AT&T
Verizon Selling Customer Location Data
Verizon Wireless has begun selling more specific data generated by its customers to third-party companies, reports the Wall Street Journal. The data being offered includes details such as locations, travels, demographics, and web-browsing habits. The data is anonymized, so it can't be identified to individual customers, and is packaged in groups of customers rather than by person. The data, which is compiled by a company called Precision Media Insights, is sold to organizations such as the government, malls, billboard owners, and stadiums, which can then gain a better understanding about the people who frequent their businesses, what they're doing, and the general area in which they live. Verizon warned customers in 2011 that it might use their data in this manner. The Journal reports that subscribers can opt out via Verizon's web site. Information about government and corporate clients is not shared, and Verizon says that it complies with applicable laws regarding customer privacy. The Journal says that AT&T is looking to sell similar customer location data, but has not yet chosen to do so.
Hands On with the Nokia Lumia 620 for Aio
We spent some time with the new Lumia 620 for Aio, AT&T's new prepaid experiment. This cute little phone has a unique design. Here's what we thought of it.
from Nokia
Powermat and PowerKiss Unite and Back PMA Standard
Powermat today announced that it has merged with PowerKiss. Powermat, based in the U.S., makes and markets wireless charging accessories. It backs the standard supported by the Power Matters Alliance. Before today, PowerKiss, which is based in Finland, backed a competing standard. Now that the two companies are one, they are together throwing their weight behind the PMA wireless charging standard. The PMA is mounting a challenge to competing standards Qi and the Alliance for Wireless Power. Earlier this year, the PMA won support from AT&T, BlackBerry, Google, HTC, Huawei, Kyocera, LG, Samsung, Starbucks, and ZTE. Further, AT&T mandated that its handset partners incorporate the PMA wireless charging standard into their devices by 2014. Verizon Wireless supports the Qi standard. The consumer electronics industry has yet to settle on a single standard.
CAT to Sell Its B15 Smartphone Directly to US Consumers
CAT today announced the availability of the B15, a rugged Android smartphone. The device, which debuted earlier this year, runs Android 4.1 Jelly Bean and has a 4-inch WVGA display that works with wet fingers. It also includes a 5-megapixel camera, a MediaTek dual-core 1GHz processor, GPS, Wi-Fi, and support for microSD cards. The device is fully ruggedized and can withstand up to 30 minutes in three feet of water as well as multiple drops to concrete from six feet. CAT says it is "impervious" to dust and dirt. The B15 is being built and distributed for CAT by Bullitt Mobile. It costs $349 and can be used on the networks run by AT&T and T-Mobile USA.
AT&T Clarifies Position On Video Chats Over Cellular
AT&T today provided a new statement regarding the use of pre-installed apps and third-party apps to conduct video chats. The statement serves to update its position after it was discovered last week that the new Google Hangouts application cannot conduct two-way video chats over AT&T's cellular network. "For video chat apps that come pre-loaded on devices," explained AT&T, "we currently give all OS and device makers the ability for those apps to work over cellular for our customers who are on Mobile Share or Tiered plans. Apple, Samsung and Blackberry have chosen to enable this for their pre-loaded video chat apps." This includes FaceTime, ChatOn, and BlackBerry Messenger. Google Hangouts, which replaces Google Talk, technically qualifies as a pre-loaded app and Google has not sought to enable Hangouts over cellular with AT&T. "Throughout the second half of this year," continued AT&T, "we plan to enable pre-loaded video chat apps over cellular for all our customers, regardless of data plan or device; that work is expected to be complete by yearend." Customers are still able to download third-party apps such as Skype, Viber, Kik, and others, to conduct video chats over cellular.
from AT&T
AT&T Blocking Video Chats in Google Hangouts
AT&T customers who install the new Google Hangouts application on their Android devices cannot use one of the main features: video chats. When they attempt to start a video chat, a message appears prompting them to connect to a Wi-Fi network; the feature won't work on AT&T's cellular network. When reached for comment, AT&T explained that AT&T customers are free to download any third-party video chat app they wish and they'll work fine. Apps that come preloaded, however, must be enabled by the developer for use over AT&T's cellular network. AT&T did not address Google Hangouts directly, but it implied that 1. Google Hangouts qualifies as a "preloaded" app because it replaces the Google Talk app on Android handsets, and 2. Google did not follow the proper protocols required by AT&T in order for the app to function over its cellular network. Google Hangouts for iOS, which qualifies as a third-party download on the iPhone, functions properly over AT&T's cellular network. Google Hangouts for Android works fine on the cellular networks of other carriers. Google has not yet offered a clarification on the matter.
Google To Sell Unlocked Samsung Galaxy S 4
Google today announced that it will start directly selling a special version of Samsung's Galaxy S 4 flagship phone that is unlocked and ships with stock Android 4.2, essentially expanding the Nexus family of "pure Google" devices. The device sports LTE compatible with both AT&T and T-Mobile's networks. It is bootloader-unlocked and will receive Android updates before most other phones, like Nexus devices. It ships June 26th for $649.
Big Four Carriers to Target Teens with 'It Can Wait' Campaign
AT&T today announced a significant expansion of its It Can Wait program, which aims to educate consumers about the dangers of texting while driving. AT&T's competitors Sprint, T-Mobile USA, and Verizon Wireless all agreed to join the campaign, as did more than 200 other organizations. The campaign will make a concerted effort to raise awareness of the issue between Memorial Day and Labor Day, which AT&T says are the 100 deadliest days of the year for young drivers. The message will be spread via TV, radio, digital and social media and will feature stories of real-life survivors of text-message-related accidents. "Texting while driving is a deadly habit that makes you 23 times more likely to be involved in a crash," said AT&T Chairman & CEO Randall Stephenson. "Awareness of the dangers of texting and driving has increased, but people are still doing it. With this expanded effort, we hope to change behavior. Together, we can help save lives." Using handheld devices when behind the wheel is illegal in many states. The campaign kicks off May 20 and continues through September 19.
FCC Outs Mystery Motorola Handset for AT&T
Documents on the Federal Communications Commission web site provide a peek at an unannounced handset from Motorola. The XT 1058 was certified with AT&T's unique LTE bands, in addition to 802.11ac, Bluetooth 4.0, and NFC -- all hallmarks of a high-end smartphone. Motorola has not released a handset for AT&T since last year's Atrix HD. The most recent batch of high-end smartphones made by Motorola were all sold by Verizon Wireless under the Droid brand. The FCC documents provide a rough sketch of the XT 1058, but no other specific details beyond the wireless certifications.
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.
Consumer Cellular Lands the LG 930 and Samsung Exhilarate
Consumer Cellular today announced the addition of two Android smartphones to its roster of devices, the LG 930 and the Samsung Galaxy Exhilarate. The LG 930 (sold by AT&T as the Nitro HD), features a 4.5-inch HD display, 1.5GHz dual-core processor, 8-megapixel camera with HD video capture, front camera, DLNA wireless media streaming, and a memory card slot. The Galaxy Exhilarate includes a 4-inch screen, dual-core 1.2GHz processor, 5-megapixel camera with HD video capture, front camera, and a memory card slot. The LG 930 is being sold for $300 and the Galaxy Exhilarate is being sold for $150. Both are available, without contracts, from Consumer Cellular's web site beginning today.
AT&T to Sell 32GB Galaxy S 4 May 10 for $249
AT&T today announced that it will offer the 32GB variant of the Samsung Galaxy S 4 beginning May 10. The 32GB GS4 will cost $249.99 with a new two-year agreement.
AT&T's Galaxy Note to Receive Jelly Bean
AT&T today announced that it is offering Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean to the original Galaxy Note. Jelly Bean introduces Google Now, actionable notifications, and many under-the-hood improvements to the code. In addition to the standard Jelly Bean features, this update also makes tweaks to the Popup Note and Popup Video tools that are part of Samsung's Touchwiz software. Android 4.1.2 for the Samsung Galaxy Note must be downloaded and installed via Samsung's Kies desktop software.
AT&T to Sell LG Optimus G Pro for $199
AT&T today announced that it will offer the LG Optimus G Pro smartphone for $199.99 with a new two-year contract. The display is one of the key features of the Optimus G Pro. It measures 5.5-inches, includes 1920 x 1080 pixels, and runs edge-to-edge using curved glass. The G Pro is powered by a 1.7GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 processor, which is paired with 2GB of RAM. The main camera rates 13 megapixels and the user-facing camera rates 2.1 megapixels. The G Pro is powered by a removable 3,140mAh battery that supports wireless charging. It runs Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean and comes with LG's user interace customizations, including Dual Recording and Virtual Reality Panorama features for the camera. Preorders for the Optimus G Pro begin May 3 and it will reach stores on May 10.
AT&T Offering $100 Credit for Device Trade-Ins
AT&T today announced a new program that will let customers receive $100 towards new gear when they trade in an old smartphone, mobile hotspot, or tablet. AT&T says the trade-ins should be no more than three years old and in good, working condition. The trade-ins may come from any manufacturer and any other carrier. Customers who visit AT&T retail stores will receive a $100 credit on the spot, which can be put toward a new smartphone, smartphone accessories, or new service. Customers who wish to trade in devices that are valued at more than $100 will be credited the extra amount. The AT&T trade-in promotion begins May 1 and runs for an unspecified length of time.
AT&T On Track to Cover 270M Pops with LTE This Year
AT&T today announced a modest expansion of its LTE 4G footprint to smaller markets around the country. The network is available in more than a dozen new markets for the first time, and has also expanded its reach in several existing markets. Between last week and this week, new markets include Cullman, Decatur, and Huntsville, Ala.; Mountain Home, Ark.; Lake City and Ocala, Fla.; Kokomo, Ind.; Shreveport-Bossier City, La.; Flint and Lansing, Mich.; Biloxi-Gulfport, Miss.; Springfield, Mo.; Henderson, N.C.; Chattanooga, Tenn.; Athens, Corsicana, Huntsville, Lufkin-Nacogdoches, and Paris, Texas; Petersburg, Va.; Centralia, Wash.; and Morgantown, W.Va. Existing markets that now have greater LTE coverage include Phoenix and Tuscon, Ariz.; Little Rock, Ark.; Denver, Colo., Louisville, Ky.; Knoxville, Tenn.; Mount Vernon, Wash.; and a handful of others. According to AT&T, its LTE 4G network covers nearly 200 million POPs, and the company said it is on target to cover about 270 million POPs by the end of the year. By way of comparison, Verizon Wireless's LTE 4G network build-out is largely complete, Sprint's LTE 4G network is on target to reach 150 million POPs by summer, and T-Mobile's LTE 4G network will cover 100 million Americans by the middle of the year, and 200 million by the end of the year.
from AT&T
AT&T Slams DOJ, Calls Its FCC Guidelines Unlawful
AT&T today said that recommendations made earlier this month by the Department of Justice regarding future spectrum auctions are illegal and should be ignored by the Federal Communications Commission. The Justice Department suggested to the FCC that it set up rules to prevent the nation's largest holders of spectrum from amassing more in future auctions. Further, the Justice Department argued that the nation's smaller carriers be given a fair chance to purchase low-frequency spectrum to combat the massive 700MHz holdings owned by AT&T and Verizon Wireless. In a letter to the FCC, AT&T senior EVP and General Counsel Wayne Watts wrote, "It is surprising that the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice would even propose measures that are so nakedly designed to help specific companies. The Commission's mandate under the Communications Act is to promote the competitive process, not to pick winners and losers in that process. Rigging spectrum auctions to favor Sprint and T-Mobile would be unlawful." Watts lays out 10 pages worth of scathing arguments and discussion about what he calls uninformed musings by the Justice Department. Watts concludes by saying, "The record overwhelmingly supports spectrum aggregation policies that apply equally to all providers by employing a safe harbor spectrum screen that includes, and treats equally, all suitable available spectrum. A spectrum screen ... coupled with case-by-case review for transactions that exceed the screen, strikes the appropriate regulatory balance The Department's contrary view of an auction that is designed to favor particular competitors would be unlawful and completely unwarranted as a matter of public policy and should be rejected."
Cell Service Expands to 30 More NYC Subway Stations
The Metropolitan Transit Authority of New York City today announced that wireless service from AT&T and T-Mobile USA is now available at a total of 36 subway stations sprinkled throughout Manhattan. The bulk of the stations are concentrated on the 123, ACE, NQR, L, and S lines around major transit hubs, such as Times Square, Columbus Circle, Rockefeller Center, and Union Square. In addition to cellular wireless service, Boingo Wireless is also offering access to free, ad-based Wi-Fi in these same stations. The MTA said that it is in discussions with Sprint and Verizon Wireless to bring their services to the NYC subway system later this year. The MTA has been working on this project for years with partner Transit Wireless. This is the first major expansion since the service launched in 2011.
BlackBerry Q10 to Arrive Late May with $249 Price Tag
The BlackBerry Q10 will reach AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile USA, and Verizon Wireless stores by late May, according to various reports. Bloomberg and the Wall Street Journal both report that the Q10's price tag will be $249, but none of the U.S. network operators have announced firm availability and pricing details. The Q10 will be the second BlackBerry 10 device to reach the market after the Z10. It differs from the Z10 in that it has a smaller screen and a QWERTY keyboard.
AT&T Customers Can Now Schedule Retail Appointments
AT&T today announced the availability of a new online tool that customers can use to schedule appointments ahead of traveling to AT&T retail stores. The appointments can be used to buy new devices, sign up for new lines of service, as well as to to get help with existing hardware, apps, or services. AT&T said the online reservation system takes only a few moments to complete, and AT&T representatives will see those customers right at their scheduled time. AT&T is pitching the reservation system as a way for customers to better manage their time when they need to make a trip to an AT&T store. The tool can also be used to book appointments at AT&T's Device Support Centers, which help customers troubleshoot devices and provide warranty services. The online reservation system is free to use.
HTC One Available from AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile Today
The HTC One is available for sale at AT&T and Sprint stores beginning today. Both carriers are selling the silver 32GB model for $199.99 with a new contract. AT&T is also offering the 64GB model for $299.99, and HTC said that AT&T will offer the 32GB black model in the coming weeks. In addition to the carrier stores, the One can be purchased at Best Buy, Radio Shack, Walmart, Target, Amazon.com, Costco, Sam's Club, HSN.com, and HTC.com. T-Mobile announced that the HTC One (silver, 32GB) is available online beginning today and will be in stores in select retail outlets starting April 24. T-Mobile is asking for a downpayment of $99.99 for the One, in addition to 24 monthly payments of $20.
from HTC / T-Mobile USA »
Qi Rival Gains Strength with Handset Maker Support
The Power Matters Alliance, a group pitching a wireless charging standard that competes with the Qi and the Alliance for Wireless Power standards, has recently won new support from handset makers and carriers. The group announced this week that HTC, Huawei, LG, and Samsung have all joined the PMA, which already includes members such as AT&T, BlackBerry, Google, Kyocera, PowerMat, Starbucks, and ZTE. Further, existing PMA member AT&T is asking its handset partners to integrate PMA-compatible wireless charging technology into their handsets by 2014. According to the PMA, there are already some 1,500 PMA-certified wireless charging stations at Starbucks coffee shops, airports, and other locations around the country. The Power Matters Alliance uses a wireless charging technology that is slightly different from those offered by Qi and A4WP. Each of the three standards allows devices to charge wirelessly when placed on a compatible charging pad. Verizon's handsets have incorporated Qi for years, which already has wide support from other carriers and handset makers. The electronics industry as a whole has yet to settle on one of the standards for all devices moving forward.
Samsung Galaxy S 4 to Reach Seven Carriers Before May
Samsung today announced that the Galaxy S 4 will be available from seven different wireless network operators before the end of April. The four national carriers, AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile USA, and Verizon Wireless, as will smaller carriers U.S. Cellular, Cricket, and C Spire, will each have customized variants of the device specific for their 4G LTE and 3G networks. Samsung said that individual carriers will announce exact availability and pricing during the course of the next few weeks. In addition to carrier availability, the GS4 can also be purchased at various electronics stores, including Best Buy and Best Buy Mobile, Costco, Radio Shack, Sam's Club, Staples, Target, and Wal-Mart. The Galaxy S 4 has a 5-inch FHD display, 1.9GHz quad-core processor, 13-megapixel camera, Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean, and tons of Samsung software, including Air View and Air Gesture, Drama Shot and Eraser Shot, and Easy Mode and a customizable notification tray. Last, Samsung revealed a few more details about accessories for the GS4. The S View Flip Cover has a window through which GS4 owners can read text messages, answer or reject calls, and view the battery status. The S View Flip Cover, which is sold separately, retails for $59.99. Availability details of the cover were not shared.
AT&T Lists April 30 as Samsung Galaxy S 4 Ship Date
AT&T has begun accepting preorders for the Samsung Galaxy S 4 on its web site. AT&T is listing the 16GB model for $199.99 with a new contract ($639.99 full price) and a ship date of April 30. No formal announcements about the GS4's availability have been made, however.
Facebook Home and Updated Messenger Hit Android
Facebook today made Facebook Home, its new launcher and user interface overlay, available to select Android smartphones. Facebook Home replaces the stock launcher on the device with one that presents Facebook content, such as the news feed, on the home screen. Facebook Home is preinstalled on the HTC First, which also happens to go on sale today from AT&T for $99, but it can also be installed on the HTC One X, One X+, One, and Samsung Galaxy S 3 and Note II. Separately, Facebook also updated the Facebook Messenger application for Android devices. The revised Messenger app carries over one of the main features of Facebook Home, called Chat Heads (pictured). With Chat Heads active, Android device owners can keep conversations with friends always at hand by placing a little icon with the friend's head in it on the home screen. Both Facebook Home and Facebook Messenger are free to download from the Google Play Store.
Justice Dept. Wants Small Carriers to Get Fair Spectrum Shake
The U.S. Department of Justice today filed paperwork with the Federal Communications Commission voicing its wish to see the country's smaller national carriers have a shot at winning spectrum in the upcoming auction. The Justice Department suggested that the FCC build rules into the auction that prevent the larger carriers from gaining large blocks of airwaves. "The Department concludes that rules that ensure the smaller nationwide networks, which currently lack substantial low-frequency spectrum, have an opportunity to acquire such spectrum could improve the competitive dynamic among nationwide carriers and benefit consumers," the Justice Department said in its filing. The Justice Department clearly implied that it believes AT&T and Verizon Wireless should not be allowed to purchase any more large swaths of spectrum. The FCC is currently drafting rules for an auction that is expected to take place in 2014.
AT&T Adds Option to GoPhone Mexico Calling Plan
AT&T today announced a new option for customers of its GoPhone prepaid service that's specific to Mexico. The Mexico Plus option costs an additional $10 per month and must be added to an existing $50 or $65 plan. It includes 1,000 voice minutes to landlines/mobile numbers in Mexico and 50 other countries, such as Canada, China, and India. AT&T is also lowering the per-minute rate for voice calls to other countries, and is offering a $5 add-on to GoPhone plans that includes 250 international voice minutes. The new plans and rates go into effect April 12.
Samsung Galaxy S II Skyrocket Earns Jelly Bean from AT&T
AT&T today said that the Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update is available to the Samsung Galaxy S II Skyrocket. The update, which must be installed through a PC via Kies, adds the typical set of Jelly Bean features.
AT&T Planning Large Summer LTE Roll-Out
AT&T today announced plans to light up LTE 4G in more than two dozen markets during the summer months. The new markets that will receive LTE for the first time include: Evergreen, Monroeville, and Tuscaloosa, Ala.; Flagstaff, Ariz.; Chico and Visalia, Calif.; Dover, Del.; Lake City and Ocala, Fla.; Commerce, Jefferson, and Valdosta, Ga.; Champaign, Ill.; Columbus and Fort Wayne, Ind.; Manhattan, Kan.; Elizabethtown, Ky.; Leonardville, Md.; Flint, Mich.; Biloxi/Gulfport, Miss.; Asheville and Goldsboro, N.C.; Millville, N.J.; Batavia and Seneca Falls, N.Y.; Anderson, S.C.; Chattanooga, Tenn.; Athens, Huntsville, Laredo, Paris, and Rio Grande Valley, Texas; Spokane, Wash.; Huntington, W.Va.; and Laramie, Wyo. AT&T didn't say when LTE would reach these markets. In addition to the summer LTE expansion, AT&T launched LTE in Wilson, N.C., today, and expanded its LTE footprint in the San Francisco Bay Area.
from AT&T
AT&T Gives Customers Access to International Wi-Fi
AT&T today announced a new partnership with Boingo that will allow its subscribers to use Boingo's Wi-Fi network when traveling abroad. Boingo operates Wi-Fi hotspots in airports, hotels, and other locations in countries around the world. AT&T's smartphone customers will need to use the AT&T Wi-Fi International App to log into Boingo's Wi-Fi hotspots, and are permitted to access up to 1GB of Wi-Fi data per month. However, in order to gain access to the AT&T Wi-Fi International app, AT&T's customers will have to first subscribe to either the 300MB or 800MB AT&T Data Global Add-On package, which cost $60 and $120, respectively.
AT&T Looking to Snag Corr Wireless Spectrum and Subs
AT&T filed paperwork with the Federal Communications Commission seeking permission to purchase spectrum and customers from Corr Wireless. Corr is owned and operated by C Spire Wireless. The transaction would give AT&T 10 to 52 MHz chunks of PCS and 700MHz spectrum across parts of Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee, in addition to 21,000 customers, and Corr's wireless network assets in those markets. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed, and the deal must meet regulatory approval before it can be completed.
HTC Takes One On Tour
HTC today announced details of the U.S. marketing campaign for its One flagship phone. A major component will be three different kinds of pop-up locations in 11 major markets. HTC BoomSound Lounges open today in major plazas of New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Atlanta. The lounges let consumers experience the One's BoomSound speakers in person, and will host intimate concerts with artists such as Pharrell and Grouplove. Next week, the company will open pop-up stores in major malls in eight cities. The stores consist of a "large, playful, interactive exhibit" that will showcase BlinkFeed, Zoe, and Sense TV. In addition, the company will partner with movie theaters, offering demos of the One in the lobby. The One is available for pre-order today from AT&T and Sprint, shipping April 19th. T-Mobile will offer it "later this spring."
from HTC
Jelly Bean Hits AT&T's LG Optimus G
AT&T today announced that owners of the LG Optimus G can download and install the Android 4.1 Jelly Bean system update. Android 4.1 adds Google Now, Project Butter, and other enhancements. It can be installed over the air.
AT&T Clarifies Galaxy S 4 Pricing: $249 for 32GB
AT&T today provided an update on pricing for the Samsung Galaxy S 4. AT&T said it will offer the 16GB model for $199.99 and the 32GB model for $249.99. It originally only listed the $249.99 price point with no model designation. Both devices require a two-year contract.
AT&T Continues to Fill In the LTE Gaps
AT&T today announced another expansion of its LTE 4G network. AT&T's speedier mobile broadband is available in 13 new markets, including: Fort Smith, Ark.; Fresno, Calif.; Palm Coast, Lakeland-Winter Haven, Fort Pierce, and Mount Dora, Fla.; Carbondale-Marion Ill.; Houma/Thibodaux, La.; Jefferson City, Mo.; Las Cruces, N.M.; Binghamton, N.Y.; Temple/Killeen, Texas; and Mount Vernon, Wash. AT&T also expanded the availability of LTE across the Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, Ark., region. Customers in these areas with LTE-capable equipment should notice faster mobile network speeds.
AT&T Gives the HTC One a $199 Price Tag
AT&T today announced that preorders for the HTC One will begin on April 4, and the device will be available to AT&T customers starting April 19. The 32 GB version of the One will cost $199.99 with a new contract. AT&T also said it will be the the only carrier to offer the 64 GB version of the One, which will cost $299.99 with a new contract. AT&T has created a page for preorders, and said that it will include the HTC Media Link HD wireless HDMI adaptor with the One at no extra cost.
AT&T to Begin HD Voice Deployment This Year
AT&T senior VP Kris Rinne indicated today at a speaking engagement that AT&T will begin to deploy HD Voice later this year. "HD Voice is part of our voice over LTE strategy," said Rinne to an audience at the VentureBeat Mobile Summit. HD Voice improves the quality of voice calls. Sprint has deployed several HD Voice-capable devices, and T-Mobile USA recently announced that its version of the Apple iPhone will be able to conduct HD Voice calls. Rinne didn't say when HD Voice would go live, nor which devices would be able to use the service.
AT&T Asking $249 for Samsung Galaxy S 4
AT&T today announced that it will begin accepting preorders for the Samsung Galaxy S 4 beginning April 16. AT&T is asking $249 for the Galaxy S 4, though AT&T did not specify which storage option it is offering (the S 4 comes in 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB variants). AT&T also did not say when the device will be available for purchase. AT&T recommends interested customers sign up for more information on its web site. The $249 price point requires a two-year contract. T-Mobile USA recently announced that it will begin selling the Galaxy S 4 May 1 for a downpayment of $99.
AT&T's Lumia 920 Receiving Firmware Update from Nokia
Nokia today indicated that the AT&T version of the Lumia 920 can now download a minor system update through the settings tools. The update improves photo clarity, storage control, and makes other small tweaks. The update is free.
AT&T's LTE Footprint Reaches A Number of Smaller Markets
AT&T continues to increase the size of its LTE 4G network. The company has turned on LTE in a number of smaller markets over the last few days. The new markets include Mobile Ala.; Harrison, Eureka Springs, Alpena, Bellafonte, Berryville, Carrollton, and Valley Spring, Ark.; Waterbury and Meriden, CT.; Princeton, NJ,; Watertown, N.Y.; Athens, Ohio,; and Hilton Head, S.C. AT&T customers in these markets with LTE-capable equipment should see faster mobile data speeds.
