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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.
H2O Bolt promises unlimited 4G internet for $50, pretends it's never heard of Clear
It's not everyday that an MVNO decides to offer up unlimited data courtesy of Clearwire's WiMAX network, but H2O's latest entrant known as Bolt makes us wish the practice were far less frequent. The $50 no-contract service essentially replicates Clear's own offering at the very same price point that's been available to customers for years. Furthermore, both companies share Best Buy as their most significant retail channel. Now, for whatever reason, H2O's Bolt Flash (the $100 USB modem) and Bolt Spider (the $150 mobile hotspot) will sit side-by-side Clear's own offerings at the big box retailer, where it'll be up to those in Smurf shirts to explain the difference -- there's none. You'll find the PR after the break, but if you're living in Detroit, Phoenix, Indianapolis, Louisville, New Orleans, Memphis or Albuquerque, none of this even remotely matters. Frustrating, isn't it?
Super Stardust Delta is the free 3G Vita game
Those who buy the 3G + Wi-Fi version of the PlayStation Vita and activate an AT&T data plan can download Super Stardust Delta plus the Blast Pack DLC for free, Sony has announced. The publisher teased a free game back in January, but this marks its official coming out party.The Vita will launch in two waves, with the First Edition Bundle dropping for $350 on February 15, and the standard version on February 22 for $300. Data plans run $15 for 250MB, or $30 for 3GB through AT&T -- and it's with them that you'll get Super Stardust Delta for free.
Verizon's double data deal returns this Friday, prepare yourselves accordingly
It looks like Verizon's about to double up on double data. According to the Los Angeles Times, Big Red is about to reintroduce the double data promotion that first rolled out in November, and came to a close at year's end. Under the offer, customers signing up for a 4G plan will receive double the amount of monthly data (at no extra charge) for the duration of their contracts, as long as they sign up for two-year deals. Unfortunately, though, the promotion only applies to first time 4G subscribers (or those looking to upgrade from a non-4G plan), and is restricted to smartphones, leaving tablet owners in the dark. As with its original campaign, the redux will only be available for a limited time, though Verizon has yet to announce a closing date. It all kicks off this Friday, when, not coincidentally, the carrier will officially welcome the Droid 4 to the fold, as well.[Thanks, Tyler]
Verizon shared data plans show up in employee training materials, still on track?
Verizon said it was working on a shared data solution for 2012, and according to an anonymous tipster, the new packages could be rolling out soon. We've been told that training material for an update to the outfit's internal account management application includes screenshots (one of which you can see above) that show a new section labeled "account level data plans." The new section apparently shows an account level charge for data allowance and a 9.99 charge per line. There's no word on exactly when these backend tweaks might translate into a new family data plan, but if it pans out the way we hope, AT&T's Ralph de la Vega may have to reconsider his oath of silence on Ma Bell's own data sharing plans.[Thanks, Anon]
Orange offers free Wikipedia access to mobile users in Africa and the Middle East
There are more than 70 million Orange customers across Africa and the Middle East, but only about 10 million are able to access the web from their handsets. That gap may be narrowing, though, now that the provider has decided to offer free mobile access to Wikipedia for users throughout the region. Under the program, users with an Orange SIM card and a web-enabled phone will be able to access the site as many times as they want, without incurring any data charges. Heralding the partnership as the first of its kind, Orange says its new initiative should make it easier for emerging market consumers to access the online encyclopedia, which Wikimedia Foundation director Sue Gardner described as a "public good." The offer is slated to roll out across 20 countries in Africa and the Middle East, beginning early this year. Find more details in the press release, after the break.
Vita's AT&T data-plan pricing structure pulls a switcheroo
Remember the pricing plan we unveiled for PlayStation Vita's AT&T data service? Yeah, well, forget it. All of it. Well, most of it. You'll see:AT&T has changed its 3G data plans for the PlayStation Vita, according to the Vita AT&T listing, to one $15, 250MB plan and one $30, 3GB plan. Previously AT&T announced a $25, 2GB plan instead of the 3GB one, but it seems that wasn't enough of a jump between consumer bases. As there are 1,024 megabytes per gigabyte, paying double for about 12 times the data space doesn't seem like such a bum deal.
T-Mobile's 'Nudge, nudge' bonuses revealed
Walk into any T-Mobile store and dither a bit and you'll find a cavalcade of freebies thrown in. The operator's outlined an "under the counter" bonus to coax fence-dwelling customers to open their wallets. Upgrade to "Unlimited-Premium 5GB" or "Unlimited-Ultra 10GB," wink at the cashier and tap your nose three times (we made the last two up, we admit) and a $15 "Mobile Hotspot" and $5 "MobileLife Album Plus" could appear in your package. In the corporate missive TmoNews scooped above, the company wants to keep these as a secret sweetener, but will add both if you request them directly. We'd suggest you pull your finger out, because when everyone starts asking for them, we can't imagine it sticking around for long.
AT&T announces new smartphone data plans
AT&T has announced new smartphone data plans, outlined below and effective January 22. This is the first significant update to AT&T's smartphone data plans in a year and a half, aside from AT&T's inclusion of an additional 2 GB of data per month for tethering customers. We've provided some comparison with the old plans so you can get some idea of what you're getting for your money under AT&T's new scheme. New plans: DataPlus 300 MB: $20 for 300MB -- extra 300 MB costs $20 DataPro 3 GB: $30 for 3 GB -- $10 per additional GB DataPro 5 GB: $50 for 5 GB, with mobile hotspot / tethering -- $10 per additional GB Old plans: DataPlus: 200 MB for $15 -- extra 200 MB costs $15 DataPro: 2 GB $25 -- $10 per additional GB Tethering: Additional $20/month for DataPro customers and adds an additional 2 GB of data In summary, overall tier pricing has risen by $5 per month across the board, but the data plans are also more generous by 50 MB on the low end and 1 GB on the middle and high tiers. AT&T also has two new tablet data plans for the iPad: $30 for 3 GB $50 for 5 GB The existing $14.99 for 250 MB plan remains available. These are still month-to-month, contract-free plans available to owners of the iPad Wi-Fi + 3G models. Existing customers can stick with their current plans if they prefer, but new AT&T customers will be limited to the new options after January 22.
AT&T to adjust data plans January 22nd, offers more gigs for more money
Good news and bad news here, folks: the good news is that AT&T will begin offering new data plans with a higher monthly allotment. The bad news is that, once again, it's going to cost you more. The plans, which will offer 300MB of data for $20, 3GB for $30 and 5GB (including mobile hotspot access) for $50, will take effect beginning this Sunday. Are you still on one of the older plans? Fortunately, you're still grandfathered in and won't have to change unless you absolutely want to. But remember that once you move to the new data rate, there's no going back; the only legacy plan sticking around is AT&T's 250MB tablet feature for $15. The change in plans appears to be priced the same as Verizon, though the two higher rate plans on AT&T have an advantage in that it hooks you up with an extra gigabyte of data capacity. The question is, will it be worth paying an additional $5 per month for that extra gig? Oh, and we're still waiting on that shared data plan in the meantime, Ralph.
Sprint reportedly confirms data throttling for 'top one percent' of abusers (update: Sprint confirms no throttling)
So, wait -- is unlimited just unlimited, or is it "unlimited?" Let's ask the man who spent a solid 30 seconds (and countless millions) explaining precisely that back in March of last year... oh, wait. Despite Sprint's claims of keeping its "unlimited" plans "truly unlimited," it seems that there is a special asterisk reserved for those who really attempt to push the boundaries. No real surprise, honestly, but CEO Dan Hesse was quoted earlier today as saying the following in regard to heavy data users: "For those that want to abuse it, we can knock them off." Moreover, he affirmed that throttling can be implemented for "about one percent of users," but did continue to say that there were no immediate plans for The Now Network to follow its contemporaries into the deep, dark world of tiered data. Of course, this is also the man who told us that "nothing is guaranteed forever," so make of it what you will -- particularly with an LTE network going live in around six months. Update: TechCrunch says that Hesse was misquoted, and that the quips only apply to people "while roaming." That'd sure make a lot more sense, but don't go overboard just to find out, okay? Update 2: Sure enough, Sprint has confirmed there is no throttling going on.
Did you fire off a bunch of texts this Christmas? Welcome to the museum
Finland might be the spiritual home of the SMS, but it also proves that this ancient form of communication is going the way of the rune stone. A mere 8.5 million texts were sent over the country's Sonera network on Christmas Eve, versus 10.9 million on that festive day in 2010. The same trend was spotted on other Finnish networks and also on the other side of the world: Christmas Day texts in Hong Kong were down nearly 14 percent on the year before, and Telstra in Australia experienced a nine percent year-on-year decline over the whole of 2011. Things are different in America, where texting has continued to grow, but that growth seems to be slowing down and some analysts expect "SMS erosion" to hit Verizon and AT&T by 2014. The obvious culprit is mobile internet: social networking apps, BBM, iMessage and a host of other 'free' options, but you won't find carriers complaining -- data contract ARPUs suit them just fine.
Comcast says no to tiered data for its broadband service, hardcore Netflix users rejoice
Looking for a cable operator that won't charge you for all of those Rescue Me marathons you're having? If so, Comcast says it has no plans of implementing tiered data plans for its subscribers, unlike its wireless brethren. Citing that the move wouldn't be advantageous for the company's blooming broadband sector, Comcast Cable president Neil Smit and CFO Michael Angelakis eased the fears of video streaming customers on Monday, at least for the immediate future. Smit went on to say that "we don't want to nickel-and-dime customers at this point" -- so your extreme downloading habits are safe, for now. Bear in mind, Comcast does put a cap of 250GB per month on data consumption, so the idea full-on unlimited broadband is still just wishful thinking.
Verizon CEO says shared data plans coming in 2012
Verizon is gearing up to offer shared data plans sometime in 2012. That's straight from CEO Lowell McAdam, who told the UBS Global Media and Communications Conference this morning, "I think in 2012 we will see it... Getting to one bill and getting to account-level pricing is our goal." Sharing data the way they do family plan minutes is something many consumers have been clamoring for and AT&T's CEO Ralph de la Vega indicated earlier this year that his carrier was planning to offer such an option. Soon enough you might be able to buy a chunk of minutes and data then pile on the lines for a flat rate.
