into their network last year and currently have nearly five million customers.

I think that this is a good indication that excellent customer service or providing good consumer satisfaction is a important factor in gaining customers. Some wireless networks who were criticized for subpar customer relations have promised better customer service programs for this year.

Let's go back to the scoop on Virgin Mobile's losses. According to reports the losses were caused by an increasing competitive prepaid landscape combined with economic impacts on the customer base of Virgin Mobile.

The CEO, of Virgin Mobile Inc., Dan Schulman, reassured his company's investors with these words, "We believe that sustainable, disciplined customer acquisition will result in higher return on investment and growth over the long term."

He is hoping that the current decline in the wireless network's stocks is only a short term effect of the economic factors that are affecting the company. He also pointed out that during the final months of the year, Virgin Mobile purposefully avoided cutting prices on its handsets. The CEO further explained that poor customer economics is the common result of temporary, aggressive pricing.

I hope that this slide is indeed only a temporary problem for Virgin mobile. They are doing a good job at providing good and cheap service to their customers. If they can adjust accordingly to the factors that have cause the decline of their stock value, then perhaps they can make their investors happy.

T-Mobile Tops Customer Service Survey

Let's applaud T-Mobile for doing a good job of making their subscribers happy.

In the latest study conducted by the researchers of J.D. Power and Associates, T-Mobile USA Inc. remained as the top wireless carrier in terms of customer service performance. For the past several studies done by the research company, T-Mobile has stayed rooted at the top. It must be good to be a customer of this wireless network.

Let me describe how the study is done. The research gathers information on how well the wireless carriers meet customers’ service-related needs. They look at several types of services including those done over the phone with a representative, via automated response system, personal visits to T-Mobile retail stores and online transactions.

To complete the study, researchers form J.D. Power and Associates also measures the efficiency of how customers’ issues are resolved. About twelve and a half thousand wireless customers who contacted their carrier’s customer-care department within the past year were the foundation of this research.

Other wireless networks also did well in this customer satisfaction study. Verizon Wireless was ranked number two while AT&T and Alltel are tied at the third spot. Sprint Nextel Corp. ranked last in the study but they made announcements before the end of last year that they will initiate programs driven towards improving customer service.

Several interesting findings also surfaced as a result of this customer satisfaction study. For instance, nearly half of wireless customers connected to the customer care service of their wireless networks. Most of them were related to inaccurate charges and other inquiries related to bills.

A lot of wireless network customers contacted their carriers by phone but most people still prefer personal visits to a retail store. Maybe people feel more comfortable with doing things personally. In my experience, nothing beats talking personally with a customer care representative when discussing a problem.

I hope that this post have been helpful for you. If you haven't chosen a particular network, then the results of the study might help you form a decision.

SureWest Assets will be Sold to Verizon

Verizon Wireless has made an another announcement this week.

The major wireless network has announced that it has agreed to purchased wireless assets from SureWest Communications for sixty nine million big bucks. SureWest Communications is a telecommunication company based in northern California. This deal is subject to federal regulatory approvals upon completion.

Verizon is considered by many as the most reliable wireless voice and data network in the US today. It is serving more than 60 million wireless customers. Based on revenues, it is the largest U.S. wireless company and largest wireless data provider. This powerful mobile phone carrier employs nearly seventy thousand workers and is steadily growing bigger as this post is being made.

With this deal, the will acquire SureWest's spectrum licenses, and network and operations assets in Sacramento. SureWest Wireless' license and spectrum covers nearly four million people. Estimates indicate that Verizon will take on about 50,000 more customers on this major deal will be finalized.

Sure Wests' licenses coverage overlaps with areas currently served by Verizon Wireless so the deal makes sense. This will expand the company’s capacity in that area and bring enhance service for mobile phone service customers.

As soon as the deal is complete, the top wireless network will begin serving SureWest Wireless’ thousands of customers. Experts estimates that the transaction will be completed in the second quarter of 2008.

Visit Verizon Wireless News Center for more news and updates.

Music-Streaming Device for Car Stereos from Verizon

Do you like to listen to music while you drive around the city? If you do then you better check out this bit of wireless network news.

A few days ago, the availability of the Venturi Mini was announced by Verizon Wireless one of the major players in the wireless phone service industry. But what is the Venturi Mini?

Well, the Venturi Mini is a cool device that allows you to stream music from your Bluetooth-enabled music phone to your car's FM radio. Now isn't that cool! This wonderful gadget can also turn any vehicle's stereo into a hands-free speakerphone system. This device will really impress your friends.

How does this device work? Well, it's fairly simple. All you have to do is connect the Venturi Mini plugs into a 12v outlet in your vehicle. The device will then connect to your phone via Bluetooth. After that the Mini can broadcast your music to your car's built-in FM radio using its built-in FM transmitter.

Another cool thing about the Venturi Mini is that it has a built-in noise filtering microphone. This means that the music being played is automatically paused if a call comes in. Then the call will heard through the car's speakers in place of the music. That is certainly a useful feature as it eliminates the need to take your hands away from the steering wheel just to receive a call.

Are you interested in this device? If you are, then visit Verizon Wireless and check it out along with the other gadgets for sale. I'm sure you won't be disappointed by what you find.

Sanyo S1 Mobile Phone at Sprint

Sprint Nextel has released it's first mobile phone for this year. The S1 from Sanyo.

Here is the picture preview and basic specifications of this nice cell phone.

Dimensions: 4.4” x 1.8” x 0.4”
Weight: 2.5 ounces
Display: 1.0” x 1.3” 65K color TFT LCD (128x160)
Standard rechargeable Lithium (LiIon) battery: up to 3.5 hours continuous talk time


The S1 by SANYO has a sleek look and feel that many mobile phone enthusiasts crave. This wireless device offers the essential features that consumers rely on to stay connected when it matters most.

Since it operates on Sprint's Vision® network, customers can avail of easy access to advanced services including web access and email with the help of this device. This phone also offers Wireless Backup. In the event that the phone is lost, stolen or damaged, this feaure will help you to easily manage your phone's contacts list.

Here are the features and tools of the S1 from Sanyo


Downloadable screen savers, ring tones, applications and games
Customizable favorites menu
Sprint Vision® enabled
Integrated Bluetooth® Wireless Technology
High-quality speakerphone
Text and SMS Voice Messaging
Voice-activated dialing
T9 Text Input
Phone as Modem capable
Wireless Backup
Parental Controls restrict calls and limit access to Vision services
Calendar, scheduler, to-do list, world clock, calculator, stopwatch and alarm clock
Internal phone book


You can also check out this review video from PhoneScoop.com t oget more info on this phone.



I hope the info and video review I posted can help you decide if you want to get this mobile device from Sprint.

Judge Rules in Favor of Alltel!

Last week, I made a post about Alltell being sued by Verizon Wireless for false advertising.

An Alltel ad that claimed only Alltel gives wireless customers the ability to change their calling plans without having to extend the term of their contracts is the root of the problem. Since Verizon have began to allow their customers to change their wireless plans without requiring an extension of their contracts about two months ago, they filed a complaint against Alltel.

However, things did not go Verizon's way as a U.S. District Judge in Richmond, Va has refused to grant a temporary restraining order that would have forced Alltel Wireless to drop the controversial ad.

Alltel’s Laura Cook announce that, “We are very pleased with Friday’s ruling and that the court recognized Verizon did not have grounds for the injunction it requested.”

This is certainly interesting. I wonder how Verizon will respond to this setback. They have declined to comment on this ruling but I expect Verizon to make an appropriate response to this conflict.

SMT5800 Fusion Libra Now Available at Verizon Wireless

Another exciting announcement from the mobile phone industry was made today. The SMT5800 will be made available on the web and through Verizon Wireless business sales and Verizon Wireless Communications Stores this month. Oh, joy!

This device is priced at $299.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate and a new two-year customer agreement. You may be eligible for an additional $100 credit if you purchase a qualified voice plan along with a data plan.

For those unfamiliar with this smart phone, let me give you some details. The SMT5800 from Verizon Wireless is a compact phone and messaging device. This amazing wireless device also features a standard mobile phone keypad and navigation, a slide-out QWERTY keyboard, Windows Mobile 6 Standard for online access , calendar and contacts, tasks, e-mail, and more. You also will be able to view and edit Microsoft Word® and Excel® and view PowerPoint® and PDF documents while on-the-go if you have this device.

Check out the other great features of the SMT5800:

• 2.0 megapixel camera with video capture
• Bluetooth® 2.0 including stereo with support for certain profiles
• microSD™ memory card slot (for up to 8 GB of removable memory)
• 2.4” QVGA, 240 x 320 65k-color screen
• CDMA2000 1x/EV-DO digital dual-band
• Dimensions: 4.1” l x 2.0” w x 0.7” d
• Weight: 4.2 oz.
  

Are you a customer of Verizon Wireless? If you are then you will have the benefit of using the SMT5800 as a modem for notebooks when you subscribe to Verizon Wireless’ BroadbandAccess Connect to send and receive data.

If you want another perspective on this device, let me give you a review. EngadgetMobile describes this device as, "The UTStarcom XV5800 (for Verizon Wireless) lies somewhere between the Vox and the S730; although it shares 3G functionality with the S730, it’s from the same vintage as the Vox (its GSM cousin)"

You can also watch this video review of this great phone,

Alltell Sued by Verizon for False Advertising

It seems that another dispute between two major wireless phone carriers or networks has began.

Apparently, Verizon Wireless has filed a civil suit in the federal court in Richmond, Va. against Alltel Corp. on the grounds of making false advertising claims. The origin of this problem is an Alltel ad that claimed only Alltel gives wireless customers the ability to change their calling plans without having to extend the term of their contracts.

Verizon reacted unfavorably to this Altell Ad because they have began to allow their customers to change their wireless plans without requiring an extension of their contracts about two months ago. After this important decision they contacted Alltel about the carrier’s ad to request that it be changed.

Now, Altell claims that it granted Verizon Wireless' request to cahnge the ad. Andrew Moreau, a spokesman for Alltel said, “We did make edits to that ad to accommodate Verizon’s position. The version of the ad that Verizon filed with its complaint was a prior version of the ad so it didn’t reflect the edits that we made.”

However, Verizon Wireless claims Alltel continued to air the unedited advertisement throughout last year and into 2008. The carrier wrote in court documents that,

"Verizon Wireless notified Alltel of these falsehoods and reasonably believed that any such false advertising would cease on or before Thanksgiving. However, Alltel has continued to run advertising falsely and misleadingly contending that only Alltel offers wireless customers the ability to change their service without changing their contract term.”

As of this time Verizon Wireless declined to make any comment beyonds the lawsuit. Read more about this wireless network news at rcrnews.com

The Continuing Struggle to Please Customers

Compared to retailers and credit-card companies, wireless carriers provide a less useful and enjoyable customer experience. This was the information gathered from a study done by Forrester research. Perhaps this information also moved some carriers to promise better programs to increase consumer satisfaction next year.

It certainly seem logical for wireless service providers to pay attention to giving better service because the study ranked them fifth among nine industries. Retailers, investment firms, insurance companies and credit-card providers were all rated as giving better service than wireless networks.

Of course, wireless providers have also scored some points with their customers because they consider Internet service providers, TV service providers and medical insurance providers inferior to wireless carriers in terms of customer satisfaction. However, considering that the wireless phone industry is probably the fastest growing and most lucrative industry in this age, increasing the level of customer satisfaction should be made a priority. After all, a
happy and satisfied customer will be willing to spend more.

Sprint and Nextel brands, Alltel Corp., Virgin Mobile USA and prepaid provider Tracfone Wireless Inc. were included in the Forrester survey. The results showed that Virgin Mobile USA Inc. received the top ranking while the Sprint and Nextel brands received the lowest marks. Alltel ranked second followed by T-Mobile USA Inc. Verizon Wireless came in at No. 4, followed by Tracfone, and AT&T Mobility.

Virgin Mobile USA received “excellent” rating for ease of use. it also garnered the highest rank for its usefulness and whether or not their experience with the company was enjoyable. This is interesting since Mobile USA’s service runs on Sprint Nextel Corp.’s CDMA network.

It seems that Sprint Nextel is consistently earning thumbs-down from various consumer surveys. For instance, Consumer Reports’ said that it would not recommend service from Sprint unless a customer specifically wanted push-to-talk service. The company has also ranked near the bottom of customer satisfaction surveys by J.D. Power and Associates.

Fortunately, Sprint has responded to this ratings by hiring several thousand more customer care representatives to improve the customer experience. The company is also planning to increase its focus on retaining subscribers rather than trying to bring in new ones and launch loyalty-based incentive programs. Hopefully, the company will be able to increase it's stature in terms of providing customer care.

Sprint Names New President and CEO

Daniel R. Hesse a veteran of the wireless industry an the former chairman, president and CEO of Embarq Corporation has been named as president and chief executive officer of Sprint. The Sprint Nextel Board of Directors has voted to place him in charge of the company effective immediately.

Let's become more familiar with Mr. Hesse and his stellar career. Daniel served as CEO of Sprint's Local Telecommunications Division for one year before he headed Embarq. He has also served as the president and CEO of AT&T Wireless Services which was then the United States' largest wireless operator. He was also a member of Sprint Nextel's board of directors.

Board member Irvine O. Hockaday, Jr., who chaired the board's CEO search committee said, "Dan Hesse is the right person to lead our company. He is a proven leader with deep wireless experience as a chief executive and an established track record of generating strong operating performance. He has the board's full support to take decisive actions necessary to improve our performance."

You can read more about Hockaday's comments on this important announcement at Sprint's Newsroom .

Another major announcement made by by Sprint Nextel's board concerns the election of JamesH. Hance to continue in his role as non-executive chairman. He is a senior adviser to the Carlyle Group and retired vice chairman and board member of Bank of America. He has been a Sprint board member since February 2005. When Gary Forsee, who had been chairman, president and CEO, stepped down in October, Hance was named non-executive chairman.

I guess it's safe to assume that Hesse will bring a lot of experience as the new head of Sprint. He will be able to provide direction to Sprint and will hopefully bring the company to greater heights.

WiMAX Soft-launch Announced by Sprint

Let me give you one of the top wireless network news for this week.

Sprint, one of the top wireless service providers has announced that the iMAX networks in Chicago and Baltimore-Washington, D.C. will be turned live sometime this week. However, this soft-launched will only extend to Sprint workers. This move was meant as a preparation for a broader customer trial in the near future. The company will be just under deadline for its promised trial deployment by the end of the year if the WiMAX launch will be done this week.

Everyone in the wireless industry has been waiting for Sprint’s Xohm launch due to its scale and scope. Mobile WiMAX networks using pre-certified IEEE 802.16e equipment have been previously launched by other smaller and international operators.

The announcement also explained that the soft launches will cover the downtown cores of Chicago, Baltimore and Washington. Rapid outward expansion following existing cellular data traffic patterns throughout their respective cities will begin after the initial launches. The upcoming customer trials are intended to be short because they will used to optimize the network for a full commercial launch.

The company has plans to expand its network to 100 million people by the end of the year. It is planning a fully mobile launch from the get-go, starting with laptop wireless cards and eventually moving to mobile devices as they become available unlike other operators deploying the technology for fixed broadband. There are also plans to allow any device or service provider to access the network by offering the service on an open basis.


However, there may also be changes to the grand scope of Sprint's plans change next year. This is due to the re-examination of Xohm plans early next year in the wake of financial difficulties. Financial troubles forced the company and and Clearwire to call off plans to combine their networks.

Sprint's capital investment in the new network only totaled $73 million in the third quarter even though the company declared that it is still committed to seeing WiMAX through. The investment pales in comparison to the $2.5 billion it said it would spend on the project.

Unless Sprint management decides to change up its strategy next quarter, it will proceed with its deployment schedule as planned. About ten thousand 10,000 base station sites, many of them cell sites for its existing CDMA network has been readied for deployment. More news about this development will be released in the nest few days.

Self-Service Phone Activation Deployed by Virgin Mobile USA

A few days ago, Telespree Communications made an announcement concerning Virgin Mobile USA's deployment of their company's solution to automate its mobile handset programming process. Telespree Communications is one of the the leading device based self-service platform provider for wireless carriers and Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs).

On the other hand, Virgin Mobile USA is a major national provider of wireless communications services. They are known for offering services that have no annual contracts and serving nearly five million customers.

The company has began incorporating the Telespree programming solution on Virgin Mobile USA handsets in the third quarter 2007. The implementation of the OTA solution in all new handsets is part of their plans for the future.

Telespree technology has been deployed for first time programming of new Virgin Mobile USA devices. It is also employed for existing users who want to change or upgrade their mobile phones. Using wireless technology from Telespree, the mobile phone becomes automatically programmed. The process eliminates manual inputs or assistance from customer care agents.

This highly anticipated self-service solution is designed to streamlines wireless device programming and provisioning of voice and data devices. It is expected that the platform will deliver secure authentication and over-the-air device programming to any non-active, wireless device without customer care or inputs.

Wireless carriers may be able to offer 100% automated device programming as well as service enrollment and ongoing account maintenance to customers and retail channels if this process is proven to be successful. They will be able to benefit from customer support costs and the users will have improved experience.

Perhaps other mobile service providers will be drawn towards Telespree's solution. This process does have good advantages and undoubtedly other wireless companies will explore the possibility of using it for their operations.

AT&T Follows Verizon in Opening up Network

Perhaps in responce to Verizon Wireless' announcement last week that it would open up its network, AT&T has also made it known that their subscribers will be able to attach outside devices and run outside applications.

Information about this significant AT&T decision will be publicized through salespeople at AT&T stores. It will also be possible for AT&T's customers to take their handsets to other mobile service providers using GSM.

Customers can purchase a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) through the company if they want to bring a GSM device to the AT&T network. Activation of the device will follow if it operates in U.S. spectrum frequencies.However, there is one very vital exception.

It has been made clear that AT&T will not unlock the iPhone to use on other networks. An AT&T spokesman explanins, "we will unlock the device when customers fulfill their contract; we will also unlock the device if the customer pays full price for the device," he said. "The iPhone, however, is an exception. The iPhone is exclusive to AT&T in the U.S." Needless to say, this decision is highly unpopular.

A spokesman for open-access advocate Public Knowledge said that, "The theme is fine, and we approve, but would like to see more details." I think the details about this issue will come out when all the aspects have been worked out.

However, I do think that this will lead to a more positive changes in terms of oping up of networks. Perhaps the other networks will also decide to open their networks and provide balance in the wireless phones market.

View Live NFL Games on Sprint Mobile Phones

Football Fans who subscribe to Sprint Nextel's wireless phone services will now be able to see their favorite teams duke it out on the turf with the help of their cellphones. The National Football League (NFL) and the wireless company are working together to provide live videos of NFL game coverage on the mobile phones of Sprint.

NFL Network will be responsible for providing the coverage. They will produce a three-hour studio-based show that will be streamed live on NFL.com and via wireless exclusively to Sprint subscribers. If you love football then you should really consider switching to Sprint. If you are already a subscriber then get this mobile video service before the football season ends. This service will give you another option when you want to watch a video of your favorite NFAl games. You can now watch games on HD TV, online videos and your mobile phone.

The coverage highlights involves the critical moments in a game such as when a team enters the red zone, during scheduled time slots at the :15 and :45 marks. Replays, in-game highlights and analysis from that night's action, and the halftime show will also be featured in the coverage.

Sprint subscribers will have round the clock access of the NFL Network live telecast via NFL Mobile and Sprint TV. If they choose to they can have unlimited access to NFL Mobile with any Sprint Power Vision pack at no additional cost. They simply need to text "NFL" to 7777 to gain access to the telecast.

As of this month, NFL Mobile has been downloaded by at least a million Sprint customers and NFL Network continues to be the most popular channel on Sprint TV. Stats,scores, official play-by-play, video highlights and customizable text alerts from NFL Mobile can be delivered faster than any other carrier with information updated every 10 seconds on game days.

This is definitely a sweet deal for football fans. They can now get access to their favorite NFL team's games and see the highlights and updates of the league games. The current season is exciting led by the undefeated New England Patriots and no fan will want to miss an undefeated season or their first loss. With the help of Sprint and the NFL, they can be sure that they won't miss a single moment.

The Wireless Technology Behind US Cellular's Success

US Cellular is considered as one of the top Wireless phone service providers in the United States. It is a Chicago-based U.S. company that provides quality wireless service in 189 markets in 26 states and caters to more than 6 million customers. When it comes to offering a high level of customer satisfaction, this company is rated among the leaders. That can be expected in a company that emphasizes customer support, quality network coverage and comprehensive range of wireless products and services.

To improve its network and provide excellent wireless service, US Cellular has spent millions of dollars in technological enhancements. It is currently using CDMA-1X digital technology to add more voice capacity, high-speed data products and features, and expanded coverage areas to its ever growing network.

Let us examine the technology behind the success of US Cellular more extensively. CDMA or Code-Division Multiple Access is a term that describes any of several protocols used in so-called second-generation (2G) and third-generation (3G) wireless communications. IT is a form of multiplexing wireless technology. Numerous signals will be able to occupy a single transmission channel with the help of this invention thus allowing for optimal use of available bandwidth.

This wireless wonder also uses analog-to-digital conversion (ADC) in combination with spread spectrum technology. This combination digitizes audio input into binary elements. Then, the frequency of the transmitted signal is made to vary according to a defined pattern. This process ensures that the signal can only be intercepted only by a receiver whose frequency response is programmed with the same code. This means that the signal must follow exactly along with the transmitter frequency for a successful transmission. The result is enhanced privacy and less chance of cloning because there is an overwhelming number of of possible frequency-sequencing codes. US Cellular is using the latest CDMA technology which is called 1XRTT.

To break it down, let me give you the advantages that US Cellular's CDMA 1XRTT wireless technology can offer. The foremost benefit with the use of CDMA is the minimal number of blocked calls. The risk of disruption or blocked calls is minimized because of this technologies method of passing calls between cells.

CDMA technology also reduces background noise and interference during phone calls because it combines multiple signals and improves signal strength. Since this innovation has digitally encoded, broad spectrum transmissions that help reduce wireless eavesdropping, a wireless network that uses it will have improved security and privacy.

A network that uses a Code-Division Multiple Access will also benefit from greater capacity because a large number of customers to will be able to share the same radio frequencies. CDMA can provide up to 10 to 20 times the capacity of analog equipment and more than three times the capacity of other digital platforms because it uses a broad spectrum technology.

CDMA technology will also provide expanded coverage at a reduced cost to any wireless network. This is largely due to the broad spectrum signal that provides enhanced coverage. The wireless network can be establish built with fewer cell sites with the help of CDMA than is possible with other wireless technologies.

This technology is largely responsible for US Cellular's ability to provide excellent service and satisfaction to its millions of customers across the nation. As this company continues to pump more money into improving its wireless network, it will continue to do a stellar job of providing a high level of customer satisfaction and quality wireless service.

Verizon Wireless Network Will Open up to Outside Devices

One of the top wireless cellphone service providers made an important decision this week. The top brass at Verizon Wireless has decided to open its network to outside mobile handsets, devices and applications by the end of 2008.

This change is advantageous towards customers who want a choice that doesn't include full service phones and applications. However, the wireless company will continue to provide a full-service offering, including retail stores and optimized software applications next year.

Some experts think that the demand of consumer groups and some U.S. lawmakers for wireless providers to open up their networks to outside devices and applications has influenced Verizon's decision. Apple and AT&T have also been widely criticized for their exclusive agreement that allows the iPhone to be used only on AT&T's wireless network in the U.S.

Another factor might be the U.S. Federal Communications Commission requirement. The FCC has required that a portion of spectrum to be auctioned starting in January to allow outside devices and applications.

On the early part of 2008, Verizon will begin publishing technical standards for the development community. The top wireless network will activate any wireless device that meets the minimum technical standard. A US$20 million testing lab will approve the devices for activation. This is certainly good news for wireless phones customers. They will be able to run any application they choose on approved devices on 2008 because of this development.

Verizon Wireless President and CEO Lowell McAdam explains that,

"This is a transformation point in the 20-year history of mass market wireless devices -- one which we believe will set the table for the next level of innovation and growth," "Verizon Wireless is not changing our successful retail model, but rather adding an additional retail option for customers looking for a different wireless experience."

Hopefully, other wireless phone providers will also make more customer friendly decisions. The wireless phone industry is constantly growing and competition between providers will inevitably result in more programs that are geared towards consumer satisfaction.

Verizon Wireless Network Expansions

The most reliable wireless voice and data network in the US is currently expanding its network to serve more consumers. Verizon Wireless is serving 63.7 million customers, a number that is sure to increase once the new network towers are in place. Based on revenues, it is currently the largest US wireless company and largest wireless data provider. This network expansion is part of the company's multi-billion dollar network investment each year to stay ahead of the growing demand for voice and data services.

Verizon Wireless' high-speed third generation wireless broadband network is the main reason why its services has been in high demand. Their network has been enhanced with EVDO Rev. A technology. Customers who use the company's flagship business data service, BroadbandAccess, will be able to interact with Web-based applications, download music over the air, access to e-mail, everyday corporate data, the Internet, and more at speeds that are eight to nine times faster than before with the help of this revolutionary enhancement.

Broadband Access customers with Rev. A compatible devices can now expect average download speeds of 600 kilobits per second (kbps) to 1.4 megabits per second and average upload speeds of 500-800 kbps if they get Verison Wireless services. Customers can download a 1 megabyte email attachment in about eight seconds and upload the same sized file in less than 13 seconds with the help of Verizon Wireless' high-speed third generation wireless broadband network.

With the construction of a new cell site, the company recently widened its network in Wilmington, Delaware. The residents living along along Route 13 north to Haines Avenue and west to East 28th Street, and along I-495 south to the Christiana Avenue overpass will now enjoy and benefit from increased coverage and capacity.

The network is also expanding in Essex County and the New York Metro area. Those who reside in Newark, along Summer Avenue, between Delevan Avenue East and 4th Avenue East and between Parker Street and Mt. Pleasant Avenue are included in the expansion. Other with the company's high-speed wireless network.

AT&T's 3G Wireless Network Expansion

Communications and wireless giant AT&T has continued to expand its ever growing network. The recent 3gG expansions are part of the $350 million in investments the company has made in the last two years.

More AT&T customers will receive and enjoy broadband speeds when the expansion will be completed. The city and surrounding communities in the expansion areas will surely benefit from the services of this great company.

With 3G wireless technology, users can download a 1 megabyte file in 15 seconds. Compared to the one minute per megabyte speed of the old network, this is a significant speed increase.

The areas that are covered in this week's expansion includes 75 sites in Western Massachusetts, the city and surrounding communities of Pittsburgh, Richmond and Hampton Roads in Virginia, and the western Massachusetts area.

AT&T Customers that live within the expansion area can also avail of Video Share. This is one of the the network's exciting new services. Users can share live video between wireless phones while conducting a voice call with the help of this feature. This feature is also useful in business scenarios. For instance, car dealers can negotiate with their clients while showing them a vehicle through their wireless phone.

Another exciting to AT&T's arsenal of exciting new features is the cellular video and laptop connect. Users can use this revolutionary feature to access to 3G broadband speeds with a wireless laptop card. However, one of AT&T's 31 3G-appropriate devices must be used to access the network.

It is also useful for users to remember that they will automatically switch back to AT&T's 2G network upon leaving the 3G service area. As of today, the 3G network is available in more than 220 U.S. cities.

If 3G technology is unable in your area, then you don't have to worry about it. You see, AT&T plans to expand to more markets by the end of the year. It's only a matter of time before you can use 3G technology in your area.