T-Mobile
T-Mobile USA to Sell the Sony Xperia Z
T-Mobile USA today announced that it will sell the Xperia Z smartphone in the coming weeks. The Z, which was revealed by Sony earlier this year, has a 5-inch 1080p HD display, 13-megapixel camera, and is water resistant. It will be sold in black and a limited edition purple. The Z will support T-Mobile's forthcoming LTE 4G network. Exact availability and pricing were not announced.
MetroPCS Begins Selling First HSPA+ Phones
MetroPCS today announced that it has initiated sales of HSPA+ based smartphones in its retail stores. Earlier this week, MetroPCS began accepting unlocked HSPA+ phones in several markets, including Boston, Hartford, Las Vegas, and Dallas, and today announced that it is selling the LG L9 and Samsung Galaxy Exhibit as the first two HSPA+ phones. The company is working to switch its CDMA-based customers over to GSM-based devices, which run on T-Mobile's network rather that MetroPCS' as it integrates the two. MetroPCS will begin selling an HSPA+ and LTE version of the Samsung Galaxy S III on June 17. The company did not say when it expects to broaden the availability of these first HSPA+ phones and the BYOD service beyond the first few markets.
MetroPCS Accepting Unlocked GSM Phones in Some Markets
MetroPCS today launched a new bring-your-own-device offering in several cities, with plans to expand the service later. MetroPCS is now allowing people with GSM-based Android smartphones and select versions of the Apple iPhone to bring their unlocked device into MetroPCS stores and sign up for MetroPCS service. Though the customers will be billed by MetroPCS, their device will actually run on T-Mobile's GSM-based network and not MetroPCS's CDMA-based network. The offering is first available in Boston, Dallas, Hartford, and Las Vegas. MetroPCS didn't say when the program might be expanded. T-Mobile USA acquired MetroPCS earlier this year and said it planned to transition new and existing MetroPCS customers from Metro's CDMA network to its own GSM network.
SoftBank May Court T-Mobile If Sprint Deal Collapses
SoftBank might use T-Mobile USA as its back-up option should its attempt to acquire a 70% equity stake in Sprint fall through, reports Reuters. Citing unnamed sources, Reuters said that SoftBank has held discussions over the matter with Deutsche Telekom, which owns 74% of T-Mobile. One possible scenario would have SoftBank purchase the 74% owned by Deutsche Telekom, says Reuters' source. SoftBank is paying $20.1 billion for 70% of Sprint, but T-Mobile's market capitalization stands at about $15 billion. SoftBank's deal has already been approved by the SEC, DOJ, FBI, and DHS. It is still undergoing review at the Federal Communications Commission and faces a Sprint shareholder vote on June 12.
New MVNO Called Odin Targets the Visually Impaired
Odin Mobile today announced that it will launch new cellular service in July for those with visual impairments. Odin Mobile is an MVNO that operates on T-Mobile USA's network. The company will offer several handsets, including the Huawei-made Ray (pictured). The Ray is a touch phone that was designed with eye-free operation in mind. It can be used to make and receive voice calls, manage contacts, and lets the visually impaired access their call history and use caller ID. It uses text-to-speech technology to read text messages aloud, and includes a calendar, and the ability to recognize colors and money. The Ray can be used with audiobooks and audio magazines, as well. The Ray costs $299.99. Odin Mobile is offering two other handsets made by Emporia, the Click and the Essence, The Click is a flip phone and the Essence is a bar-style phone. They offer similar features, such as adjustable fonts, high-contrast displays, large buttons, and loud speakers. They also include basics such as SMS, Bluetooth, flashlights, GPS, and emergency call buttons. The Click costs $73.00 and the Essence costs $49.00. Service plans start at $10 per month for 150 minutes and 150 texts and range up to $45 per month for 4000 minutes/texts. Odin did not say exactly when in July its service will launch.
White Nexus 4 Available from T-Mobile Today
T-Mobile USA announced that the white version of the LG Nexus 4 is available beginning today from the company's web site. T-Mobile is asking for a downpayment of $19.99 followed by 24 equal monthly payments of $17. The full retail cost of the Nexus 4 is $427.99. T-Mobile said the white version of the Nexus 4 will only be available online for a limited time, but the black version is still available at T-Mobile's retail stores.
T-Mobile to Sell BlackBerry Q10 June 5 for $99 Down
T-Mobile USA today announced that the BlackBerry Q10 smartphone will be available online and in stores beginning June 5. The device will require a down payment of $99, followed by 24 equal payments of $20. The Q10 will support T-Mobile's LTE 4G network and features a physical QWERTY keyboard, as well as a 3.1-inch touch screen. It runs BlackBerry 10.1. T-Mobile also announced that the Samsung Galaxy Exhibit smartphone (pictured) is available beginning today for $19.99 down and 24 equal payments of $9. The Galaxy Exhibit, which is nearly identical to its predecessor, has a 3.8-inch 800 x 480 pixel screen, 5-megapixel main camera, 1-megapixel user-facing camera, and support for T-Mobile's HSPA+ network. It runs Android 4.1 Jelly Bean.
Hands On with the Nokia Lumia 925 for T-Mobile
We spent some time with Nokia's new flagship phone, coming soon to T-Mobile USA. The Lumia 925 displays an evolution of Nokia's industrial design that uses more metal to achieve a thinner, lighter body. Find out how it stacks up against the competition in our hands-on.
from Nokia
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.
T-Mobile Withdraws Anti-Net Neutrality Lawsuit
The Federal Communications Commission today indicated that T-Mobile USA has dropped a lawsuit filed against the FCC by the former MetroPCS. T-Mobile acquired MetroPCS earlier this month. The aim of the lawsuit was to scuttle the FCC's Open Internet rules. On his last day in office, FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski said, "The FCC's widely supported open Internet framework has contributed to healthy growth in innovation and investment across the U.S. broadband economy. Since 2010, our strong and balanced rules have been protecting entrepreneurs and consumers, and have increased certainty and predictability for investors in Internet services as well as networks. The ongoing litigation – now pursued by a single company – only serves to reduce that certainty and predictability. I applaud T-Mobile's decision to withdraw from this litigation." Verizon Wireless is now the only company actively pursuing litigation against the FCC and its rules.
T-Mobile to Boost MetroPCS' Footprint
T-Mobile plans to aggressively expand the reach of MetroPCS' network footprint by 100 million points of presence over the next six quarters. The network will expand to 15 major metropolitan areas quickly, though the markets and exact timing were not revealed. T-Mobile CFO Braxton Carter, speaking to investors, said that T-Mobile and MetroPCS have already finalized the integration of their back-office systems. T-Mobile will be pushing HSPA+ and LTE devices to MetroPCS stores within weeks. These devices will be sold under Metro's brand, but will operate on T-Mobile's network. Carter said that T-Mobile beat its mid-year goal of covering 170 million POPs with HSPA+ in its 1900MHz spectrum, and will easily hit 200 million by the end of the year. Braxton also indicated that T-Mobile will cover 100 million POPs with LTE by mid-year, and 200 million by year's end.
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.
Nokia Intros the Metal-Clad Lumia 925 with PureView
Nokia today added the Lumia 925 to its lineup of Windows Phone 8 smartphones. It shares many features with the Lumia 920/928, but stuffs them into a much thinner and lighter body that has an aluminum frame with a removable polycarbonate panel on the back and glass on the front. The result is a phone that's 8.5mm thick with a weight of 4.9 ounces (the Lumia 920 is 10.7mm thick and weighs 6.53 ounces). Nokia said that by adding metal to the external frame, it was able to make improvements to the antenna technology inside the phone. Aside from the new design, Nokia took care to add some of its most advanced imaging features to the 925, which has an 8.7-megapixel PureView camera with optical image stabilization, dual LED flash, and a wide-angle 1.2-megapixel user-facing camera. The camera includes improved optics for sharper pictures, and new software that allows people to take 10 quick shots and then use Nokia's on-board software to edit them. Other hardware features are similar to the Lumia 920/928. The 925 has a 4.5-inch AMOLED display with 1280 x 768 pixels, Bluetooth 3.0, NFC, 1.5 Ghz dual-core Snapdragon processor, GPS/GLONASS, and 2,000mAh battery. The Nokia Lumia 925 reaches European markets in June, and will follow in the U.S. later this summer. It will be sold by T-Mobile USA, but pricing and exact release date have not be shared.
T-Mobile USA Raises Price of iPhone 5 to $149
T-Mobile today confirmed a report that originally appeared in TMoNews.com suggesting that the company had raised the price of the Apple iPhone 5. During the first month of availability, T-Mobile sold the iPhone 5 for a down payment of just $99, followed by 24 monthly payments of $20 each. Apparently, this was a promotional rate."As America's Un-carrier, T-Mobile is committed to introducing the hottest new smartphones at unbeatable promotional prices--but we all know promotions are temporary," the company said in a statement to FierceWireless. "The great news here is that well-qualified customers, on approved credit, can still buy (16GB) iPhone 5 from T-Mobile for $149.99 down starting Monday, May 13." Now that the iPhone has been available for more than 30 days, T-Mobile is charging a higher down payment price, though the monthly payments remain unchanged.
Nokia Lumia 521 Arrives in T-Mobile Stores May 22
T-Mobile USA today said that the Nokia Lumia 521 will reach its retail stores on May 22. T-Mobile is asking for a downpayment of $29 for the 521 followed by 24 payments of just $5. Alternately, customers may choose to buy the 521 outright for $149. The Lumia 521 will reach Microsoft retail stores and Walmart stores on May 11, as previously announced. Microsoft is charging $149 for the 521 and Walmart is charging $129.88. The 521 is already available via the Home Shopping Network. It runs Windows Phone 8.
from T-Mobile USA
T-Mobile Galaxy S 4 Earns Isis and Voicemail Update
T-Mobile today is making a minor system update available to the Samsung Galaxy S 4. The update boosts the device to Android 4.2.2 and makes improvements to the visual voicemail and Isis applications. It can be downloaded over the air or installed via Kies.
Sony Xperia Z Now Available from Sony's Web Store
Sony recently made the Xperia Z available for sale in the U.S. from its online store. The Xperia Z being offered by Sony supports HSPA+, but not LTE 4G networks. The full retail price of the Z is $629.99. The FCC recently approved a version of the Xperia Z that includes support for T-Mobile USA's LTE network, but Sony is not selling that variant yet. Additionally, Sony dropped the price of the Xperia ZL, also available from its web store, from $759.99 to $629.99. Both the Xperia Z and ZL are being sold unlocked and without carrier contracts.
FCC Documents Suggest T-Mobile Will Sell Sony Xperia Z
Documents seen on the Federal Communications Commission web site reveal a version of the Sony Xperia Z that support's T-Mobile's unique LTE spectrum band. Further, the draft user manual includes references to T-Mobile USA. Sony announced the Xperia Z earlier this year, but so far neither Sony nor T-Mobile has said the device will be sold in the U.S. The Xperia Z includes a 5-inch 1080p HD display with Sony's Bravia Engine 2. It has a 1.5GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro processor with 2GB of RAM, a 13-megapixel EXMOR camera sensor with Fast Capture technology, and improved power efficiency through what Sony calls STAMINA. These features are packed into a form factor that is water and dust resistant, and measures 7.9mm thick.
T-Mobile and MetroPCS Officially Tie the Knot
T-Mobile USA today announced that it has closed its merger with MetroPCS. Moving forward, the company will be known as T-Mobile US, Inc., and the combined entity will begin trading under the New York Stock Exchange today. The company will remain headquartered in Bellevue, Wash., but will maintain significant operations in Richardson, Texas, which is MetroPCS's home base. The new company will be run by John Legere, who will serve as President and CEO. J. Braxton Carter, from MetroPCS, will take over duties as the CFO. T-Mobile will continue to operate both brands separately, but T-Mobile will slowly begin to move new MetoPCS customers to handsets that operate on T-Mobile's network. T-Mobile US, Inc. claims to have 43 million subscribers. It now covers 301 million POPs with its combined network, of which it says 228 million have access to 4G (in this case, HSPA+). T-Mobile expects to cover 200 million POPs with LTE by the end of the year. The combined companies' spectrum will give it 20+20MHz channels of 4G LTE in approximately 90% of the top 25 metro regions around the country. "The combination of T-Mobile and MetroPCS creates an even stronger disruptive force in the U.S. wireless market," said John Legere. "Together, as America's Un-carrier, we'll continue our legacy of marketplace innovation by tearing up the old playbook and rewriting the rules of wireless to benefit consumers."
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."
T-Mobile's Lumia 521 to First Be Sold Via Home Shopping Network
T-Mobile USA today announced that the Nokia Lumia 521 smartphone will be featured on the Home Shopping Network television channel beginning April 27. The device can be purchased from HSN, HSN.com, or HSN Mobile directly for $149.95, which includes a car charger and screen protector. Following the 521's availability on the Home Shopping Network, the Lumia 521 will be available at Microsoft Retail Stores and Walmart stores beginning May 11, where it will cost $149. Walmart will be selling the 521 with its no contract $30 per month unlimited Web and text plan. T-Mobile said the Lumia 521 won't reach T-Mobile's retail stores until some unspecified date in the future.
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.
T-Mobile to Accept BlackBerry Q10 Preorders April 29
T-Mobile USA today said business customers interested in the BlackBerry Q10, which will support T-Mobile's LTE 4G network, can order the device online beginning April 29. Exact availability and pricing details, however, will be shared at a later date.
MetroPCS Shareholders Approve T-Mobile Deal
MetroPCS shareholders today have voted in favor of merging with T-Mobile USA, reports Bloomberg. Deutsche Telekom (T-Mobile's parent company) improved the terms of the deal for MetroPCS earlier this month, and MetroPCS' board has already approved it. The deal also has full U.S. regulatory approval. Now that the shareholders have voted in favor of the deal, T-Mobile USA and MetroPCS can finalize their merger. Deutsche Telekom said it expects the deal to close by May 1. "This is a major step for Deutsche Telekom," said Rene Obermann, CEO of Deutsche Telekom. "The merger with MetroPCS is extremely important, since it enables us to be more aggressive in the USA."
Sprint Also Delays Samsung Galaxy S 4 Launch
Sprint today followed T-Mobile USA in announcing a slight delay of its planned availability of the Samsung Galaxy S 4. Sprint initially expected to offer the device through all sales channels beginning Saturday, April 27. Now, it expects to have only online and telesales availability on the 27th, with retail availability to follow at a later, unspecified date. As with T-Mobile, Sprint cited unforeseen inventory problems for the delay.
from Sprint
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.
T-Mobile Delays Online Release of Galaxy S 4
T-Mobile USA has indicated that the Samsung Galaxy S 4 will not be available through its web site on April 24 as originally planned. The company said that an unforeseen inventory problem will delay the GS4's availability by five days. T-Mobile now expects the Galaxy S 4 to go onsale April 29. It apologized for the inconvenience to its customers.
Ultra Mobile Aims At Budget-Minded with $19 Plan
Ultra Mobile, an MVNO that uses T-Mobile USA's network, recently introduced a new cut-rate plan for those who need only the most basic services. For $19 per month, Ultra Mobile subscribers get 250 voice minutes, unlimited international SMS, 50MB of data, and $1.25 to put toward international calls. Ultra Mobile charges 2 cents per minute for international calls, and $2.50 for an additional 50MB of data, $5 for 250MB, and $10 for 500MB. Ultra Mobile's next plan up the ladder starts at $29 per month. Ultra Mobile operates a bring-your-own-device business and supplies customers with SIM cards.
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 »
Nokia CEO Says 'Hero' Device On the Way
Nokia CEO Stephen Elop this morning said, "Later this quarter a new Lumia device is anticipated to have hero status with a leading U.S. carrier." The comments were made during the company's call with media to discuss its quarterly results. Elop also said this hero device marks "the beginning of a season of new product introductions." Nokia has not introduced a flagship-grade device since the Lumia 920, which was released about six months ago. Nokia has, however, announced several mid-range and low-end Windows Phone 8 devices, including the 720 and 521 (headed to T-Mobile USA next month). Nokia lost $196 million on revenue of $7.65 billion. Shipments of its Lumia devices improved from 4.4 million during the fourth quarter of 2012 to 5.6 million during the first quarter of 2013. Sales of what Nokia qualifies as "smart devices" (includes Symbian, et al.) dropped quarter-over-quarter from 86.3 million to 61.9 million.
T-Mobile's Galaxy S 4 to Require $149 Downpayment
T-Mobile USA today announced that its variant of the Samsung Galaxy S 4 will be available online beginning April 24 and in stores May 1. It will require a downpayment of $149.99 and 24 monthly payments of $20. T-Mobile is only selling the 16GB model, and has no plans to sell the 32GB or 64GB models.
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.
MetroPCS to Investors: Approve T-Mobile Deal
MetroPCS' board of directors has reviewed the revised merger bid from Deutsche Telekom and unanimously approved the merger under the new terms. Deutsche Telekom amended the terms of the merger agreement such that it includes less debt and a better interest rate after it appeared that MetroPCS investors might vote down the proposed merger. Deutsche Telekom called the revised terms its "best and final offer." The merger has already been approved by the government and is awaiting a MetroPCS shareholder vote. The vote was originally to take place April 12, but was rescheduled to April 24 to give shareholders more time to consider the revised terms.
MetroPCS Delays Crucial Shareholder T-Mobile Vote
MetroPCS responded to Deutsche Telekom's improved merger offer Wednesday by delaying the key shareholder vote originally scheduled for April 12. MetroPCS delayed the vote until April 24 to give its shareholders time to consider the improved deal. Deutsche Telekom reduced the amount of debt that will be owed by the merged MetroPCS/T-Mobile entity to DT by $3.8 billion, and also lowered the interest rate on the loan. DT said this was its "best and final offer." The offer was improved due to resistance among MetroPCS shareholders over the original terms of the deal. The deal has already earned regulatory approval.
Deutsche Telekom Improves Terms for MetroPCS Merger
Deutsche Telekom today put forth its "best and final offer" to MetroPCS today in hopes of gaining shareholder favor. MetroPCS investors are prepared to vote on the merger, which has full U.S. government approval, on April 12. Several large investors are unhappy with the original terms of the deal and have been pushing other shareholders to reject the deal. In today's adjustment, Deutsche Telekom offered to reduce some of the debt owed by T-Mobile/MetroPCS to Deutsche Telekom by $3.8 billion, and it also dropped the interest rate for the loan. "This lower rate reflects the new capital structure of the combined company, the improved capital markets environment in recent months, and the interest rate level of MetroPCS newly issued $3.5 billion of bonds priced in March," said Deutsche Telekom. MetroPCS's largest shareholders have yet to officially respond to the new terms.
T-Mobile Announces iPhone Trade-In Deal
T-Mobile USA today announced a new program that's meant to further entice potential iPhone customers. Beginning April 12, and running through June 16, T-Mobile will offer new customers the iPhone 5 for $0 down when they trade in an old iPhone 4S or iPhone 4. The program offers additional account credits of up to $120 depending on the final value of the traded-in iPhone. Customers will still be responsible for making monthly payments on the remaining value of the iPhone 5. The T-Mobile iPhone 5 supports T-Mobile's brand new LTE network, in addition to HSPA+ in the 1700MHz AWS and 1900MHz spectrum bands. It also offers HD Voice calling. Customers who do not have an old iPhone to trade can still purchase the iPhone 5 for $99 down and then make 24 monthly payments of $20 on top of the cost of T-Mobile's new Simple Choice plans.
Nokia Lumia 521 to Reach T-Mobile Stores in May
T-Mobile USA today announced that the Nokia Lumia 521 will be available at Walmart, Microsoft Retail Stores, and T-Mobile stores in May. Exact pricing and availability will be shared close to launch.
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
T-Mobile Trims Headcount
T-Mobile USA today confirmed that it has reduced its workforce by an unspecified number of employees. The company said that today's headcount reduction is based in part on its new business strategy, which was announced earlier this week. "We are making some operational changes to better align our business with our new strategy and position T-Mobile for growth," the company said in a statement. "This affects a small number of employees relative to the overall size of the business, and while we don't take these actions lightly, these adjustments to how we invest in the business will enable us to better focus our resources as we implement this strategy. Customer service at every level remains our highest priority." The Seattle Times reported that between 200 and 300 employees were let go from T-Mobile's Bellevue headquarters, with job titles ranging from administrative assistant to vice president. T-Mobile did not confirm any numbers.
