Mobiles reviews - network

AT&T data network outage?

Wed, 06 Feb 2008 07:35:10 +0000

[Update] The network seems to be back up in Los Angeles. At least these outages are short-lived. What's this? Another outage for AT&T's data network? We've been getting reports (confirmed on our end) of AT&T data blackouts in the Los Angeles area. It looks like the EDGE and UMTS/HSDPA networks are out of commission as of the [...]

Analog shutting down with TDMA next year

Thu, 27 Dec 2007 19:19:32 +0000

Ahh, the good old days of analog… Remember your first mobile phone? Chances are, if you’re old enough to buy your own mobile phone and pay the bill, you may remember using the good, ole’ analog networks of yore. Ericsson’s T28 World phone was our first mobile phone and it was a pretty little sucker (at the time). Well, it looks like those days are about to come to an end. While some small rural carriers will be sticking with the tried and true analog technology, Alltel, AT&T, and Verizon Wireless will be shutting down their analog networks next year. Alltel will shut down its network in a three-stage process ending in September, while AT&T and Verizon Wireless will be pulling the plug a bit more abruptly. Customers of GM’s OnStar system will also feel the analog-shutdown. Customers with older OnStar systems may be left without service once the analog signals go silent. Oh GM, you guys really can’t get anything right. [Via: AP ] ---Related Articles at IntoMobile:AT&T: Get off our TDMA network and pay us more money!AT&T: TDMA is getting the axeDisney Mobile shutting downDisney Mobile to resurrect in JapanSony Ericsson's smartphone architecture

Sprint to roll out limited WiMAX network this week

Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:52:44 +0000

We’ve been whining about Sprint’s seeming lack of focus on its WiMAX ( XOHM ) network, and all that complaining may have paid off. Actually, our incessant goading probably had little nothing to do with Sprint’s newest announcement, but it’s nice to think we had some sort of influence. Sprint’s WiMAX network is slated to go live this week in a limited trial-run. The 4G (well, it’s officially a 3G standard , but we think it qualifies as 4G) WiMAX network will be rolled out this week for Sprint employees only - in an effort to get its network ready for prime-time trials in Q1 of 2008. As it stands, Sprint will be flipping the WiMAX-switch on the downtown centers of Chicago, Baltimore and Washington - expanding to other US cities based on wireless data demand. Clearwire is out of the picture , but we’re assuming that Sprint’s leaving the door open to other investors to help with the nationwide network launch. The trial-run launch of Sprint’s WiMAX network this week barely makes the carrier’s self-imposed deadline for the launch of its 4G network by year’s end. We’ve heard rumor after rumor that put the entire WiMAX venture in doubt, so it’s good to see that Sprint is still committed to bringing their mobile broadband 4G network online in-time for a 2008 commercial roll-out. The full commercial launch should cement Sprint’s position as the premier high-speed wireless data provider in the States - Verizon and AT&T ’s LTE network won’t even see the light of day until 2009. All your financial woes may take a turn for the better, Sprint. Keep on keepin’ on! [Via: Telephony Online ] ---Related Articles at IntoMobile:Sprint considering WiMAX network optionsSamsung signs on to build WiMAX network for Sprint in New York Metropolitan areaTexas to be among the first to try out Sprint Nextel's WiMAX networkLebanon gets its WiMAX onSprint and Clearwire team up for US WiMAX network - 4G in 2008

AT&T busts doors wide open - announces open network to allow 'any device, any app'

Thu, 06 Dec 2007 17:55:20 +0000

In the wireless industry, the best weapon any one carrier has against their rivals is the mighty pen. Well, it’s more like the “mighty keyboard,” but you get the point. Not to be outdone by the other big-dog in the play-pen, AT&T has announced that they’ll be opening up their network to “wireless phone, device and software application from any maker.” Beating rival Verizon to the punch , AT&T’s network will be open to all GSM devices and applications “starting immediately.” “You can use any handset on our network you want,” says Ralph de la Vega, CEO of AT&T’s wireless business. “We don’t prohibit it, or even police it.” AT&T customers can choose from a world of feature-phone and smartphone options, and they don’t even have to sign a contract to get on AT&T’s network. And, to rub it in the face of Google’s OHA , AT&T boasted that they are doing today what the OHA has planned for a year from now. Ralph de la Vega added that “We are the most open wireless company in the industry.” So, it looks like Google and the OHA successfully revolutionized the wireless market - just as we expected . Or did it? While Google’s move to create an open-platform for mobile phones and wireless networks has prompted an all-out PR-war between the largest network operators, did it really prompt AT&T to open up their network any more than the rest of the GSM-world? Not really. AT&T’s announcement of an open network is basically a reiteration of the way a GSM network works. You can take any unlocked GSM phone, pop in an AT&T SIM card, and start using that device with any software you see fit - it’s always been that way and always will. So, just what did AT&T accomplish with this announcement? Aside from one-upping their competitors in the PR deathmatch that is the wireless-game…nothing. [Via: USAToday ] ---Related Articles at IntoMobile:Verizon set to open its network to 'any app, any device' in 2008When did Verizon Wireless join the Open Handset Alliance?Verizon confirms LTE 4G network trials with Vodafone; to share with AT&TQualcomm unveils new 3G chip with 700Mhz frequency support - works on all networksAT&T backs FCC Chairman Martin's open access position [...]

Verizon set to open its network to 'any app, any device' in 2008

Tue, 27 Nov 2007 21:56:11 +0000

Apple’s iPhone and Google’s Android, as well as the OHA , will and has already profoundly changed the wireless landscape in the US. We’re getting a glimpse of just how radical the change is going to be. Verizon has just announced that it will be opening up its CDMA network to allow any phone and any application to access Verizon’s airwaves in 2008. The announcement marks a radical change in policy from the stodgy CDMA carrier. Verizon customers will be able to use any wireless device and any application on their network - products not sold by Verizon. The move echoes the OHA ’s “any app, any device” mantra that has garnered a healthy following and support. With Sprint and T-Mobile already on-board the OHA’s bandwagon, and AT&T considering the jump as well, it makes sense for Verizon to revise its stance on network lock-down and allow non-Verizon branded handsets onto its network. According to the press release, “In early 2008, the company will publish the technical standards the development community will need to design products to interface with the Verizon Wireless network. Any device that meets the minimum technical standard will be activated on the network.” Verizon is calling their locked-down network a “full-service” offering, whereby the carrier can control all aspects of the mobile experience and offer “full service” to all its customers - we’re going to read “full-service” as “controlled service.” The company claims that most people prefer the “full-service” experience, but will be accommodating the “small but growing number of customers who want another choice without full service.” Right. Only a small group want more choice at the expense of less control. Still, come next year, fans of Verizon’s network should be seeing a whole new world of handsets and applications open up before them. Now, that doesn’t mean the iPhone is coming to Verizon - the iPhone is an AT&T exclusive that Verizon already missed out on. But, the door’s still open for Verizon pick up any future Apple wireless products. We’re eager to see how this shapes up. Press release ---Related Articles at IntoMobile:Verizon buys Ramcell network in Oregon and Kentucky - expands rural network coverageVerizon Bets $6bn On VOIP And Video CallingVerizon upgrades entire network to EV-DO Rev. AVerizon Is Industry Leader For Wireless Subscribers; Sprint Nextel Leader In Data UsageFCC approves open-access rules for upcoming 700Mhz wireless spectrum auction

T-Mobile 3G network slated to go live on December 6?

Mon, 26 Nov 2007 00:28:15 +0000

Well what do we have here? Is T-Mobile is planning to take their anticipated 3G network online by December 6 2007? According to reports from The Inquirer, it seems T-Mobile may just be working on launching (or announcing their launch-plans) their long-awaited high-speed wireless network in just a few weeks time. There’s some conflicting information (we thought T-Mobile was set to launch their 3G network on the 1700Mhz frequency band ) and a good dose of wacky Brit-English in that INQ article, but the juicy bits are all we care about. A T-Mobile rep is apparently the source of this rumor - referencing an internal document indicating that T-Mobile would be announcing 3G network availability in the Washington State area “o n or before 6 December 2007.” If that’s the case, we can only assume that the government agencies occupying T-Mobile’s 3G spectrum has finally seen fit to pack up their things and turn over the frequencies to their new owner. Of course, we’re assuming T-Mobile had a lot to do with pushing helping said government agencies off of the 1700Mhz spectrum that is now under T-Mobile’s control - we just can’t believe that any bureaucracy was able to get their asses in gear and actually accomplish anything before its deadline (which is set for next decade, by the way). We’ll just have to wait and see what happens on, or around, December 6. It’s excitign to think that T-Mobile is finally taking the plunge into the world of 3G. [Via: The Inquirer ] ---Related Articles at IntoMobile:December 2005. - New Symbian PhonesLG KU990 YouTube Phone gets picked up by VodafoneT-Mobile launches Samsung T639 3G handset. T-Mobile 3G network to go live soon?Asus P750 coming in December?ZenZui renamed to Zumobi; Public beta coming in December

CBS launches FREE WiFi network in mid-town Manhattan

Fri, 16 Nov 2007 20:41:51 +0000

What good is that shiny, new wireless gadget of yours without a high-speed wireless connection? Well, CBS has you gadget-loving Manhattanites covered - in a blanket of sweet, sweet WiFi goodness, that is. CBS has announced that it intends to launch their CBS Mobile Zone to bring WiFi hotspot-access to a sizable chunk of mid-town Manhattan. The CBS Mobile Zone will bring free wireless internet to laptops, WiFi-enabled cellphones, internet tablets, etc. to anyone that happens to find themselves between Central Park South and Time Square and between 6th Ave. and 8th Ave. (the map to the right outlines the coverage area in red). But, as the saying goes, nothing in life is free. CBS is planning to bankroll the CBS Mobile Zone with advertisements from CBS Outdoor (CBS’s outdoor marketing arm - billboards, bus-stop ads, etc.). Accessing CBS’s free wireless network will take you to a CBS-branded homepage filled with targeted advertisements and media - Citi and Salesgenie have already signed up as advertising sponsors, with more to surely follow. Seems to us like a clever advertising campaign timed perfectly with the upcoming holiday shopping season. But, hey, we’re not going to look a free wireless-network-gift-horse in the mouth. [Via: Mashable ] ---Related Articles at IntoMobile:CBS Mobile to bring original animated series to mobile phones - Danny Bonaduce: Life CoachWiFiMobile - Free VoIP Call On All S60 Nokia Phones!Mexico City Wants City-Wide WiFi - Forgets Water And PowerManhattan Story Mashup - The urban storytelling gameSkype working with UK carrier 3 to launch Skype-compatible VoIP handset

Kylie Minogue beats breast cancer, launches mobile social network

Tue, 06 Nov 2007 21:48:25 +0000

In our world of ever increasing mobile phone usage and likewise popular social networks, is it really all that surprising that pop-star Kylie Minogue has launched a new mobile social network? Well, not really, but we still give her props for battling cancer, winning, and celebrating by bringing the world another mobile social network. The Australian singer has canceled her upcoming tour due to doctor’s concerns that the stress of being on the road could take a toll on her health. But, with her new album, entitled “X,” set to debut on November 26, the singer needed another outlet to help boost sales numbers. Enter KylieKonnect.com . The new mobile social network was designed by New Visions Mobile to be more flexible and mobile than industry incumbents MySpace and Facebook, and aims to help Kylie’s fans “konnect” with their favorite singer. Way to go Kylie. You beat cancer, pressed a new album, lunched a mobile social network and achieved MILF status in stride. [Via: Yahoo ] ---Related Articles at IntoMobile:Qwest Releases Pink Sanyo Handset for Susan G Komen Breast Cancer AwarenessBoost Mobile launches "Crush or Flush" for mobileMobile phones study links use to cancer - againYahoo may Buy UK Social Network Bebo for $1BMobile social networking in June

Day-light savings time screws with some Alltel customers. Did you get shafted?

Tue, 06 Nov 2007 20:55:22 +0000

Day-light savings time. It’s the quirky American tradition to squeeze out as much productivity out of the general working populace by rolling back (or forward) the clock to keep daylight in time with business hours. And, with more and more people relying on their mobile phone for telling time, bugs and glitches have the potential to royally screw up a workday. That’s exactly what happened to some Alltel customers over the time-changing weekend. Apparently, there were some Alltel phones in Little Rock; Panama City and Tallahassee, Fla.; Charlotte and Raleigh, N.C.; and Richmond, Va. that turned the clock ahead by an hour rather than turning it back. The Alltel network bug caused cellphones on the No. 5 US carrier’s EVDO network to freak out and shaft customers of an hour of their life. Some sort of error in the way the network sends updates to phones was evidently screwed up. Fortunately, the bug was detected and fixed in short order, so the damage was kept to a minimum. So, did any of you Alltel subscribers get the shaft? [Via: Yahoo ] ---Related Articles at IntoMobile:Alltel to provide customers with Daily Web access optionAlltel launches City ID; Identification of the incoming calls just got easierAlltel launches Alltel Hue by SamsungAlltel launches Jump MusicAlltel jumps into WiFi game