Cricket Wireless to Become a National Carrier?

Cricket Wireless is known as one of the best pre-paid carriers in the country. However, this company serves 5.3 million prepaid customers in select communities in 25 states and it is projected to expand in the next few years. Well, Cricket Wireless may decide t enter the national scene in the near future.

Al Moschner, the executive vice president and chief operating officer of Cricket Wireless recently told Kent German of CNet that,

It's about national reach. An important part of our strategy is to become national. We're not going to stop building out our own infrastructure, but given that real growth in the industry is with prepaid users, we need to be a national carrier today. And more importantly, if you believe that a significant shift of sales is moving to a national carrier footprint, the only way for us to be relevant is to be national.

Moschner also talked about smartphones, music services, 4G plans and other endeavours.

Head on to CNet to read the entire interview.

That's it for this post. Stay tuned regularly to get more news on wireless networks.

T-Mobile Wireless Network Outage

A number T-Mobile customers were recently alarmed when they found that they were unable to contact family and friends visa their handsets. Text and voice communication across the country were being disrupted for unknown reasons.

Fortunately, the company moved quickly to fix the T-Mobile current outage. Rapid response teams were mobilized to restore service as quickly as possible to appease customers who are experiencing voice and data outages.

The company did not mention the scope or severity of the T-Mobile current outage. However, a press statement did indicate that approximately 5 percent of T-Mobile customers are experiencing service disruptions.

After several hours, another announcement was released indication that the T-Mobile current outage has been fixed. The rapid response team has done its job and all voice and data services had be restored.

Unfortunately, the cause of the incident is still being investigated. This probably means that the cause is still unknown and the outage may may happen again.

T-Mobile appears to be on shaky ground. This problem occurred recently after the serious service interruption for its Sidekick line of devices. I hope that the carrier can fix its problems and focus on providing quality service.

That's it for this post on the T-Mobile outage,. Tune in more to this blog for the latest news and information on the wireless network industry.

Sprint to Purchase the iPCS Wireless Network

The powerful Sprint wireless network is planning to gobble up another minor carrier. The major US wireless service provider is in the process of assimilating Virgin Mobile and just announced plans to buy its affiliate, iPCS.

iPCS wireless is a company that has acquired exclusive right to sell wireless mobility communications network products and services under the Sprint brand in 81 markets including markets in Illinois, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Iowa, Ohio and Tennessee. This regional wireless network serves an estimated 710,200 subscribers.

Sprint and iPCS has been a fixture of the wireless network news lately as the regional network has sued the larger network over a number of reasons, including breach of contract. However, as part of the merge all of the litigation concerning both companies will cease.

The Sprint acquisition of iPCS is ertimated to involve $831 million. The deal also involves assumption of $405 million of net debt. The deal is expected to be completed by late 2009 or early 2010.

FCC to Investigate US wireless Network Operators

I previously blogged about the possible government review on wireless network operators on possible anti-competitive practices. Well, it appears that the FCC has already made it's move.

The FCC or Federal Communications Commission has decided to launch a formal inquiry into the wireless industry. The agency will look into the business practices being used in the industry. It will also examine how the large wireless network operators affect consumer choice.

The target of this FCC inquiry will be the major wireless network operators, AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile USA and Verizon Wireless.

Exclusive deals between handset makers and carriers will also be targeted by this FCC inquiry into the the wireless network industry. Apparently, rural carriers have expressed their strong opposition to these exclusive deals. They do not have enough clout to make deals to carry the most popular phones so such practices should be illegal.

The FCC also wants to gain an insight into the general state of the wireless industry to see if current conditions in the wireless market allow for new entrants. If the the major wireless network operators have too much power then a new entrant into the industry have little chance of survival.

The results of this FCC inquiry into the the wireless network industry will be used as a framework for other investigations into other commercial industries. Other sectors such as cable and broadband are also scheduled to be examined by the government.

New FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski released this statement regarding the inquiry,

"I hope the new wireless competition report will help set a standard for fact-based, analytically deep analysis of the mobile industry. It is essential that the commission develop policies that encourage a new generation of innovators, working with new tools, on new platforms, and having an extraordinary impact on our economy and society"

Well, this is certainly interesting. The wireless industry has always defended its practices, pointing out that they offer consumers a wide range of choices of network operators, handsets, and service plans. We'll see if the inquiry brings any improvements that would benefit all consumers.

That's it for this post on the FCC inquiry into the mobile phone carriers. Tune in to this blog to get the latest news and updates on wireless networks.

More T-Mobile 3G Network Markets Launched!

T-Mobile may have the youngest 3G network among the top US wireless carriers but it sure is growing fast. The carrier has announced via Twitter that its 3G wireless network services will be open to new markets.

The T-Mobile 3G network is now live in these markets:

• Bridgeport Conn.
• Hartford Conn.
• New Haven Conn.
• Waterbury, Conn.
• Knoxville, Tenn.

The T-Mobile 3G network has also opened in numerous markets in the past several weeks. Here are some of the markets that have been launched in the last two months:

• St. Louis, Mo.
• Jacksonville, Florida
• Chattanooga, Tennessee
• Milwaukee, Wi.
• Bakersfield, California
• Santa Clarita, California
• Simi Valley, California
• Thousand Oaks, Louisiana
• Lake Charles, Louisiana
• El Paso, Texas
• Allentown/Bethlehem/Easton, Pennsylvania
• Norfolk, Virginia
• Chesapeake, Virginia
• Virginia Beach, Virginia
• Portsmouth, Virginia
• Hampton, Virginia
• Richmond, Virginia

The T-Mobile's 3G services provide faster Web browsing and content downloads. A 3G phone on the T-Mobile 3G network can reach speeds up of 200 to 300 Kilobytes per second, with peak speeds of up to 1 Megabyte per second.

That's it for this wireless network update. The T-Mobile 3G network service might also go live in your area soon. Tune in to this wireless network blog for more news and updates on mobile phone carriers and their services.

Verizon Wireless Proposes Change to Existing Roaming Rule

Here's an interesting update to users who like to roam outside the confines of their carrier's wireless network. Verizon Wireless has offered a bold proposition to change the existing rules on roaming.

So why would Verizon Wireless propose the existing roaming rule? Well, pressure from the government has encouraged or forced the carrier to propose a change to the current laws regarding roaming.

Roaming is a term coined to describe a practice that involves extending of connectivity service in a location that is different from the home location where the service was registered.

The existing roaming law allows wireless network operators the choice to refuse from providing roaming services to competing companies that own spectrum in a given market but have yet to build out a network there. However, minor and regional wireless network operators claim that the existing roaming rule negatively affects customers, who are unable to roam in those regions and will be left without service.

Verizon Wireless announced that it will support legislation that requires it to provide roaming services in this type of circumstance. However, there's a catch. Big Red will only support legislation that sets a 2 year limit to the requirement.

So how will this play out? The letter containing the proposal to change the existing roaming rule has already been sent to several senators. However, considering how politics work, it may take months before actual changes to the rule are made.

That's it for this news on major wireless network operators. Tune in to this blog to get the latest news

AT&T Wireless Responds Governemnt Review

A few weeks ago, I blogged about the Department of Justice has begun looking into large U.S. telecommunication and wireless networks for possible anti-competitive practices. AT&T Inc. and Verizon Communications Inc. were said to be the main target of the government review.

Apparently, Sen. Herb Kohl's congressional panel is in-charge of reviewing potential anti-competitive behaviors of the country's largest providers of wireless network services. There are concerns over texting prices, roaming disputes, disputes over spectrum and exclusive access to popular phones.

However, AT&T is not going down without a fight. The carrier immediately decided to make a response to this information on the anti-competitive practices review to be conducted by the DOJ.

James Cicconi, an AT&T senior executive vice president, delivered a statement in defense of his company. The AT&T senior executive vice president indicated that charges of anti-competitive practices by US wireless networks are unfounded. He stressed that the prices of U.S. wireless are much lower than in any other major industrialized country.

Cicconi also argued that exclusive handset arrangements are standard practices. Exclusive access allows a carrier and a manufacturer to split the high cost of marketing. The case is similar with early termination fees that help wireless networks to recoup money spent discounting handsets.

Well, this is certainly interesting. I hope that a review will bring about pro-consumer policies. I wonder why Verizon Wireless did not respond to this anti-competitive practices review. AT&T decided to take action quickly and their response make sense.

However, an inquiry into practices will only help consumers in my opinion.

That's it for this post on AT&T's response to the government's anti-competitive practices review. Tune in to this blog for more news and updates on wireless networks.

Ericsson to Assume Responsibility for Sprint's CDMA and iDEN Wireless Networks

Sprint recently announced a wireless network services agreement with global leader Ericsson. This agreement is called the "Network Advantage" effectively allows Ericsson to take over the day-to-day services, provisioning and maintenance for the Sprint-owned CDMA, iDEN and wireline networks.

The Sprint "Network Advantage" deal is reportedly beneficial to both parties. Sprint will gain operational efficiencies while Ericsson will be able to expand its wireless network services business in North America.

The carrier believes that the “Network Advantage” deal will catapult the company to elite status in wireless and wireline network effectiveness. Sprint’s Steve Elfman, President of Network Operations and Wholesale, released this statement:

“No other U.S.-based carrier has followed through on the business-enhancing vision inherent in Network Advantage. Our best-ever network performance will become even better by leveraging Ericsson’s world-class leadership in network services, their proprietary tools, and the knowledge of more than 30,000 dedicated and highly-specialized service professionals to power Sprint’s Now Network.”

The “Network Advantage” agreement between Sprint and Ericsson will involve between $4.5 billion and $5 billion (USD) over the seven-year term of the contract. Around 6,000 Sprint employees will begin performing their network functions as Ericsson employees sometime in the 3rd quarter.

Here are the key elements of the “Network Advantage” agreement between Sprint and Ericsson:

• Sprint retains full ownership and control of its network assets, and solely owns network strategy and investment decisions.
• Customers will continue to work directly with Sprint employees as their primary contact, as Sprint retains full control of the customer experience, customer technical support and services review.
• Sprint retains technology and vendor selections.
• Ericsson assumes responsibility for the day-to-day services, provisioning and maintenance for the Sprint-owned CDMA, iDEN and wireline networks.
• Ericsson will optimize Sprint’s multi-vendor inventory of assets such as spare parts and transmission equipment, and provide processes and tools for managing the national network platforms and operational support systems.
• The transferred employees will become part of Ericsson Services Inc., a wholly-owned Ericsson subsidiary based in Overland Park, KS, a move that retains jobs in the United States. No force reductions are currently contemplated as a result of this agreement.

This is certainly interesting Let's see if the “Network Advantage” agreement between Sprint and Ericsson works well for both companies. That's it for this wireless network information. Tune in to this blog for more news and updates.

AT&T and Verizon Wireless Anti-Competitive Practices Review

Trouble might be brewing for both AT&T and Verizon Wireless. According to the Wall Street Journal, the Department of Justice has begun looking into large U.S. telecommunication companies such as AT&T Inc. and Verizon Communications Inc. to see if any abuse of market power is happening.

Now, there is no cause for alarm. This process is still very much in its infancy and an actual investigation may not be even be opened. However, it is interesting to see that the government is looking into the matter. This tough stance by the DOJ appears to be a reflection of the Obama administration's aggressive stance on antitrust enforcement.

The AT&T and Verizon Wireless anti-competitive practice review seems to have originated from suspicions within the DOJ. Apparently, the massive growth achieved by these wireless network operators have led some to question if it might detrimental effects on smaller competitors and consumers.

Large wireless network operators like AT&T and Verizon Wireless have huge power and influence in the market, this means that they are capable of stifling their competition.

The AT&T and Verizon Wireless anti-competitive practice review will also focus on other areas like the exclusive handset deals. Some wireless network operators have exclusive rights to some high-end handsets and it might be prevent smaller carriers from offering a fair challenge. For instance, AT&T has the iPhone and Verizon Wireless has the BlackBerry Storm.

The DOJ is also looking into the limitations on what third-party companies can do using carriers' data networks. Allegedly, some wireless network operators are blocking certain media download and VoIP apps to prevent legitimate competition from rival services.

Well, I think this news is very interesting. An investigation would expose some unfair practices by the carriers. If there are any. I would really want the government to look at exclusive handset deals. Maybe it would lead a Verizon subscriber like me getting a CDMA iPhone.

That's it for this post on the AT&T and Verizon Wireless anti-competitive practice review. Tune in to this blog for more news and updates on wireless networks.

AT&T Wireless Network Femtocells to be Launched This Year

AT&T has revealed that is is preparing to release femtocell technology this year. Gordon Mansfield, the company's executive director for radio access network delivery stated that this new wireless network product will be available to consumers within a few weeks.

Mansfield said:

"we will expand [the current trials] into a marketing trial of the AT&T-branded 3G Microcell, which will be open to customers through our AT&T stores…in a handful of cities. We're on track for a full national launch by the end of 2009."

However, many consumers are not very familiar with femtocell wireless network technology. So what are femtocells?

Femtocells are small base stations provide enhanced cellular network coverage in places such as homes or offices. They appear similarly to Wi-Fi routers. This technology use residential DSL or cable broadband to connect up to 5 handsets to a wireless carrier's network.

With the help of this revolutionary technology, users can extends the coverage of wireless service providers to residential or small business environments. The process does not require the service of expensive cellular towers to achieve this task.

The benefits of using Femtocell technology go both ways. The consumers and wireless service operators can gain when using this technology. Service providers can improve coverage, reduce backhaul traffic and stimulate 3G usage via femtocells. On the other hand, Consumers will get reduced call charges and enhanced indoor coverage.

The AT&T-branded 3G Microcel is schedule to be tested in trials in the next few weeks.

That's it for this update on AT&T's plans for femtocells. Tune in to this wireless network blog to get the latest news and updates on topics related to mobile phone service providers or carriers.

Unlimited Cricket Wireless Services Comes to Baltmore and Washington DC

Here's another series of wireless network expansions. This time the unlimited services offered by Cricket Wireless have just expanded into more areas. Unlimited Cricket wireless services are now available in the greater Washington, D.C. and Baltimore areas.

This means that customers residing in the Eastern Seaboard markets will have have access to unlimited, feature-packed 3G wireless service. Cricket Wireless offers services at affordable rates so consumers in the greater Washington, D.C. and Baltimore areas will have new options to consider.

Leap plans to open 13 retail store locations in Washington, D.C., and 8 retail store locations in Baltimore. This added coverage will bring 7.2 POPs and increase Cricket's total coverage to 91 million.

So what services will be offered in these new areas? Unlimited Cricket wireless services include service plans ranging from $30 to $60 per month. These services provide unlimited anytime minutes, unlimited U.S. long distance, unlimited text and picture messaging.

Unlimited Cricket wireless services also comes with unlimited text to Mexico, unlimited Mobile Web, unlimited directory assistance, nationwide roaming minutes and more. These Unlimited Cricket wireless services are offered without contracts or credit checks.

Consumers in the greater Washington, D.C. and Baltimore areas will also benefit from unlimited use in all Cricket markets across the U.S. More than a dozen devices available ranging from higher-end handsets, such as the touch screen Motorola Evoke, to more affordable mobile phones will also be available to these new markets.

That's it for this post on the Unlimited Cricket wireless services expansion. Tune in to this blog for more news and updates on wireless networks.

AT&T 3G Network Upgrade to Start This Year

AT&T has made known that it will begin upgrading its existing 3G wireless network in the later stages of 2009. The 3G wireless network will move up from 3.6Mbps to 7.2Mbps High-Speed Packet Access technology. HSPA 7.2 is part of the 3^rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) family of technologies, which include GSM and UMTS.

The AT&T 3G network upgrade is expected be finished by 2011 and will cost around $17 billion to $18 billion.

This AT&T 3G network upgrade to High Speed Packet Access (HSPA) 7.2 technology is part of the company's commitment to provide the best mobile broadband experience. The upgrade will combine with the best device line-up to deliver the best overall experience.

However, the AT&T 3G network upgrade is not solely focused on increasing speed. The major wireless service provider also plans to enhance its mobile broadband coverage by significantly increasing the wireless spectrum dedicated to 3G in most metropolitan areas.

connections. These new sites will offer support to the higher mobile broadband speeds enabled by This plan will provide deliver stronger in-building reception and more overall network capacity. This major AT&T 3G network upgrade also involves adding thousands of new cell site backhaulHSPA 7.2 and LTE.

The AT&T 3G network upgrade offers a theoretical peak speeds of 7.2Mbps however the typical real-world downlink and uplink speeds be less than the theoretical peak. The and will real-world speeds will also vary based on a number of factors, including location, device, and overall traffic.


The other key projects included in this plan to enhance the AT&T 3G network include: in 2009 include:

• Near-Doubling Radio Frequency Capacity
• More Bandwidth to Cell Sites
• More Cell Sites
• Wi-Fi Integration
• MicroCells

AT&T also mentioned that it expects LTE trials to begin in 2010, with deployment beginning in 2011.

That's it for this post on the AT&T 3G network upgrade. Tune in to this blog to get more news and updates on various wireless networks.

Cricket Motorola QA4 Evoke

Cricket is a small wireless carrier. It's not as big as the major carriers like AT&T or Verizon but this carrier also offers some good phones and services. This wireless network specializes in offering a flat-rate unlimited service over the latest technology, high-quality, all-digital CDMA2000 1X and 1xEV-DO wireless network.

Recently, this company put up a web page to promote the Cricket Motorola QA4 Evoke. This indicates that the company will soon offer this handset for an affordable price. Since Cricket is a pioneer of unlimited services with no long-term commitments or credit checks required, one can safely assume that the phone can be purchased without any restrictive contracts.

The page indicates that the Cricket Motorola QA4 Evoke is expected to be available on the 3rd of June for $280. A $15 monthly unlimited data plan that can be added to a voice plan is a requirement for this upcoming phone.

But enough about plans and prices. Let's look at the details of the Cricket Motorola QA4 Evoke and the features of this upcoming phone.

The Cricket Motorola QA4 Evoke is a “socially-inclined device” that provides integration with social networking sites such as MySpace, YouTube and Picasa. This makes it popular with young users who like to spend time in social networking sites.

Here's a list of the features and specs of the Cricket Motorola QA4 Evoke:

• CDMA 800/1900/1700/2100, Diversity 1900MHz and 2100 MHz EVDO Rev A
• 2.8” WQVGA 240×400 Touchscreen display
• 2 megapixel camera with 5x digital zoom
• 256 MB Internal storage, microSD expansion
• A-GPS
• Integrated widgets
• Full HTML browser
• Instant Messaging, Messaging icons
• Bluetooth
• Music player
• Widget-Based, customizable homescreen
• MySpace, YouTube and Picasa integration
• Full HTML browser
• Talk time: up to 5.5 hours
• Stand by time: up to 450 hours
• 108 x 50.5 x 17.5 mm
• 128 grams

For a price of $280, the Cricket Motorola QA4 Evoke appears to be a solid mid-range choice.

Tune in to this blog for more of the top phones from major and regional US networks.

MetroPCS Expands services in Michigan

MetroPCS is one of the fast-growing wireless networks. This prepaid carrier has been growing at an astounding rate that it has even surpassed Sprint' in terms of subscriber added in first quarter of 2009.

This company is also increasing the coverage of its wireless network. A few days ago, MetroPCS announced the launch of its wireless network services in several new regions in the state of Michigan. These new include Grand Rapids, Muskegon and Holland, Michigan. MetroPCS is already offering services in other regions in Michigan such as Detroit, Flint, Lansing, Saginaw and Bay City.

The company expects to create a more extensive coverage area and increase convenient corporate stores and dealer locations with this expansion. This carrier's vice president referred to these developments as a means of bringing "cost-effective product to cost-conscious consumers while providing exceptional customer service.”

MetroPCS has made great bounds this year despite the current economic downturn. Some experts say that this impressive growth and performance can be attributed to its entry into two new big markets: New York and Boston.

This wireless network operator is known for offering diverse selection of service plans, which allow customers to talk 24-hours-a-day, seven days a week, and enhanced service options. MetroPCS hopes that it services will allow people to find a a wireless experience that best fits their lifestyles.

This carrier's low-cost, flat-rate unlimited wireless services are especially attractive during the current economic downturn. With consumers trying to save every dollar, cheap and hassle free services are getting a lot of attention. There's no doubt that customer will flock to prepaid carriers like MetroPCS.

This concludes this post on the MetroPCS wireless network expansion. Tune in to this blog for the latest news and information on carriers or wireless network operators.

AT&T and Verizon Chosen to Provide Cellular Communications in Emergency

I've written a post about Sprint offering its iDen network to the Obama administration as a network that can provide cellular communications in emergency situations. However, it seems that the Federal Emergency Management Administration or FEMA has tapped other carriers to provide cellular communications in emergency situations.

According to the folks at RCR Wireless News, FEMA has picked AT&T and Verizon as the most suitable carriers that can offer cellular communications in emergency response situations. These networks will be responsible for bringing cellular communications in emergency cases involving the nation.

Let's look at why AT&T was picked by FEMA. According to the cellular communications in emergency plan, AT&T will provide wireless and Wi-Fi services on a daily basis. AT&T's services will power FEMA's day-to-day operations.

Under FEMA's cellular communications in emergency plan, AT&T will provide 16,000 wireless devices that include wireless cards, smartphones and various other handsets. Voice and data communications as well as e-mail solutions for the wireless handsets will be available. AT&T Handsets with push-to-talk capabilities will also be use for providing cellular communications in emergency situations.

On the other hand, Verizon Wireless, role in this cellular communications in emergency scheme is to provide communication in cases of emergencies. The Verizon Wireless handsets and devices that will be used in cellular communications in emergency situations are being stockpiled in a warehouse.

The Federal Emergency Management Administration has also assigned Stratus Technologies to provide satellite assistance in this cellular communications in emergency plan.

According to experts, FEMS relies heavily on wireless networks and satellites for communications in emergency because most networks knocked during disasters. The agency wants communications to be restored as soon as possible during national emergencies.

This ends this update on FEMA's plans for restoring cellular communications in emergency. Tune in to this blog for more wireless network news and updates.

US Wireless Network Operators May Recieve Tax Credits

It seems that wireless network operators will get some help during the current economic crisis. According to a Reuters article, a Tax Credits proposal for US wireless networks is being discussed in Congress. Let's go into the details of this story on Tax Credits proposal for US wireless networks.

Apparently, the US government is discussing plans to bolster the U.S. economy. The Tax Credits proposal for US wireless networks is part of these economic recovery solutions. Lawmakers are trying to decide if providing tax breaks to telecommunication companies that provide broadband through the Tax Credits proposal for US wireless networks will help to revitalize the flagging economy.

The original form of the Tax Credits proposal for US wireless networks was limited only to wired broadband providers. However, the present form of the Tax Credits proposal for US wireless networks now includes mobile service carriers such as AT&T Mobility, Sprint, Verizon Wireless and T-Mobile USA.

The Tax Credits proposal for US wireless networks aims to provide a 10% tax credit to companies that high-speed Internet. Wireless network providers that build high-speed web access in rural and under-served areas are also included in the Tax Credits proposal for US wireless networks.

However, the Tax Credits proposal for US wireless networks also suggests that an additional 10% tax break to companies that build faster Internet services. It seems that the Tax Credits proposal for US wireless networks could really provide significant aid to US carriers. I think that the 20% potential tax break offered by the Tax Credits proposal for US wireless networks represent a lot of money because these companies are worth billions of dollars.

Sen. John Rockefeller, a senior Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee and Republican Sen. Olympia Snowe are spearheading the Tax Credits proposal for US wireless networks. Since debates and discussions on the Tax Credits proposal for US wireless networks are still going on, the exact details of this stimulus package have not been finalized.

Of course, the Tax Credits proposal for US wireless networks have its share of supporters and opponents. Some lawmakers feel that the is simply a give away and would only be used to fund projects that would have been built anyway. Some also say that the tax break plan will help to spur investment not already planned.

I think that it will be exciting to observe the progress of Tax Credits proposal for US wireless networks. If the approval of the Tax Credits proposal for US wireless networks will help to build faster broadband around the country then I'm for it. Keep on visiting this blog to know more about news and updates on major wireless network operators.

Will Obama Approve the $2 Billion Emergency Wireless Network Plan?

Here's an interesting wireless network story involving President-elect Barack Obama and the proposed $2 billion emergency wireless network.

According to a Reuters article, Sprint sent a request to President-elect Barack Obama and his incoming administration involving funds for a nationwide $2 billion emergency wireless network. The plan spans five years and aims to provide immediate relief in times of emergencies.

Sprint seems to be the best wireless network operator to propose the $2 billion emergency wireless network because the company is already a supplier of wireless network technology, service and handsets in use by many of the US emergency services and agencies .

Sprint's proposal for a nationwide $2 billion emergency wireless network involved more 100 satellite-based light trucks that would be able to respond to any emergencies. This $2 billion emergency wireless network also mentioned more then 100,000 or more mobile handsets and equipment at up to 40 pre-selected sites around the nation.

According to Sprint's proposal for a nationwide $2 billion emergency wireless network that was sent to President-elect Barack Obama and his incoming administration, the 40 pre-selected sites will quickly send the necessary gear to disaster sites anywhere in the continental U.S.

According to Sprint, their iDEN wireless network is ideal for the $2 billion emergency wireless network (of course). The company is hoping that Obama will approve this $2 billion emergency wireless network proposal and attach it to the economic stimulus plan currently moving through congress.

It will be interesting to see if President-elect Barack Obama will approve this $2 billion emergency wireless network proposal. This $2 billion emergency wireless network will be a valuable tool in the wake of emergencies and disasters like Katrina and 911. However, this plan might take a back seat to the current US economic crisis .

That's it for this post on Sprint's $2 billion emergency wireless network plan. Tune in to this blog for more wireless network news and updates.

BlackBerry Curve 8320 Now Availaible on AT&T Wireless Network

Here's come a new BlackBerry device for Wi-Fi wireless network users. AT&T has announced that the BlackBerry Curve 8320 with Wi-Fi is now available to all subscribers. If you are an avid WI-Fi user then you should definitely look at the new AT&T BlackBerry Curve 8320. Let's take a closer look at the AT&T BlackBerry Curve 8320 with Wi-Fi.

The highlight feature for this new AT&T wireless network device is obviously its Wi-Fi capability. The AT&T BlackBerry Curve 8320 with Wi-Fi provides users with an easy way to connect to home or campus Wi-Fi wireless networks. Users can also rely on the AT&T BlackBerry Curve 8320 with Wi-Fi to automatically connect to any of the more than 17,000 AT&T Hot Spots nationwide.

The AT&T BlackBerry Curve 8320 with Wi-Fi also provides a great bonus to AT&T customers with unlimited corporate or personal BlackBerry service plans . These customers will benefit from free and seamless access to thousands of AT&T Wi-Fi Hot Spots when using the AT&T BlackBerry Curve 8320 with Wi-Fi.

Aside from unlimited Wi-Fi access, this new AT&T wireless network BlackBerry also offers the usual selection of features found on a Smartphone. The AT&T BlackBerry Curve 8320 with Wi-Fi comes a large, 320-by-240 display that supports more than 65,000 colors. This vibrant display also offers light-sensing technology which automatically adjust the backlighting on the AT&T BlackBerry Curve 8320 with Wi-Fi for optimal viewing.

The AT&T BlackBerry Curve 8320 with Wi-Fi is armed with a 2 megapixel camera with zoom, flash and video recording. this camera is capable of covering your everyday needs for images and videos. The AT&T BlackBerry Curve 8320 with Wi-Fi also offers advanced media player with desktop media management software.

Mobile web users will also be satisfied with the Internet capability of the AT&T BlackBerry Curve 8320 with Wi-Fi. The new AT&T BlackBerry Curve 8320 with Wi-Fi offers an enhanced HTML browser that supports a Web browsing experience with desktop-style depiction. The AT&T BlackBerry Curve 8320 with Wi-Fi also provides a trackball that allows users to quickly scroll through a page, zoom in and out or click on links.

The AT&T BlackBerry Curve 8320 with Wi-Fi is also a great messaging and email device. The newlt launched AT&T BlackBerry Curve 8320 with Wi-Fi sports a a full QWERTY keyboard for text entry , built-in spell checker, premium phone features and comprehensive organizer. The AT&T BlackBerry Curve 8320 with Wi-Fi also provides Bluetooth 2.0, integrated Push To Talk (PTT) and expandable memory of up to 16GB of expandable memory.

That concludes this post on the AT&T BlackBerry Curve 8320 with Wi-Fi. Tune in to this blog to know more about the latest wireless network releases and updates.

BlackBerry 8350i Now Available at Sprint Stores

Here comes another Smartphone for Sprint subscribers. MobileTechNews.com has reported that the Sprint BlackBerry 8350i Smartphone is now available. The Sprint BlackBerry 8350i Smartphone caters to Push-toTalk customers and runs on Sprint's iDen wireless network. Let' s go over the deatils of the Sprint BlackBerry 8350i Smartphone.

We usually associate iDen handsets as simple devices that allows us to communicate through push-to-talk services. However, the Sprint BlackBerry 8350i Smartphone combines a wide range of advanced features with push-based services. Simply put, the Sprint BlackBerry 8350i Smartphone is the most advanced push-to-talk BlackBerry Smartphone.

The Sprint BlackBerry 8350i Smartphone was launched in the wireless network operator's iDen wireless network in response to subscribers demand for a push-to-talk BlackBerry device. I'm sure that the iDen subscribers will be satisfied with the features offered by the new Sprint BlackBerry 8350i Smartphone.

One of the highlight features of this iDen Smartphone is integrated Wi-Fi support that provides an easy and convenient way to browse the Internet and download email attachments. The Sprint BlackBerry 8350i Smartphone is not only a push-to-talk device, its also a gateway to the web.

The Sprint BlackBerry 8350i Smartphone also offers built-in GPS including assisted autonomous GPS or A-GPS capabilities. This means that users will able to use the Sprint BlackBerry 8350i Smartphone for location based services. The Sprint BlackBerry 8350i Smartphone also offers Bluetooth® 2.0 support for hands-free use.

RIM equipped the Sprint BlackBerry 8350i Smartphone with a 2 megapixel camera that allows users to captures still images and video. The 2 megapixel camera on the Sprint BlackBerry 8350i Smartphone offers digital zoom and flash.

The Sprint BlackBerry 8350i Smartphone provides media player, expandable memory up to 16G via microSD memory card slot and BlackBerry "push" email. The newly released Sprint BlackBerry 8350i Smartphone also provides messaging capabilities and access to thousands of other mobile applications.

If you want to get your hands on the Sprint BlackBerry 8350i Smartphone, then you can can order it online and via Sprint's business channels. The Sprint BlackBerry 8350i Smartphone is being offered at $150 after rebates with new mobile contract.

That's it for this post featuring the Sprint BlackBerry 8350i Smartphone. Tune in to this blog for more devices from the major wqireless network operators.

FCC Approves Verizon-Alltel Merge!

Here's an update to the series of post on the Verizon-Alltel merge. In my last post, I bloggged about the decision of the US Department of Justice to allow Verizon Wireless to buy Alltel as long as the wireless network operator complies with the requirements. The Verizon-Alltel merge takes another step towards completion with the blessing of the FCC.

The FCC commissioners held a special meeting to discuss the Verizon-Alltel merge after it had been approved by the DOJ. The FCC has many considerations to look into during this Verizon-Alltel merge meeting including the complaints raised by regional wireless network operators and consumer groups. Regional wireless network operators have appealed against the Verizon-Alltel merge because of the unresolved issues on roaming, spectrum concentration and handset exclusivity.

However, the FCC commissioners in charge of the Verizon-Alltel merge voted unanimously in favor of the deal. Five FCC commissioners voted to allow the Verizon-Alltel merge. Verizon Wireless must fulfill some conditions before it can fully acquire Alltel. For example, the FCC requires that Verizon Wireless must honor Alltel's existing roaming agreements with other wireless network operators for four years. The major wireless network operator must also divest spectrum in 22 states to complete the Verizon-Alltel merge.

Well, I think that this Verizon-Alltel merge approval is a victory for Verizon Wireless. With the Verizon-Alltel merge approval of the FCC, Verizon is one step closer to being the largest wireless network in the United States. Tune in to this blog to get more of the latest news and updates on the Verizon-Alltel merge and other news on wireless network operators and new cellphones.