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Tep Wireless expands mobile hotspot rental plan to 50 countries, revamps pricing
The international mobile hotspot rental market just got a lot more interesting. While Xcom Global's offerings are still broader, Tep Wireless is expanding in a major way. Previously reserved for European nations, the upstart is now serving a full 50 nations, adding Brazil, the United States, South Africa, Singapore, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Australia, Bahrain, Israel, Kenya, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Russia, Sri Lanka, Thailand and UAE to its repertoire. For those in need of a refresher, the company enables customers facing an international trip to order their hotspot and get it delivered prior to departure, with a prepaid envelope included to ship it back once they've returned. The company's made clear that its hotspots will track data usage in real time right on the inbuilt display, and they're programmed to hop onto different networks as borders are crossed. (If you're curious, we confirmed that it all works as advertised in a recent jaunt across European borders.) The full pricing chart fo is hosted up after the break, with those needing unlimited buckets able to pay a $6.95-per day surcharge. (It should be noted that the preexisting EU-wide pricing options remain for those sticking to that region.) It'll probably look a touch pricey to light users and common tourists, but business travelers unwilling to take chances on connectivity when heading overseas will find the rates far more palatable than roaming fees from their home carrier.
Mobile Miscellany: week of August 20th, 2012
Not all mobile news is destined for the front page, but if you're like us and really want to know what's going on, then you've come to the right place. This past week was a bit slow, but we've managed to dig up a couple interesting MeeGo tidbits, along with an excellent utility for Nexus 7 / OS X users -- something to help you in the pursuit of slack. These stories and more await after the break. So buy the ticket and take the ride as we explore the "best of the rest" for this week of August 20th, 2012.
T-Mobile unlimited 4G data plan might be a boon to unofficial iPhone users
TmoNews broke the news that T-Mobile is rolling out a truly unlimited nationwide 4G data plan, but All Things D's Ina Fried offered an enticing snippet for iPhone users on T-Mobile's network. T-Mobile has more than a million iPhones running on its network at 2G speeds, and along with a rebranding campaign, T-Mobile plans to allow iPhones to run at full speed, Fried said. This is good news for those who consume a lot of data and have unlocked iPhones -- especially if the next iPhone takes advantage of a 4G network. T-Mobile said in its press release that its 4G network will have no data caps or throttling of download speeds once a limit has been reached, a move it's been criticized for. The data plans will cost $20 or $30 a month depending on the plan picked, with value plans starting at $69.99 for talk, text and unlimited data. The new T-Mobile unlimited data plans start on September 5.
AT&T Mobile Share plans to be available beginning August 23rd
AT&T announced Mobile Share, its shared data plans, a couple weeks ago with the promise that they would arrive sometime in August. The carrier has finally confirmed the specific date: August 23rd. To catch up on exactly what these plans entail, read our lengthy analysis and see if it makes sense for you to move over.
Do shared iPhone data plans help consumers?
With AT&T announcing its shared data plan, it joins Verizon with a new model aiming to get consumers to pay for a shared bucket of data, voice and texting among multiple devices on a family account. The companies argue that it will save money in the long run, and for some, it just might. But should you and your account sharers leap on the shared-data plan? If you've been holding onto a grandfathered unlimited-data plan and holding off on a mobile hotspot option, maybe it's time to give shared data a look. There's a number of use-case scenarios among TUAW staff. Some of us, such as Kelly Hodgkins, have already made the leap despite the change hitting her family in the wallet. Others are at the point where it could go one way or another. Here's now it breaks down for each of us. Megan Lavey-Heaton When my husband Mike (better known to the TUAW talkcast/TV crowd as LinuxScouser) moved to the U.S. in November, we made the leap to Verizon so he could get his dream phone, a Galaxy Nexus. I upgraded to the iPhone 4S at that time. Our current plan is the low-tier family plan with 700 shared voice minutes for $50. Each of us pay $10 for 1,000 text messages, $9.99 for line access and $30 for data plans. I currently have 2 GB of data, but thanks to a special that Verizon was running at the time, Mike has 4 GB for the price of 2 GB. We both use less than 1 GB a month, though I have used more of my allotment when traveling. On the shared data plans, I ran it through with Mike and I sharing a combined 4 GB per month. 2 GB was too little, but we agreed 6 GB was too much. Here's how it turned out. Note, this is before taxes and any incidental fees, which vary by location and usage: Pros: We would gain mobile tethering, which neither of us have right now. This means Mike and I could use our data allotment to tether our Wi-Fi-only tablets. We wouldn't have to worry about texting limits. Cons: We'd be losing 2 GB of data per month, but we weren't using it anyhow. Current plan (Verizon): $149.98 Verizon shared-data plan: $150 AT&T shared-data plan: $150 Verdict: We'd only spend two more cents a month by switching to the shared-data plan. Shared data plans would cost exactly the same whether it's AT&T or Verizon. We most likely will be moving to the shared-data plan, not so much for the savings but to take advantage of the potential of using the phones as a mobile hotspot. Kelly Hodgkins My husband and I were on a Family Share plan with Verizon Wireless. We had the base plan that offered 700 minutes and unlimited texting for $80. Our primary line had a basic phone without data. We had two additional smartphones which cost us an extra $80 a month ($40 for each smart phone). The fourth and final line was a MiFi device which was costing us $35 for 3 GB of data. All told our monthly bill was around $200 each month with taxes. When we switched to the Shared Data plan, we dropped the MiFi completely now that mobile hotspot is included in the new plan. We chose the 6 GB data bucket for $80 each month, which is more than enough based on our previous usage. We average about 3-4 GB per month with the two smartphones and MiFi. We added two smartphones for $40 each and one basic phone for $30. We now pay just under $200 a month for the plan. Switching to Shared data didn't save us any money, but the flexibility of being able to use mobile hotspot when we are out is worth the switch. The MiFi was a great device, but we only had the one device and I never seemed to have it when I needed it. Now, I have a mobile hotspot and can use it with my MacBook Pro whenever I want. One other bonus is the ability to add a tablet for $10 a month. I just sold my 64 GB iPad 3 and swapped it for a 32 GB LTE version. I can easily add the iPad inexpensively and use it without worrying about the mobile hotpsot draining my iPhone's battery. In the end, we are paying a few dollars more and get mobile hotspot and a 4G tablet on our line. Yes, we lost unlimited data, but we weren't taking advantage of it anyway. For the record, I didn't even look at AT&T as the carrier does not offer service where I live. Steve Sande Bionic Barb (TUAW TV Live viewers will recognize the name) and I have an iPhone 4S, an iPhone 4, and two 3rd-generation iPads between us. My lovely spouse is on a grandfathered AT&T unlimited data plan on the iPad, although she never uses more than 2 GB of data a month. All of the devices except my iPad are on AT&T; that iPad is on Verizon because they actually have a 4G LTE network in place in Denver. One good thing about that Verizon plan is that it also includes "free" mobile hotspot service as well. Me: iPhone AT&T --> Nationwide 450 with Rollover, DataPro 4GB $85 per month iPad Verizon -- $30 per month Barb: iPhone AT&T --> Nationwide 450 with Rollover, Unlimited Messaging, DataPro 2GB $85 per month iPad AT&T -- $30 per month TOTAL: $225 per month before taxes With shared data plans Verizon $80 for 6 GB data plan $80 for two iPhones $20 for two iPads ====== $180 per month (before taxes) AT&T $90 for 6 GB data plan $70 for two iPhones $20 for two iPads ====== $180 per month (before taxes) The winner for us would be to go with all Verizon services since most of our usage is in Denver and they are the only carrier at present with a true 4G LTE network in town, but there's one very big fly in the ointment with that -- we'd need to get two new iPhones and one new iPad. Chances are pretty good that we'd also get nailed with early termination fees for the iPhones, so this one's out of the question, at least for a while. If we go with the AT&T shared plan we'd save about $45 per month or $540 a year. That's excellent and the only thing I'd have to do is sell the Verizon iPad and get an AT&T model. Even if we went with the 10 GB shared data bucket we'd still save $25 per month ($300 per year). The winner in our case is AT&T, but only because we're tied to them for the iPhone service. Kelly Guimont Kelly G. reports that she and her husband have two AT&T phones with the grandfathered unlimited data plan and 700 minutes of shared talk time, which costs them $160. Data usage for them tops off around 4 GB. Her husband wants 6 GB under a shared data plan, just in case the ability to tether causes them to use more data. With Verizon and AT&T both, it would be the same $160 they're paying now to move to a shared data plan with 6 GB of data. They would also gain unlimited minutes and tethering. "If I were to give up unlimited data on AT&T I would definitely be getting a new iPhone," Kelly said. "I'm not under contract now so the 'switching' cost to Verizon would be the same two iPhones that would get upgraded on AT&T." Outside the U.S. Our overseas team members tossed in their phone plans to illustrate just how different the pricing structures are. Chris Rawson lives in New Zealand. His iPhone 4S and iPad are on Telecom NZ. He pays NZ$60 per month for 60 minutes of talk time, 1 GB data and around 200 texts. He pays an additional $25 for 500 MB data for his iPad. His wife, on Vodafone, pays $40 a month for 60 minutes of talk time and 250 MB of data. They pay $125 a month in New Zealand dollars for everything, which is around $100 in U.S. dollars. Michael Grothaus and Richard Gaywood are in the UK and are subscribers on Three with non-subsidized iPhones. The plan each of them has includes 2,000 minutes that can be used for any network and 5,000 minutes for calls among Three subscribers. The plan also includes 5,000 texts and unlimited data for £25, which is around $39. The plans cost about £5-10 more under contract, depending on if you have an iPhone 4 or iPhone 4S. Rich adds, "The subsidized plans have a minimum term of two years, while the unsubsidized one can be cancelled at any time. Although Three is probably the best value of all the UK operators, the others all offer fairly similar deals. Oh, and that 'unlimited' data? It's genuinely, totally unlimited." #next_pages_container { width: 5px; hight: 5px; position: absolute; top: -100px; left: -100px; z-index: 2147483647 !important; }
Sprint won't charge for 3G FaceTime
One new feature that iOS 6 brings to the table is FaceTime calling over 3G. The fact that it runs on a cellular network puts carriers in the position of potentially regulating the video calling app. Unlike AT&T which is on the fence, Sprint has confirmed it will not charge for access to the service, according to Electronista. A spokesperson said Sprint remains "committed to our unlimited data, and that means not charging for data consumption based on the application." Verizon Wireless, the third major carrier in the US to sell the iPhone, has not publicly commented.
AT&T responds to rumor of paid 3G FaceTime
FaceTime over 3G will finally bring Apple's video calling tech to cellular networks, but will it cost you extra? According to AT&T's CEO, "it's too early to talk about pricing." I'm guessing that's business talk for "we'll see if it costs us too much money to support and then decide." Remember unlimited data plans? My kids won't. iOS 6 promises FaceTime over 3G, but here's hoping it won't cost AT&T customers extra. All I know is Google (G+) and Microsoft (Skype) have had video calls over cellular for a little while now and it'll be great for Apple to finally catch up.
C-Spire debuts pre-paid tablet and hotspot plans
As far as regional carriers go, C-Spire is a pretty big deal. Which makes it all the more surprising that the company hasn't offered standalone pre-paid data plans until now. The southern cellphone network now has three tiers of pre-paid access for your tablet or Mi-Fi, beginning with a $15 100MB package that expires after a week. $30 nets you 300MB over two weeks, while the top tier grants you a whole month's access and 1GB of data -- but will set you back a rather steep $50. Of course, there's always post-paid solutions for the more demanding, that start at $20 for 1GB per-month and go up to $50 for 5GB. For more, check out the PR after the break.
Tep Wireless unveils European-wide hotspot rental service for $5-a-day, 1GB of data included
Hardcore jetsetters should still be turning to Xcom Global, iPhone Trip or a local mobile shop upon arrival, but those who won't be burning up the megabytes now have yet another alternative when traversing European lands. The outfit best known for keeping those traveling to the UK connected is now branching out a bit, enabling a single rental hotspot to provide mobile data access across 38 countries in the EU. You'll pay $5 per day for the privilege, but here's the kicker: only 1GB of data is included, regardless of how long you stay. If you chew through that allotment, you'll have to pay $55 for an extra 1.4GB or $95 for another 4GB. Granted, that's significantly less than what AT&T and Verizon would charge, even if you sign up for their discounted global plans. (For those curious, the same pools would run between $180 and $250.) It ain't ideal for those working on the go, but if you're just looking to tear through a Foursquare Bucket List while Eurotripping... well, you can place your order today in the source link below.
T-Mobile brings out new mobile data plans mainly for the suits and ties, makes overage optional
T-Mobile just updated its prepaid data plans a month ago, and now it's the corporate crowd's turn for a shakeup. The new (and quite frankly daunting) array of primarily business-minded plans is based around whether or not you'd rather face throttling or overage fees if you push past a set cap. Overage Free plans for subsidized (Classic) and unsubsidized (Value) devices are largely self-explanatory and slow down that bandwidth cap-busting hotspot, modem or tablet until the next month. The High-speed plan range costs lower as a matter of course, but you'll be dinged to the order of two to 10 cents for every megabyte over the limit. That said, there's some bargains to be had versus other carriers, especially with the 5GB and 10GB plans. Provided you're happy with T-Mobile's coverage, it may be worth signing up to eke out a few extra dollars in savings every month.
Verizon's Share Everything data plans go live June 28th, let you add family (or a tablet) for a little extra
Verizon has been promising shared data plans for awhile, so it's with some relief (and trepidation) we can say they're here. Share Everything, as it's called, starts off with the assumption you'll want unlimited voice and messages and then bolts on shared data along with a maximum of 10 individual devices: a core plan starts at $50 per month for 1GB of data and requires that you tack on $40 a month for every smartphone, $30 for basic phones, $20 for hotspots and $10 for tablets. Of course, Verizon will gladly let you pay for more data if your family loves to stream Netflix on 4G all day, up to $100 for a common pool of 10GB. A stiff price, but it also includes tethering or hotspot creation support on any device in the mix. The new plans will be ready to tempt you away from your unlimited data on June 28th.
AT&T CEO predicts data-only plans within two years
The fact that modern smartphones still actually make voice calls may well come as a surprise to many users happy to use their mobile devices as pocket-sized computers. Carriers, on the other hand, seem content to keep the "phone" in smartphone. AT&T's Randall Stephenson told an investor conference this week that he sees a time in which carriers offer up data-only options for subscribers -- a time that may well come in the next two years or so. The CEO said he'd, "be surprised if, in the next 24 months, we don't see people in the market place with data-only plans." It's hardly an announcement, but it certainly comes from a guy who knows a thing or two about where the industry is headed.
AT&T CEO voices regret over iPhone unlimited data model
It's always refreshing to hear the head of a major corporation cop to past mistakes -- particularly in front of a large crowd of on-lookers. AT&T CEO Randall Stephenson admitted some misgivings about the way the carrier handled iPhone data, telling a crowd at the Milken Institute's Global Conference in Los Angeles, "My only regret was how we introduced pricing in the beginning, because how did we introduce pricing? Thirty dollars and you get all you can eat." Stephenson drove the point home by adding, "Every additional megabyte you use in this network, I have to invest capital." And, for the record, that certainly wasn't the only thing about the iPhone that kept the exec up at night. Stephenson again, You lie awake at night worrying about what is that which will disrupt your business model," he said. "Apple iMessage is a classic example. If you're using iMessage, you're not using one of our messaging services, right? No one ahead said it was easy being the chief.
Onavo Extend stretches your data plan, now with CDMA/LTE support
What's Onavo Extend you ask? It's a free app that lets you save money on your data plan by compressing unencrypted data between your device and the web. The result is that you consume up to five times less data -- convenient when you're on a tiered / capped data plan, when you're roaming abroad or when you're on a slower 2G network. In addition, the app keeps track of how much data (and money) you save and which apps use that data. This works by setting up a local proxy server (and changing your APN), then connecting to the company's back end which accesses the internet on your behalf. Onavo Extend -- which was released for iOS last year and was launched on Android (Ice Cream Sandwich) at Mobile World Congress -- is gaining CDMA/LTE support today for the new iPad and the iPhone 4S on Verizon and Sprint. We first experienced the app at the Google booth in Barcelona and we've been using it on and off since. We've tested it on several devices, including a Galaxy Nexus HSPA+ and an unlocked iPhone 4S on T-Mobile's network (EDGE only) and it works pretty much as advertised. Want to find out more? Hit the break for a demo video along with the obligatory PR.
Verizon shared data plans are due in mid-summer, target users with multiple devices
On a call discussing Verizon's Q1 earnings report, CFO Francis Shammo has once again touched on the company's promised shared data plans, targeting their launch in mid-summer. He also noted that he expected this to drive growth in the wireless business, because the plan is apparently designed to allow customers to easily add "other devices" to it. You can do your best to tease more meaning out of his statement from the full transcript at Seeking Alpha, we'll be carefully considering how many data hogs are allowed at our share house for the summer.
MetroPCS raises unlimited LTE data plan to $70, starts throttling others
Enjoying those quick, all-you-can-browse speeds on your LG Connect 4G? Well, it looks like soon you'll have to shell out a bit more cash to hold onto that beloved unlimited service. Earlier today, MetroPCS laid out the scheme to hike the pricing on its no-limits LTE offering, adding an extra $10 to the monthly fee. As for the others, the new $60 plan will now see a "soft" cap at 5GB of LTE data, while the lesser $50 and $40 deals are set at 2.5GB and 250MB, respectively. MetroPCS says you shouldn't worry, though, and that things "like Facebook, web surfing, etc., should continue to be solid." Good thing "solid" is unambiguous, right?
Mobile Miscellany: week of March 26th, 2012
Not all mobile news is destined for the front page, but if you're like us and really want to know what's going on, then you've come to the right place. This past week, we've seen hints of a Droid Bionic 2, and unfortunately, a number of T-Mobile customers will need to brace for a price hike. These stories and more await after the break. So buy the ticket and take the ride as we explore the "best of the rest" for this week of March 26th, 2012.
NetZero launches '4G' wireless service, we go hands-on
Remember NetZero? Today the company announced that it's launching NetZero 4G Mobile Broadband, a wireless service rolling out in 80 US cities and offering value-priced monthly data plans without activation fees, contracts, commitments or overage charges. Customers can chose between two levels of service -- Lightspeed (up to 1Mbps down / 384Kbps up) to conserve data and Warpspeed (up to 10Mbps down / 1.5Mbps up) for maximum performance -- and can switch back and forth by simply logging into NetZero's website (this can take up to 15 minutes). Five monthly data plans are available: Free, $0, 200MB (limited to Lightspeed and limited to one year) Basic, $9.95, 500MB (limited to Lightspeed) Plus, $19.95, 1GB Pro, $34.95, 2GB Platinum, $49.95, 4GBTwo devices are offered -- the NetZero 4G Stick ($49.95 + shipping) is a Windows and OS X-compatible USB modem and the NetZero 4G Hotspot ($99.95 + shipping) is an eight device-capable WiFi hotspot with an LCD and a 2,200mAh battery.So far, so good -- NetZero is becoming an MVNO. Yet strangely, there's no mention in any of the PR as to which network the company is using. We test drove NetZero's new wireless service over the weekend using the WiFi hotspot and figured out that it's using Clearwire's WiMAX network. In fact NetZero's 4G Stick is identical to the Clear 4G Mobile USB modem (manufactured by Ubee), and its 4G Hotspot is the same as the Clear Spot Apollo (a rather bulky unit made by Gemtek)-- see the FCC links below and read on for our impressions after the break.
iPad 4G LTE: if it happens, which carrier should you choose?
Rumors have been circulating that Apple has somehow managed to balance battery life, a high-resolution display, and 4G LTE in the next iPad. We won't know until tomorrow if the latter actually makes it to the next-generation tablet, but if it does, which carriers would be your best bet for LTE service in the U.S.? AT&T or Verizon. I deliberately left Sprint out of the picture here, since the Kansas-based carrier won't be rolling out LTE until mid-2012 and availability will be limited to Baltimore, Kansas City, Dallas, Atlanta, Houston, and San Antonio at that time -- Sprint's existing branding for its "4G" service refers to its WiMax-based network, which the iPad almost certainly will not support. Aside from that, Sprint doesn't currently offer 3G service for the iPad (although it's enjoyed increased MiFi sales over the past couple of years thanks to Apple's tablet). T-Mobile is also a no-show despite the carrier's misleading ads that tout 4G service (actually 3G with enhanced backhaul) -- it won't deploy 4G LTE until next year. In the event that Apple announces a 4G LTE iPad tomorrow, here are some factors you should consider when choosing your carrier: Local Coverage Since most users spend most of their time in and around a specific set of locations -- usually home and work -- it's important to know if the device works on a carrier's network in those locations. Look at the coverage maps for AT&T and Verizon for an idea of where they currently have 4G LTE deployed, and then enter your work and home addresses for a detailed look at those locations. In my hometown, Verizon has widespread 4G LTE coverage, while AT&T has not yet built out its network. Nationwide Coverage If you travel frequently for work and use your iPad while on the road, it's going to be important to know if the carrier has 4G LTE service in the cities you travel to the most. Once again, the coverage maps linked to above are very useful in determining whether or not your device will be able to take advantage of 4G LTE -- provided the next-generation iPad comes so equipped. Speed Some people are lucky enough to have the option of 4G LTE from both U.S. carriers. In that case, a deciding factor may be the speed of the network. While AT&T's limited network coverage at this time makes a direct comparison in all markets impossible, the company's 4G LTE speeds usually seem to be beating Verizon's. A comparison by TechnoBuffalo in Irvine, California showed Verizon's average download speeds to be about 5.03 Mbps with an average upload speed of about 5.36 Mbps. For AT&T, the average download speed was about 8.21 Mbps, while uploads were clocked at about 2.72 Mbps. Data Plan Price Data plan pricing is also a consideration, and since we don't even know if the next-generation iPad is going to come equipped with 4G LTE, it's almost impossible to predict what the price tag will be on the 4G packages from the two companies. However, we can compare the existing 4G plans for Verizon and AT&T. Verizon: 2 GB / $30 per month, 5 GB / $50 per month, 10 GB / $80 per month AT&T: 250 MB / $15 per month, 3 GB / $30 per month, 5 GB / $50 per month If you already know what your monthly usage is for an existing iPad, that will help in determining what kind of plan you should purchase -- but keep in mind that faster download speeds may bump up your utilization. Remember that all current data plans for iPad are sold on a month-by-month basis and can be canceled with no penalty. The Bottom Line Should Apple, Verizon and AT&T announce a 4G LTE-equipped iPad tomorrow, then you'll have to keep all of these factors in mind when making your decision of carrier. For me, the decision is simple: Verizon is the only carrier that currently has a 4G network in my city, and if I want the higher speeds available with LTE, that's my choice. If Apple doesn't announce a 4G tablet tomorrow, then I'll be sure to update this post when the next-generation iPhone appears later this year -- hopefully with the ability to work with 4G LTE networks. Be sure to join us for the Apple iPad event coverage at 10am PT / 1pm ET tomorrow!
Verizon CFO says shared data plans coming mid-year
We've already heard from Verizon's CEO Lowell McAdam that the carrier was planning to offer shared data plans. And leaks have indicated that the carrier is already prepping its backend system for the change. Now CFO Fran Shammo has narrowed down the time frame a bit for us, telling a group of investors that family data plans should debut towards the middle of the year. But, he was quick to clarify this isn't as simple as setting a launch date. The shift to the new billing system will take time and not everyone will be migrated on day one. Still, Shammo indicated it will be an important part of the ongoing transition to 4G and its future plans for mobile dominance.Update: We mistakenly identified Fran Shammo as the CTO when, in fact, he is the CFO.
