Virgin Mobile
Aio Wireless Kicks Off Today with Nokia Lumia 620
Aio Wireless, a subsidiary of AT&T, today launched its new, no-contract wireless service in the U.S. The wireless network is first available in Houston, Orlando, and Tampa, and will gradually expand across AT&T's footprint around the U.S. over the course of the next year. Aio offers unlimited talk, text, and data plans that range from $35 to $70 per month to feature phones, smartphones, and tablets. Data speeds will max out at 4Mbps over AT&T's HSPA+ 4G network. In addition to the handsets it sells, Aio will also provide service to people who bring in their own, unlocked devices. One of the first devices offered by Aio is the Nokia Lumia 620 (pictured). The Lumia 620 is a Windows Phone 8 smartphone that has a 3.8-inch screen, 5-megapixel camera with 720p HD video record, and Nokia-exclusive applications. It costs $179.99 and does not require that customers sign a contract. Aio offers a handful of other smartphones, including the Samsung Galaxy Express for $249.99, the Samsung Galaxy Amp for $99.99, the ZTE Prelude for $49.99, and the Apple iPhone 4/4S for prices ranging between $349.99 for refurbished models to $499.99 for new models. Feature phones offered by Aio include the Samsung Denim for $29.99 and the ZTE Atair for $49.99. Aio hopes to compete with other prepaid brands, such as Sprint's Virgin Mobile and T-Mobile's Ultra Mobile.
Boost Refreshes Entry Level With Kyocera Coast
Boost Mobile today launched the Kyocera Coast, a basic clamshell-style phone with a 2-megapixel camera and external display. The phone sports Bluetooth and voice dialing, but without LTE, video capture, or even a memory card slot, "affordable" is its most important feature. It is available today for $30, no contract required. In Kyocera's lineup, the Coast is most similar to the older Luno offered by Virgin as the S2100. Compared to the Luno, the Coast has a better camera and larger displays.
Assurance Shows the Show-Me State Some Love
Assurance Wireless today announced that qualifying residents in the state of Missouri now have access to Assurance's products and services. Assurance Wireless provides a free cell phone and 250 monthly voice minutes to low-income families. Assurance also offers low-cost plans. For $5 per month, Assurance customers can double their monthly minutes to 500, and for $20, increase voice minutes to 1000 and add in 1000 text messages. Customers will still have access to their 250 free minutes even if they can't pay for the extra minutes. Assurance also offers pay-by-use voice minutes, text/email messages, and international calling. Missouri marks the 40th state in which Assurance now operates. Assurance is run by Virgin Mobile USA and Sprint.
Assurance Wireless Dips Toe into California with SF Launch
Assurance Wireless today announced that its service is now available to Californians for the first time, but it is only being marketed in the San Francisco metropolitan area. According to Assurance, it is using San Francisco as a test market to get the service up and running, mainly because the process for qualifying citizens for the program in California is dramatically different than what it is in other states. Though Assurance's marketing efforts will be limited to the San Francisco metropolitan area, the company said it will process applications submitted from residents in other parts of the state. Assurance Wireless provides a free cell phone and 250 monthly voice minutes to low-income families. Assurance also offers low-cost plans. For $5 per month, Assurance customers can double their monthly minutes to 500, and for $20, increase voice minutes to 1000 and add in 1000 text messages. Customers will still have access to their 250 free minutes even if they can't pay for the extra minutes. Assurance also offers pay-by-use voice minutes, text/email messages and international calling. California marks the 39th state in which Assurance now operates. Assurance is run by Virgin Mobile USA and Sprint.
LTE Comes To Virgin, Boost
Sprint today announced the first LTE 4G phones for its prepaid brands, Virgin Mobile and Boost Mobile. Boost will get the all-new Force, made by ZTE, as well as the HTC One SV, already offered by MetroPCS. Virgin, meanwhile, will get the Samsung Galaxy Victory, already offered under the Sprint brand. Both brands have previously only offered 4G phones that use Sprint's older WiMAX network. Sprint is committed to continuing WiMAX service through 2015, but eventually plans to phase it out in favor of LTE. The Force sports a 4-inch screen, 5-megapixel camera, front camera, and 1.5 GHz dual-core processor. Boost will offer the Force on March 7th for $200, and the One SV on the same day for $300. Virgin starts selling the Victory today for $300.
from Sprint
Virgin Mobile Intros the Kyocera Event
Virgin Mobile USA today announced the Kyocera Event, a compact Android smartphone that sells for $79.99. The Event features a 3.5-inch HVGA display, a 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, and a 3.2-megapixel camera with flash and video capture. The device runs Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich and offers Virgin Mobile ID packs, an eco mode for energy savings, and Swype text input. The Event also includes Wi-Fi, GPS, and 3G, as well as 4GB of on-board storage and support for microSD cards up to 32GB. It is available in black beginning today, and will be available in red starting March 3.
Assurance Wireless Launches in Arizona
Assurance Wireless today announced that qualifying residents in the state of Arizona now have access to Assurance's products and services. Assurance Wireless provides a free cell phone and 250 monthly voice minutes to low-income families. Assurance also offers low-cost plans. For $5 per month, Assurance customers can double their monthly minutes to 500, and for $20, increase voice minutes to 1000 and add in 1000 text messages. Customers will still have access to their 250 free minutes even if they can't pay for the extra minutes. Assurance also offers pay-by-use voice minutes, text/email messages and international calling. Arizona marks the 38th state in which Assurance now operates. Assurance is run by Virgin Mobile USA and Sprint.
Virgin and C Spire Trialling Handset Payment Plans
Virgin Mobile and C Spire Wireless are both testing handset financing plans, reports Fierce Wireless. According to Virgin Mobile rep Jayne Wallace, Virgin is testing a financing option in just one market, and the trial will end in the coming weeks. Wallace said the company has no immediate plans to expand or continue the trial. C Spire Wireless is also testing a phone payment plan, but its trials are more widespread and will last longer. "We're in the early stages of the trial program and are still analyzing data and results," said C Spire representative Dave Miller. "BillFloat fills a need, primarily in the advance pay market, by providing a quick, easy and convenient way for consumers in our footprint to own a smartphone with payment terms that fit their budget." Prepaid carriers generally charge full retail price for their handsets. In order to compete with national post-paid carriers, however, they've begun to offer premium devices such as the Apple iPhone 5 and Samsung Galaxy Note II. Handsets such as these often command prices in excess of $500 or $600. Many prepaid customers cannot afford to pay the full retail price of those devices, so financing plans are an enticing option to potential Virgin and C Spire customers.
Assurance Wireless Launches In Minnesota
Assurance Wireless today announced that qualifying residents in the state of Minnesota will have access to Assurance's products and services. Assurance Wireless provides a free cell phone and 250 monthly voice minutes to low-income families. Assurance also offers low-cost plans. For $5 per month, Assurance customers can double their monthly minutes to 500, and for $20, increase voice minutes to 1000 and add in 1000 text messages. Customers will still have access to their 250 free minutes even if they can't pay for the extra minutes. Assurance also offers pay-by-use voice minutes, text/email messages and international calling. Minnesota marks the 37th state in which Assurance now operates. Assurance is run by Virgin Mobile USA and Sprint.
Assurance Wireless Now Offering Service In New Mexico
Assurance Wireless today announced that qualifying residents in the state of New Mexico will have access to Assurance's products and services. Assurance Wireless provides a free cell phone and 250 monthly voice minutes to low-income families. Assurance also offers low-cost plans. For $5 per month, Assurance customers can double their monthly minutes to 500, and for $20, increase voice minutes to 1000 and add in 1000 text messages. Customers will still have access to their 250 free minutes even if they can't pay for the extra minutes. Assurance also offers pay-by-use voice minutes, text/email messages and international calling. New Mexico marks the 36th state in which Assurance now operates. Assurance is run by Virgin Mobile USA and Sprint.
Virgin Mobile Adds Daily Data Access Plan
Virgin Mobile USA today announced the availability of a new daily Broadband2Go mobile broadband plan. For $5 per day, Virgin Mobile USA customers can access up to 200MB of 3G data or unlimited 4G data from a properly-equipped device, such as a laptop dongle or mobile hotspot. Virgin also offers two monthly Broadband2Go data plans, which include 2GB of 3G and unlimited 4G data for $35, or 5GB of 3G and unlimited 4G data for $55. Virgin Mobile's 3G service runs on Sprint's CDMA network and its 4G service uses Sprint's WiMax network.
Assurance Wireless Arrives in Idaho
Assurance Wireless today announced that qualifying residents in the state of Idaho will have access to Assurance's products and services. Assurance Wireless provides a free cell phone and 250 monthly voice minutes to low-income families. Assurance also offers low-cost plans. For $5 per month, Assurance customers can double their monthly minutes to 500, and for $20, increase voice minutes to 1000 and add in 1000 text messages. Customers will still have access to their 250 free minutes even if they can't pay for the extra minutes. Assurance also offers pay-by-use voice minutes, text/email messages and international calling. Idaho marks the 35th state in which Assurance now operates. Assurance is run by Virgin Mobile USA and Sprint.
PrepaYd Now Accepting Used Sprint Phones On Its Network
PrepaYd Wireless today announced that potential customers can bring their own, used Sprint handset to PrepaYd and have it activated with PrepaYd service. PrepaYd is an MVNO that offers prepaid, no-contract cellular service via Sprint's network. PrepaYd calls this new program the "Liberate Your Phone" initiative. It warns that even though the device may have come from Sprint and is running on the Sprint network, not all Sprint-branded apps and services preinstalled on the device will work. Some of the excluded services are Sprint Zone, Family Locator, Sprint Radio, Sprint Music, Sprint TV, Sprint My Account, and Sprint Mobile Wallet. Devices with Boost Mobile, Virgin Mobile, and Assurance Wireless branding (which also run on Sprint's network) aren't supported. BlackBerries, iPhones, Palm phones, LTE 4G devices, and iDEN PTT devices also aren't supported. Consumers interested in PrepaYd's no-contract wireless service can take their old Sprint phone to a PrepaYd store to have it activated.
Virgin Launches Preorders for Samsung Galaxy Reverb
Virgin Mobile USA today announced that the Samsung Galaxy Reverb may now be preordered from its web site. The Reverb costs $249.99, but does not require a contract. Virgin expects the Reverb will ship on or about September 19. The Reverb runs Android 4.0, has a 4-inch touch display, and a 5-megapixel camera.
Kyocera Rise Trickles Down to Virgin Mobile
Virgin Mobile USA today began selling the Kyocera Rise, an Android 4.0 sideways slider with a 3.5-inch display and 3.2-megapixel camera, for $99.99. The device can be paired with plans that start as low as $35 per month. The Rise is also sold by Sprint.
Hands-On: Samsung Reverb, Rush, Array
Samsung introduced a handful of new phones for Virgin Mobile USA and Boost Mobile, including some unique Galaxy-class devices. Here are our first impressions.
Virgin Mobile Intros the Samsung Galaxy Reverb
Virgn Mobile USA today announced its first Galaxy-class device from Samsung, the Galaxy Reverb. The Reverb runs Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich and has a 4-inch display, 5-megapixel main camera, 1.3-megapixel user-facing camera, and a 1.4GHz processor. Other features include Bluetooth 4.0, support for 64GB microSD cards, Wi-Fi, and GPS. It will be available in September for $249.99, but preorders start August 29.
from Virgin Mobile
Cricket Lands the HTC One V
Cricket Communications today announced that it will offer the HTC One V starting September 2 for $269.99. The One V, also sold by Virgin Mobile, has a 3.7-inch display, a 5-megapixel camera, Android 4.0, Beats Audio, and Cricket's Muve Music service.
Kyocera's Rise QWERTY Phone Headed to Sprint and Virgin
Sprint and Virgin Mobile USA today each announced plans to sell the Kyocera Rise in the coming weeks, an Android 4.0 smartphone with sliding QWERTY keyboard. Sprint is selling the Kyocera Rise starting August 19 for $19.99 on contract. It will be available via all Sprint's retail channels. Virgin Mobile USA will sell the Kyocera Rise starting August 31 for $99.99. The Rise has a 3.5-inch display, 3.2-megapixel camera, 1GHz processor, and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR.
Virgin's payLo Intros Samsung Entro and Montage
Virgin Mobile's low-cost arm, payLo, today announced two new handsets from Samsung. The Entro is a basic flip phone and the Montage is a sideways slider with QWERTY keyboard.
- Entro: This feature phone includes a 1.77-inch internal display and a color external display, speakerphone, text messaging, web access, GPS, wireless alerts, and a 3.5mm headset jack. It costs $14.99 and is available starting today.
- Montage: This sideways slider includes a 2 megapixel camera with video record, Bluetooth, threaded messaging and email, media player, voicemail, caller ID, and support for microSD cards up to 32GB. The Samsung Montage costs $49.99 and will become available later this month.
Virgin Mobile USA Scores Android-Powered PCD Chaser
Virgin Mobile USA recently made the PCD Chaser available for purchase on its web site. The Chaser is an Android 2.3 Gingerbread smartphone that has a 3.2-inch touch display and 800MHz processor. Stand-out features of the Chaser include a 3-megapixel camera with LED flash and camcorder; Bluetooth, GPS, Wi-Fi, and 3G; and 2GB memory card with support for cards up to 32GB. The Chaser is compatible with Virgin Mobile ID packs and VM Live media streaming services. The PCD Chaser costs $79.99 and is compatible with plans starting at $35 per month.
Virgin Mobile Opening First Flagship Store in Chicago
Virgin Mobile USA is opening its first company-owned flagship store in Chicago today. Traditionally, Virgin Mobile has sold devices and service within other retail stores, such as Best Buy. The new flagship store is not focusing on device sales, however, so much as it is focusing on providing an introduction to the Virgin Mobile USA brand and in-store tutorials on what users can do with their devices. "Employees at the store will do everything they can to keep you a fan, coming back," said Ron Faris, head of brand marketing at Virgin Mobile, to The New York Times. The store is not explicitly designed to be a retail space, but has more of a relaxed, lounge atmosphere. According to Virgin Mobile USA, it will serve as the blueprint for more company-owned stores to come.
Assurance Wireless Launches In Oregon
Assurance Wireless today announced that qualifying residents in the state of Oregon will have access to Assurance's products and services. Assurance Wireless provides a free cell phone and 250 monthly voice minutes to low-income families. Assurance also offers low-cost plans. For $5 per month, Assurance customers can double their monthly minutes to 500, and for $20, increase voice minutes to 1000 and add in 1000 text messages. Customers will still have access to their 250 free minutes even if they can't pay for the extra minutes. Assurance also offers pay-by-use voice minutes, text/email messages and international calling. Oregon marks the 34th state in which Assurance now operates. Assurance is run by Virgin Mobile USA.
HTC's One V to Be Sold By Wide Selection of U.S. Carriers
HTC today announced that the One V Android smartphone has been picked up by a significant number of regional cellular network operators in the U.S. The One V went on sale through Virgin Mobile USA last week, but can soon be expected to grace the store shelves of U.S. Cellular and carrier members of the Associated Carriers Group (ACG) in the coming days and weeks. Some of the ACG's members include Alltel, C Spire Wireless, Pioneer Cellular, and Appalachian Wireless. Pricing and availability will be determined by each individual carrier.
Virgin Mobile Quietly Starts Selling the HTC One V
Virgin Mobile USA recently added the HTC One V Android smartphone to the lineup of devices for sale on its web site. The One V, which was announced earlier this year, runs Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, has a 3.7-inch 800 x 480 display, has a 5-megapixel camera, and is powered by a 1GHz Qualcomm S3 Snapdragon processor. Virgin is selling the One V for $199.99 and does not require a contract.
Apple Accuses HTC of Abusing Essential Patents
Apple has filed a counterclaim against HTC that accuses the Taiwanese smartphone maker of abusing its standards essential patents and failure to offer fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory (FRAND) licensing terms. This particular action is in response to a claim filed against Apple by HTC. In Apple's filing, it says HTC used legal trickery to sue it over patent violations while at the same time refusing to license those patents in compliance with FRAND. In particular, Apple accuses HTC of breach of contract based on standards-related misconduct; fraud and conspiracy to commit fraud; promissory estoppel; conspiracy under statute 1 of the Sherman Act (relating to cartels); violation of statue 2 of the Sherman Act (relating to monopolies); violation of 15 U.S.C. statue 8 (illegal restraint of import trade); and violation of Virginia state antitrust law. HTC joins Samsung and Motorola in the short list of companies accused of abusing standards essential patents. These particular patents pertain to LTE/4G technologies.
Assurance Climbs Into the Rocky Mountain State
Assurance Wireless today announced that qualifying residents in the state of Colorado will have access to Assurance's products and services. Assurance Wireless provides a free cell phone and 250 monthly voice minutes to low-income families. Assurance also offers low-cost plans. For $5 per month, Assurance customers can double their monthly minutes to 500, and for $20, increase voice minutes to 1000 and add in 1000 text messages. Customers will still have access to their 250 free minutes even if they can't pay for the extra minutes. Assurance also offers pay-by-use voice minutes, text/email messages and international calling. Colorado marks the 33rd state in which Assurance now operates. Assurance is run by Virgin Mobile USA.
Virgin Mobile USA to Sell the iPhone June 29
Virgin Mobile USA today announced that it will sell the Apple iPhone starting June 29. The 16GB iPhone 4S will be sold for $649 and the 8GB iPhone 4 will be sold for $549. Both price points are near the full retail cost of the iPhone. Service plans will start as low a $30 per month for 300 minutes, $40 per month for 1,200 minutes, and $50 per month for unlimited minutes. All three options include unlimited messaging and 2.5GB of data at 3G speeds before it is throttled. These voice plans include a $5 monthly discount when customers register for automatic monthly payments with a credit card, debit card or PayPal account. Virgin Mobile USA customers wishing to buy the iPhone won't have to sign a contract.
Sprint May Sell iPhone Via Virgin Mobile
Sprint is prepared to sell the Apple iPhone through its Virgin Mobile USA prepaid service, reports the Wall Street Journal. According to sources familiar with Sprint's plans, the announcement may come as soon as this week with availability scheduled for July 1. Pricing for the device itself and plans were not made available, and Sprint declined to comment on the story. Sprint sells the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S through its traditional post-paid business for $99, $199, $299, and $399 for the iPhone 4 8GB, and iPhone 4S 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB, respectively. Virgin Mobile USA offers service plans that cost as little as $35 per month. Leap Wireless last week announced plans to sell the iPhone through its prepaid service, and is charging $399 and $499 for the device. Sprint could be the second to offer the iPhone with prepaid service.
Virgin's payLo Drops Unlimited Voice & Text Plan Down to $40
Virgin Mobile USA's payLo pre-paid service today announced a new plan that offers unlimited voice minutes, unlimited messages, and 50MB of data for $40 per month. The new plan is compatible with a number of payLo's feature phones, which are available from the payLo web site. payLo also offers 1500 minutes/messages and 30MB of data for $30 per month; and 400 voice minutes for $20 per month (messages costs $0.15 each, data costs $1.50 per megabyte).
LG Optimus Elite Hits Virgin Stores May 15 for $149
The LG Optimus Elite will be available at Virgin Mobile USA stores starting today, May 15, for $149.99. The Optimus Elite is an Android phone that is eco-friendly and offers NFC and Google Wallet.
Boost and Virgin Intro 4G Service Plans and Devices
Sprint's pre-paid businesses Boost Mobile and Virgin Mobile USA today announced new 4G plans and 4G devices. Both companies are using Sprint's WiMax network to provide 4G services, which are available in 71 markets, in addition to Sprint's existing CDMA 3G footprint. Both devices have been updated to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich and Sense 3.6. Each has its own, carrier-skinned appearance, but otherwise the hardware is completely unmodified when compared to the Sprint versions that have been available since 2011.
- Boost Mobile: Boost is offering unlimited (voice, messages, data) pre-paid 4G service starting at $55 per month. The Android Monthly Unlimited plan for 4G devices is compatible with Boost Mobile's Shrinkage policy, which drops the monthly fee by $5 for every six months of on-time payments. Starting May 31, Boost customers can purchase the HTC EVO Design 4G for $299.99.
- Virgin Mobile: Virgin's 4G service plans start at $35 per month, which includes unlimited data and messaging, but not unlimited voice. Voice can be added separately. Virgin is offering the HTC EVO V 4G, which also goes on sale May 31 for $299.99, for this Beyond Talk plan. Additionally, Virgin is adding the Overdrive Pro 3G/4G mobile hotspot and U600 3G/4G USB Stick to its Broadband2Go service. These devices costs $149.99 and $99.99, respectively.
Virgin and Boost Mobile Opening Device Insurance
Sprint's prepaid services both Virgin Mobile USA and Boost Mobile today announced an open enrollment period for those wishing to insure their devices. Normally, insurance must be purchased during the first 15 days of device ownership, but Virgin and Boost will insure the devices of most subscribers who sign up for the service during the month of May. The cost is $5 per month and applies to nearly all devices offered by Virgin and Boost. Customers wishing to insure their device can do so at a retail store are through Virgin and Boost's customer service channels.
Sprint to Extend WiMax Device Roster to Boost and Virgin
Sprint said today during a call with reporters that it intends to offer its WiMax 4G network to its Boost Mobile and Virgin Mobile USA pre-paid businesses. Sprint CEO Dan Hesse said that the service would launch for Boost and Virgin later this year, though he didn't provide specific details regarding timing nor the handsets involved. Sprint has a number of WiMax handsets still in service while it transitions to LTE 4G. Sprint has already made several LTE-capable handsets for sale, though its LTE network isn't expected to launch until mid-year. Sprint mentioned earlier this year that it will no longer sell WiMax handsets to its own customers.
Sprint and Virgin Land Eco-Friendly LG Optimus Elite
Sprint today announced the LG Optimus Elite, a new Android smartphone that adds to its roster of environmentally conscious devices. Its ecological features include an outer shell that is made of 50% recycled plastics; RoHS compliance, which means it is free of hazardous materials such as PVC, phthalates, halogens and mercury; and ULE Platinum Certified for sustainability. The Sprint version comes in fully recyclable packaging that is printed with soy inks, contains 87% post-consumer paper, and is free of glues. The Virgin Mobile variant's packaging contains 30% post-consumer paper. The handset itself runs Android 2.3 Gingerbread and has a 3.5-inch display, 800MHz processor, 5-megapixel camera, Wi-Fi with mobile hotspot capability, near-field communications, and Google Wallet. The LG Optimus Elite goes on sale via Sprint's web site and telesales Sunday, April 22 for $29.99 after rebate with new contract. In-store availability is set for May 18. Exact pricing and availability for Virgin Mobile will be announced later.
nTelos to Sell iPhone for $50 Less than Other Carriers
nTelos today announced that it will begin selling the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S on April 20. nTelos is offering the iPhones for a lower out-of-pocket cost than larger rivals AT&T and Verizon Wireless, with the iPhone 4 costing $49.99, and the iPhone 4S costing $149.99, $249.99, and $349.99 for the 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB models, respectively. Customers must sign a two-year agreement in order to get those prices. nTelos is offering two plans for the iPhone. The first costs $79.99 per month for 600 voice minutes and unlimited texting and data, and the second costs $99.99 per month for unlimited voice, texting, and data. nTelos is based in Virginia and offers its own CDMA-based regional footprint across portions of Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Kentucky. It uses Sprint's CDMA network to offer nationwide roaming coverage.
St. Louis Latest Market to Receive 3G Boost from Sprint
Sprint announced that it has made improvements to its CDMA 3G network in the St. Louis market. Specifically, Sprint has increased the capacity of its network in the St. Louis metropolitan area such that customers should expect to have fewer dropped calls and faster 3G data speeds. Sprint said that it has made 32 different improvements over the past three months and has another 30 improvements scheduled to take place in the next three months as part of its Network Vision program. Sprint said that its network improvements also apply to Boost Mobile and Virgin Mobile. Several other markets will receive similar 3G improvements from Sprint this year, including Atlanta and Detroit.
Assurance Wireless Launches in Wisconsin
Assurance Wireless today announced that qualifying residents in the state of Wisconsin will have access to Assurance's products and services. Assurance Wireless provides a free cell phone and 250 monthly voice minutes to low-income families. Assurance also offers low-cost plans. For $5 per month, Assurance customers can double their monthly minutes to 500, and for $20, increase voice minutes to 1000 and add in 1000 text messages. Customers will still have access to their 250 free minutes even if they can't pay for the extra minutes. Assurance also offers pay-by-use voice minutes, text/email messages and international calling. Wisconsin marks the 32nd state in which Assurance now operates. Assurance is run by Virgin Mobile USA.
Virgin Mobile Taking Preorders for Alcatel Venture
Virgin Mobile USA recently began accepting preorders for the Venture, a monoblock Android smartphone that includes both a full QWERTY keyboard and a 2.8-inch touch display. The phone is made by Alcatel One Touch and distributed by PCD. The Venture also includes a 600MHz processor, Bluetooth 3.0, a 2-megapixel camera with LED flash, microSD support up to 32GB, Wi-Fi, GPS, and speakerphone. It runs Android 2.3 Gingerbread and costs $99. It will be available to buy outright on Thursday, March 15.
Sprint Improves Michigan's 3G Network
Sprint announced that it has made improvements to its CDMA network in eastern Michigan. Specifically, Sprint has increased the capacity of its network in the Detroit area such that customers should expect to have fewer dropped calls and faster 3G data speeds. Sprint said that it has made 85 different improvements over the past three months and has another 190 improvements scheduled to take place in the next three months as part of its Network Vision program. Sprint said that its network improvements also apply to Boost Mobile and Virgin Mobile. Several other markets will receive similar 3G improvements from Sprint this year, including Atlanta.
