Wireless Federation

T-Mobile USA begins to offer 42Mbps download speed

On 03.22.11, In Mobile, By Editor

T-Mobile USA has announced that it has upgraded its HSPA network in selected areas to support a peak-rate download speed of up to 42Mbps. T-Mobile customers in Las Vegas, New York and Orlando, will be the first in the country to experience the increased speed, followed closely by Chicago and further expansion of the New York network.

By mid-year, T-Mobile expects 140 million Americans in 25 markets to have access to increased mobile download speeds.

According to Neville Ray, Chief Technology Officer, T-Mobile USA, as T-Mobile continues the aggressive expansion of America’s largest 4G network, they are doubling their maximum speed in more than two dozen markets, starting with three important cities today. They will continue to build on their 4G network advantage this year, providing customers with an industry-leading mobile data experience.

As T-Mobile’s 4G network continues to expand and become faster, the company’s portfolio of 4G products is also growing. T-Mobile has announced plans to deliver 25 HSPA+ capable devices this year and this spring will introduce seven new 4G-capable devices.

According to Cole Brodman, Chief Marketing Officer, T-Mobile USA, access to mobile content is central to the experience on a vast and growing number of consumer devices, exponentially increasing the demand for fast 4G mobile broadband connections. In fact, data traffic on T-Mobile’s network is quadrupled year over year.

Filed under:Mobile Tagged with: 42Mbps • 4G • America • Chicago • chief technology officer • HSPA • Las Vegas • Neville Ray • New York • operator • Orlando • T-Mobile • T-Mobile USA • USA

Google to launch NFC payments’ trials

On 03.18.11, In Mobile, By Editor

Google is planning NFC mobile payments’ trials in New York and San Francisco. According to reports, the trial will begin in the next four months and that Google will pay for the installation of thousandsâ€ of custom-built NFC-enabled Verifone terminals at merchants across both cities. It is speculated that Google’s Nexus S smartphone the first Android device to ship with built-in NFC functionality will play a key role in the trial.

These rumors follow on the back of Google’s recent launch of NFC-enabled marketing in Las Vegas, Portland and Austin, which allows users to swipe their NFC-enabled smartphones against a merchant-displayed sticker to access tourist/business information or special offers.

The service works in conjunction with the Google Places and Hotpot applications, which allows users to recommend and rate businesses and tourist attractions while allowing businesses to use customized Google kits from the Google Places catalogue to encourage customer participation.

The rumors about the latest trials have given rise to speculation that users will have coupons, gift-and-loyalty cards and subscriptions loaded onto their devices in addition to the usual purchasing information.

Filed under:Mobile Tagged with: Austin • Google • Google Places • Hotpot applications • Las Vegas • Mobile • New York • Nexus S smartphone • NFC Payments • NFC-enabled smartphones • Portland • San Francisco • smartphone • USA

Google plans to trail mobile payments this summer

On 03.16.11, In Mobile, By Editor

Google is planning to start the trails of an NFC based mobile payment service in New York and San Francisco by the middle of the year, as moves to support mobile payments gains traction from operators and handset manufacturers.

According to sources, Google will pay for the installation of thousands of special cash-register systems from VeriFone Systems to accept transactions from NFC enabled smartphones.

Google added NFC capabilities to its most recent release of the Andoid OS, although it was reported that Apple might decide to wait until next year before adding NFC capabilities to its iPhone handsets.

Google’s mobile-payment service would face competition from EBay’s PayPal and ISIS, a joint effort of several mobile companies. The ISIS system, backed by AT&T and Verizon Wireless, will rely on Discover Financial Services to handle the payments.

Filed under:Mobile Tagged with: Andoid OS • AT&T • cash-register systems • Discover Financial Services • Ebay • Google • Isis • Mobile • Mobile Payment Service • New York • NFC • PayPal • San Francisco • USA • VeriFone Systems • Verizon Wireless

AT&T Expands Mobile Broadband Coverage to the Mohawk Valley

On 03.10.11, In Mobile, By Editor

As part of its continuing network investment to support growing demand for advanced mobile devices and applications, AT&T* today announced the activation of new mobile broadband cell sites in Herkimer County running through the Mohawk Valley including Danube, Little Falls, Herkimer, Mohawk, Frankfort and Ilion that will enhance coverage for area residents and businesses. With mobile broadband speeds, AT&T customers can surf the Web, download files faster, and enjoy the very latest interactive mobile applications.

The new cell sites are one part of AT&T’s ongoing efforts to drive investment and innovation to deliver the nation’s best, most advanced mobile broadband experience for customers. With the nation’s fastest mobile broadband network, AT&T provides accelerated mobile data speeds and simultaneous voice and data capabilities.

“Our goal is pretty simple: We want you to have an extraordinary experience when you make a call, check e-mail, download a song or video, surf the Internet or keep your business mobile on your AT&T device,” said Robert Holliday, vice president and general manager, AT&T Upstate/Western New York. “As part of the Mohawk Valley, we’re always looking for new opportunities to provide enhanced coverage to help drive local economic growth and our investment in the local wireless network is just one way to accomplish this.”

AT&T’s mobile broadband network is based on the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) family of technologies that includes GSM and UMTS, the most widely used wireless network platforms in the world. AT&T has the best international coverage of any U.S. wireless provider, providing access to voice service in more than 220 countries and data service in more than 200 countries. AT&T also offers voice and data roaming coverage on more than 135 major cruise ships, as well as mobile broadband services in more than 130 countries.

AT&T also operates the nation’s largest Wi-Fi network** with more than 24,000 hotspots in the U.S. and provides access to more than 135,000 hotspots globally through roaming agreements. Most AT&T smartphone customers get access to our entire national Wi-Fi network at no additional cost, and Wi-Fi usage doesn’t count against customers’ monthly data plans.

For more information about AT&T’s coverage in New York State or anywhere in the United States, consumers can visit the AT&T Coverage Viewer. Using the online tool, AT&T customers can measure quality of coverage from a street address, intersection, ZIP code or even a landmark.

For updates on the AT&T wireless network, please visit the AT&T network news page.

*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

** Largest based on company branded and operated hotspots. Access includes AT&T Wi-Fi Basic. A Wi-Fi enabled device required. Other restrictions apply. See www.attwifi.com for details and locations.

About AT&T

AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates AT&T operating companies are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation’s fastest mobile broadband network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet and voice services. A leader in mobile broadband, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries. It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse® and AT&T |DIRECTV brands. The company’s suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world. In domestic markets, AT&T Advertising Solutions and AT&T Interactive are known for their leadership in local search and advertising.

Filed under:Mobile Tagged with: 3GPP • 3rd Generation Partnership Project • AT&T • Cell Sites • Danube • Frankfort • GSM • Herkimer • Herkimer County • high speed internet • Ilion • Little Falls • Mobile • Mobile broadband • Mohawk • Mohawk Valley • New York • U.S • UMTS • USA • Wi-Fi

AT&T introduces ShopAlert to offer special deals on mobile (US)

On 03.02.11, In Mobile, By Editor

US mobile phone carrier AT&T has launched a new location-based ad service, called ShopAlert, to allow customers receive text ads promoting special deals whenever they are near a participating store.

ShopAlert, the free opt-in service, will send retail coupons & rewards to customers in four US cities- New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Chicago.

Developed with Placecast, the new service has been launched with the backing of Kmart, JetBlue Airways Corporation, SC Johnson, Hewlett-Packard, Kibbles â€˜n Bits and the like.

According to researchers, this is part of a larger push to regain relevance with consumers. The carriers are determined to regain some of the ground lost over the past years.

According to Senior Vice President Greg McCastle, of AT&T Advanced Ad Solutions, the service would also be rolled out in other US cities if it attains desired feedback from brands and customers.

Currently, the mobile ads business is comparatively petite, but it is growing at an unprecedented rate. As per researcher estimates, the US mobile ads business will be worth $1.1 billion in 2011.

Filed under:Mobile Tagged with: AT&T • Chicago • Hewlett Packard • JetBlue Airways Corporation • Kibbles â€˜n Bits • Kmart • location-based ad service • Los Angeles • Mobile • mobile phone carrier • New York • Placecast • San Francisco • SC Johnson • Senior Vice President Greg McCastle • ShopAlert • special deals • text ads • the like • U.S

T-Mobile USA subscribe base plunge by 23,000 in 2010

On 02.28.11, In Mobile, By Editor

T-Mobile USA has reported full year revenues of US$21.3 billion for 2010 and a decrease in adjusted EBITDA of 7.1% to US$5.5 billion.

At US$12.80, average data revenues per user were 25.5 percent higher than in the same period in 2009. The number of smartphones increased to 8.2 million, exceeding the original target of 8 million for year-end 2010.

Data business made an important contribution to the development of revenue in the fourth quarter. At US$4.6 billion, the company recorded a slight increase of 0.1% in service revenues, the first growth in six quarters.

Business with terminal equipment insurance, launched in October 2010, also had a positive impact on revenue of almost US$0.1 billion. Adjusted EBITDA on the other hand declined by 1.6% to US$1.4 billion. At 25.4%, the adjusted EBITDA margin remained almost stable compared to the fourth quarter of 2009.

Customer development was disappointing in the fourth quarter. Due to the persistently high churn rate, the company recorded a net loss of 23,000 customers. The contract customer base shrank by 318,000. This issue is the top priority for T-Mobile USA new CEO Philipp Humm’s management team. Improving the churn rate is a core target in the implementation of the company’s new strategy, which was unveiled in New York in January.

Filed under:Mobile Tagged with: Adjusted EBITDA • ARPU • CEO Philipp Humm • data business • EBITDA • full-year revenues • Mobile • New York • T-Mobile • T-Mobile USA • USA

Consumer Reports confirm Verizon iPhone 4 defect (USA)

On 02.28.11, In Mobile, By Editor

Consumer Reports have revealed that the Apple Inc. iPhone 4 carried by Verizon Wireless suffers from a problem similar to the one that plagued AT&T Inc.’s version — it may result in dropped calls in certain areas.

After testing the phone, which was released this month, Consumer Reports stated that it won’t include the device on its list of recommended smartphones.

According to Consumer Reports, published by Yonkers, New York-based Consumers Union, the Verizon iPhone 4 closely resembles the original AT&T iPhone 4 in many positive respects which includes offering great multimedia functionality, a sharp screen and the best MP3 player they have seen on a phone. Unfortunately, it also shares with its sibling the possibility of compromised performance in low-signal conditions when used without a bumper or a case.

The group added that the iPhone, which first hit stores in 2007, has become Apple’s best-selling product. It accounted for 39% of $26.7 billion in total sales in the most recent quarter. Calls may be dropped when the phone is gripped in a way that affects the phone’s signal strength.

Consumer Reports also stated that the device performs superbly in most respects and using a case can fix the signal.

Consumer Reports similarly didn’t recommend the iPhone 4 when it was released for AT&T last year, citing an antenna design flaw that led to dropped calls. Apple Chief Executive Officer Steve Jobs apologized and offered customers free cases to help fix the problem with the AT&T phones.

Filed under:Mobile Tagged with: Apple • Apple Inc • AT&T Inc • Chief Executive Officer • Consumer Reports • iPhone 4 • Mobile • MP3 Player • New York • Steve Jobs • USA • Verizon iPhone 4

Apple to open largest store in New York

On 02.21.11, In Mobile, By Editor

Apple is planning to build its largest-ever retail store in New York’s Grand Central Terminal.

According to sources, the retail outlet, to be known as Apple Store, Grand Central, is expected to open its doors this fall, and possibly in September. The new store is anticipated to be Apple’s largest of its more than 300 worldwide locations, meaning it will be bigger than the company’s massive Covent Garden store in London.

The source revealed that Apple will cut the ribbon on the Grand Central location as part of the 10th anniversary celebration of its first brick-and-mortar store opening. The company will certainly pull out all the stops on this one.

Filed under:Mobile Tagged with: Apple • Apple Store • Covent Garden store • Grand Central • Grand Central Terminal • London • Mobile • New York • retail store

New York raises penalty for using a mobile while driving

On 02.18.11, In Mobile, By Editor

New York has raised the penalty for motorists caught using a mobile while driving and not using a hands-free unit . Now, two points will be imposed on the driving records of those caught.

Previously, no points were assigned for talking on a cell phone although two points are assigned for texting while driving violations. The new regulation will align the point penalty for both violations. Drivers who collect 11 penalty points in 18 months face a temporary loss of their license.

In November 2001, New York became the first in the nation to adopt a state-wide ban on handheld cell phone use while driving and established a fine for the violation of up to US$100.

In November 2009, a law eliminating the use of portable electronic devices for texting while driving took effect, a violation that currently has two points attached to it along with a US$150 fine. The new change applies the penalty points in addition to the financial fine.

According to DMV Executive Deputy Commissioner, J. David Sampson, distracted driving is one of the most serious dangers on their roadways today. By strengthening the current law, their hope is that motorists will become even more aware of the potential consequences of their actions if they use a cell phone while driving.

In New York State, driver distraction is estimated to be a contributing factor in at least one out of five crashes. Each year, over 300,000 tickets are issued statewide for cell phone violations. In 2009, nearly 5,500 people died nationwide in crashes involving a distracted or inattentive driver and more than 440,000 were injured.

Filed under:Mobile Tagged with: Cell phone • current law • DMV Executive Deputy Commissioner • hands-free unit • J. David Sampson • Mobile • motorists • New York • Penalty

Miami, New York and LA top the stolen phone charts in the US

On 02.09.11, In Mobile, By Editor

Miami, New York and Los Angeles have become a hub for cell phone theft in the USA, according to a survey. The survey found that 36% of US consumers have become victim to cell phone loss or theft.

In the survey, Miami is claimed as the city with the highest rate of cell phone loss or theft against the 20 most populated cities in the U.S. In fact, over half (52%) of respondents in Miami have experienced cell phone loss/theft. New York and Los Angeles were at the second and third slot in the survey with 49% and 44% of respondents experiencing loss/theft respectively.

Frustration was the most dominant feeling that consumers experienced when their mobile phone was lost or stolen, likely because 87% could neither remotely lock nor remotely wipe their phone’s memory afterwards and more than half (54 percent) of all smartphone users did not password protect their phones. An overwhelming majority of respondents contacted their mobile service provider to resolve the situation as the first step and ultimately reported that it cost an average of $125.30 to resolve.

Top 20 US Cities For Cell Phone Loss/Theft:

1. Miami – 52%
2. New York- 49%
3. Los Angeles- 44%
4. Phoenix- 41%
5. Sacramento- 41%
6. Chicago- 40%
7. Dallas- 39%
8. Houston- 37%
9. Philadelphia- 36%
10. Tampa- 36%
11. Cleveland- 36%
12. Boston- 35%
13. San Francisco- 35%
14. Atlanta- 34%
15. Orlando- 34%
16. Denver- 34%
17. Washington DC- 31%
18. Seattle- 31%
19. Detroit- 31%
20. Minneapolis – 29%

Filed under:Mobile Tagged with: Boston • cell phone loss • Chicago • Cleveland • Dallas • Denver • Detroit • Houston • Los Angeles • Miami • Minneapolis • Mobile • New York • Orlando • Philadelphia • Phoenix • Sacramento • San Francisco Atlanta • Seattle • Tampa • theft • USA • Washington DC