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AT&T slinging HSPA 7.2 to six cities this year, adding backhaul capacity too
If there's one thing AT&T's network could use, it's more network. Particularly in major cities (we're looking at you and your dastardly street parking situation, San Francisco), AT&T's 3G network is perpetually overwhelmed, oftentimes forcing users to switch to EDGE just to tweet about how awful the coverage is. Thankfully, the operator is making good on its earlier promise to roll out HSPA 7.2Mbps to select cities, with Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles and Miami now destined to get lit this year. Potentially more interesting, however, is the deployment of "additional backhaul capacity to cell sites," which will also support LTE when the time comes. All told, around 2,000 new cell sites should be added before the year's end, and at least a half dozen 7.2Mbps-capable smartphones should be in AT&T's portfolio by the same deadline. Feel free to express your joy in comments below -- that is, if you can get comments to load on your existing 3G connection.
Oh, by the way: September 7, 2009
Here's some of the other stuff that happened in the wide world of mobile for Monday, September 7, 2009: Samsung's got a version of the Jet for its domestic Korean market, the clumsily-named "Haptic AMOLED." Unlike its international cousin, the Haptic AMOLED packs a T-DMB tuner (as just about all Korean phones do) and it's available in spicy pink and white shades for the usual carriers SKT, KTF, and LGT. Did you know that AT&T used to have a stake in the Indian wireless market? Yeah, us neither, but they did prior to the Cingular merger -- and rumor has it they're looking to get back in by buying a chunk of state-owned operator BSNL, ostensibly because the market -- which is still in a heavy growth phase -- is seen as a powder keg waiting to explode. This one's been going around for a few days, and with the carrier's full-court press on Android, it makes total sense: the Bluetooth SIG is reporting that the Samsung T939 Behold2 for T-Mobile will feature "Google Mobile services," which would fit in with an earlier user agent profile leak. [Via Cell Phone Signal] There's a new Samsung i8910 HD firmware that's starting to hit some regions, and it's a good one -- it features an all-new 3D task switcher and a built-in weather forecast widget for TouchWiz. [Via PhoneArena] Surprise, surprise: Toshiba is relaunching the mighty TG01 with Windows Mobile 6.5 next month, a move that was fully expected all along. If anything, there'd be riots had this not happened. Sony Ericsson's Panel SDK for the X2 is now available, featuring new "Panelizer" tools to convert existing apps into panels in a few easy steps -- and starting in the next few days, devs will be able to submit their work for inclusion in the PlayNow arena. Vodafone has launched a range of eight new self-branded devices that'll be available in time for the holidays this year, and as usual, they're positioned squarely at the lower end of the market. Some of them like the E71 ripoff 1240 (pictured) are straight-up KIRFs, while others like the "Crystal" member of the 533 Catwalk Collection are trying to ooze fashion and style without killing the wad of cash stuffed in your pocket. Whether they've succeeded in doing that... well, that's another question altogether. [Via Unwired View]
NTT DoCoMo might just enter the US cellphone market, MVNO graveyard wishes it luck
If you've paid any attention whatsoever to the goings-on in the American cellphone market, you'd know that ponying up the dough to start an MVNO here is probably not your best shot at striking it rich. One after another has fallen flat, even ones that had millions (and millions) in marketing dollars behind 'em. That said, Japan's own NTT DoCoMo is mulling the possibility of fully entering the US cell market next year, offering up smartphones and "other high-performance handsets with its i-mode mobile internet service." We're told that the operator may start as an MVNO (mobile virtual network operator), leasing capacity from T-Mobile USA or AT&T until it decides on its next move. Call us crazy, but we're guessing it just might have a shot here on US soil if it snags the iPhone, enables all those 3G services that have been running for years on other platforms and only charges one (as opposed to three or four) human limbs for a monthly plan.[Thanks, shinbunboi]
AT&T yanks BlackBerry Bold visual voicemail software update
Hope you Bold owners out there managed to snag AT&T's BlackBerry Bold visual voicemail software update while it lasted, because an internal memo leaked to BGR says it's been pulled due to compatibility problems with "network enhancements being deployed." That sounds to us like there's an issue with either those 850MHz 3G rollouts or whatever black magic Ma Bell's doing to get iPhone MMS up and running, but either way, it's one more fire for AT&T's engineers to put out while its customers sit around waiting.Update: AT&T just sent us their official word on the matter -- and they also told us it has nothing to do with MMS or 850. Check it out after the break.
AT&T rolling out MMS to iPhone on September 25, tethering 'in the future'
digg_url = 'http://digg.com/gadgets/AT_T_rolling_out_MMS_to_iPhone_on_September_25'; AT&T has just announced that MMS -- a much-ballyhooed feature of iPhone OS 3.0 -- will finally be hitting AT&T on September 25. There's still no date for tethering, though the company is holding the line that it'll be offered "in the future." Expanding on the logic behind the tethering delay, they're saying that "by its nature, this function could exponentially increase traffic on the network, and we need to ensure that some of our current upgrades are in place before we can deliver the expanded functionality with the excellent performance that customers expect." We're no network engineers, but "exponentially increase traffic" and "AT&T" are two things we don't typically like to hear in the same sentence -- let's hope the 850MHz, 7.2Mbps, and backhaul upgrades they're cranking on right now go a long way toward sorting that out. As for MMS, they're acknowledging that the release "does indeed fall a few days past the official end of summer," arguing that their support of more iPhone customers than any other carrier in the world made a positive launch experience a bit of a challenge. Of course, virtually every other phone AT&T sells (and has sold for the past several years) supports the same tech, so this feels like a pretty active admission that iPhone users blaze through data-rich features at a pace that the carrier has been ill-equipped to handle.
Nokia Mural announced for AT&T, coming September 6
It's really not going to move the S60 crowd much, but the Series 40-based Mural has finally been announced for AT&T following an FCC unveiling back in May. The clamshell puts an emphasis on style thanks to user-customizable multicolor cover lighting and a mirrored finish, but you've still got a reasonable dose of technology (sorta, anyway) thanks to a QVGA display, HSDPA, a 2 megapixel cam and microSD expansion up to 16GB. Look for it on the 6th for $49.99 on contract.
Windows Mobile 6.5 cellphones coming October 6th
Unfortunately for those on the hunt for nitty-gritty details, the headline here just about says it all. In a shockingly vague release from Microsoft, the Redmond-based giant has announced that the first batch of Windows Mobile 6.5 handsets will launch on October 6th, or around three weeks after its Zune HD. If we're reading this correctly, it looks as if this round of cellies will be the first to be called "Windows phones," and aside from promising "new customer experiences" and superior browsing capabilities, they'll also feature Windows Marketplace for Mobile (an app store), Microsoft My Phone (a backup service) and Office Mobile. As for what phones we'll see, all we're told is that HTC, HP, LG, Samsung, Toshiba, Sony Ericsson and a few other big time players are onboard, with just about every carrier in the world (save for T-Mobile USA) also voicing their support.[Via MobileTechWorld] Update: AT&T has informed us that starting on September 14th, customers with Wi-Fi-enabled Windows Mobile smartphones and unlimited / other qualifying data plans will receive unlimited access to AT&T Wi-Fi Hot Spots nationwide.
Rumor has AT&T's Heron and Sawgrass from Moto canceled, but something's amiss
Industry analyst Tero Kuittinen of MKM Partners is reporting that that AT&T has nixed plans to bring on Motorola's Sawgrass and Heron later this year as part of its first volley of Android devices because the pair looked "dated." Judging from the shots we have of the Heron, we can't say we necessarily agree -- and that's not the only hole in the story. We broke the news on these two devices earlier this year; the beefier of the two, the Heron, was pictured running Windows Mobile but it was indicated in the slide deck we had that it'd be ported to Android prior to release. Kuittinen indicates that the phones were prototyped with WinMo but would be moved to Android, so everything checks out so far. Here's the problem, though: the Sawgrass ended up becoming the Karma, a phone that is very much released and available on AT&T today -- so there goes the "dated" argument. What's more, it doesn't run Windows Mobile and it never has, even back when it was being pitched in an internal meeting the better part of a year ago. It's possible the dude just has his codenames mixed up here and Moto really had proposed two Android-powered sets to AT&T all along -- and any way you slice it, the Morrison and the Sholes for T-Mobile and Verizon respectively are still the odds-on favorites to be the first Moto Android sets out of the door anyhow. As for AT&T's current Android strategy, well, that remains to be seen. [Via FierceWireless]
FCC formally launches inquiry into wireless competition
Well, we can't say we didn't see this one coming. At today's meeting, the FCC has said that it will be launching a formal inquiry into the wireless industry and specifically into certain business practices of the big four: AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile USA , and Verizon Wireless. The commission hasn't yet detailed exactly how they're going to go about this, but you can bet they'll be looking into exclusivity deals between handset manufacturers and carriers. And who knows? They might be interested in the whole iPhone / AT&T / Google Voice conundrum, especially if it turns out that AT&T had a hand in dissing the app. According to Reuters, the agency is looking into "how competition affects consumers," with an eye towards further investigations into other areas, including cable and broadband. [Via Phone Scoop]
Pantech C180 for AT&T frugally tiptoes its way through the FCC
If you're looking for the most basic of basic candybars and you happen to be using AT&T service, today is a glorious day, friends, because Pantech's submitted a doozy for the FCC's perusal. The C180 lacks virtually every modern mobile convenience, eschewing even EDGE data -- though they have managed to keep a memory slot and FM radio aboard. Mentions of MEdia Net in the manual and the "C" model name -- historically reserved for Cingular, which is now AT&T -- tell us where this one's going, but we can't imagine that it'll see duty beyond GoPhone. [Via Phone Scoop]
AT&T hits BlackBerry Bold users with visual voicemail
Hey, we knew this was coming -- but we're hearing murmurs that actual AT&T BlackBerry Bold owners are starting to get their visual voicemail updates rolling out to them. The voicemail features allow you to store up to 40 messages at a time, and add numbers to contacts from voicemail. We'll let you know all of the perks of software update v4.6.0.508 when we get it up and running on our own Bold, but hit the read link for AT&T's rundown (warning: it's a PDF).[Via Boy Genius Report]
Oh, by the way: August 24, 2009
Here's some of the other stuff that happened in the wide world of mobile for Monday, August 24th, 2009: Sony Ericsson is taking its Java runtime downmarket, committing to roll it out to what it's billing the "entry 3G segment." On a completely unrelated note, is it just us, or was the mini-golf game that came on the T610 one of mankind's greatest entertainment achievements of all time? It appears that parts of Europe will be receiving a tweaked version of the Samsung B7320, creatively rechristened the B7330. Differences are mainly cosmetic with one critically important material change: the screen's now up to 320 x 320 resolution from the original model's QVGA. German site AreaMobile is quoting a local release in October, but other than that, it's anyone's guess. [Via the::unwired] A whole bunch of new 850MHz 3G spectrum is now online in AT&T's San Francisco and New York City networks. 850 does a better job of penetrating buildings than 1900, and if there's one thing the Big Apple has plenty of, it's buildings -- so we'll see if this improves the dropped call situation at all. If you have a curious tendency to drop your phone into kiddie pools, throw it at brick walls, and engage in lengthy heart-to-hearts from Antarctica's Base Esperanza, you'll be delighted to know that Sonim's ultra-rugged XP3.20 is now shipping in the US unlocked for $399. [Via Gearlog]
Rhapsody brings subscription music to the iPhone, pending Apple's approval
If the maniacs at RealNetworks have their way, you'll soon be rockin' out to Rhapsody on your iPhone or iPod touch, streaming all those pop tunes you crave over WiFi, Edge, or 3G, courtesy of your $15 Rhapsody ToGo account -- pending approval from Apple, of course. Sure, we can't imagine the company allowing Pandora but dissing Rhapsody, but stranger things have happened. If this isn't enough to get subscription music fans spinning in their office chairs, the company is also working diligently on Rhapsody for other mobile platforms and carrier app stores, including Google Android. And there's more! Check out the app in all its glory -- on video, no less -- after the break. [Via PC World]
AT&T's visual voicemail for BlackBerry Bold official this week?
Hey, Bold users: you know how your friends with iPhones keep taunting with you with their world-class cornucopia of fart apps and built-in visual voicemail until you're about two seconds away from slapping the smile right off their faces? Of course, there's nothing that's been stopping you from using Google Voice or some other third-party service to accomplish the same thing, but for the sake of argument, let's just say you'd rather have something more integrated with a first-party feel. Well, you might just be in luck -- word on the street is that AT&T's visual voicemail service for the Bold should finally hit this Tuesday. Why wait, though? Boy Genius Report is saying that folks are having luck activating it right now by calling into customer service, so if you're dying to get this ball rolling, it might just be worth a shot. This particular service has been in the pressure cooker for a good, long while now -- and now that the Bold's getting up around middle age, we certainly hope that AT&T's efforts here are going to spread to other models, present and future.
Qik for iPhone 3GS update removes 'WiFi only' restriction, 3G streaming is a go
Well, that was fast. Just one week after hitting the scene, Qik for iPhone 3GS has been updated to move that nasty "WiFi only" restriction, meaning you can now stream your videos to the internet over a 3G network. We just tried it ourselves and, sure enough, it works like a charm. After you've read through all that FCC literature, hit up the read link and download the (thankfully still free) app -- just be careful how much fun you have with it this weekend. Let's see how AT&T's network handles this one. [Warning: iTunes app link.] [Via The iPhone Blog]
AT&T, Apple and Google respond to the FCC over Google Voice and the iPhone App Store
digg_url ='http://digg.com/tech_news/AT_T_Apple_and_Google_respond_to_FCC_over_Google_Voice'; Whoa -- we were just sent AT&T response to the FCC's investigation into the rejection of Google Voice apps from the iPhone app store, and Ma Bell isn't pulling any punches: according to the letter, AT&T "had no role in any decision by Apple to not accept the Google Voice application." That puts the ball pretty firmly in Apple's court, but it doesn't close the door on AT&T's involvement in App store approval shenanigans entirely, since the letter also says "AT&T has had discussions with Apple regarding only a handful of applications that have been submitted to Apple for review where, as described below, there were concerns that the application might create significant network congestion." Not only did that result in CBS and MobiTV killing the Final Four app's ability to stream video over 3G, it also explains what happened to SlingPlayer Mobile -- we'll see what the FCC says about that.Update: And here come Apple and Google's responses as well! We're digesting everything as fast as we can, we're going to do this semi-liveblog style after the break, so grab a frosty and dive in.Update 2: Okay, so we've read through all three filings and broken them down after the break. Our main takeaway? Apple's being pretty hypocritical by claiming on the one hand that the iPhone is at the forefront of a mobile revolution and then saying iPhone users can't figure out how Google Voice is different than the iPhone's built-in functionality on the other. Either your customers are paradigm-busting visionaries or they're not very smart at all, Apple -- you have to pick one. As for AT&T, well, it just seems like it's worried about its network above all else, and while we think it's ridiculous that it enforces the VoIP and SlingPlayer ban on the iPhone and not, say, Windows Mobile devices, we can see why the carrier would push those contract provisions hard. In the end, we're just hoping the FCC forces everyone involved to be more open and transparent about what they're doing and the deals they're making -- Apple's not necessarily exaggerating when it says these are entirely new problems, and whatever happens next will set a precedent for a long time to come.
FCC to look into Google Voice, iPhone debacle next week?
The FCC's next open committee is on Thursday, and maybe -- just maybe -- we'll be able to get to the bottom of this whole "App Store / Google Voice rejection" mess. First, the committee plans to look into ways to "foster innovation and investment in the wireless communications market," issues related to "truth-in-billing," and exclusivity agreements between carriers and handset manufacturers, which critics say punish consumers in rural areas that the "big four" (Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile) don't serve. Also in the queue, according to Ars Technica, is the wireless open access docket, which will mostly be given over to Skype's inquiry into Apple's rejection of Google Voice for iPhone and its relationship to a "pending Petition filed by Skype to confirm a consumer's right to use communications software and attach nonharmful devices to wireless networks." And of course, all this goes down a few days after Apple, AT&T, and Google were required to respond to letters from the Commission inquiring about Apple's dissing the Google Voice app. If you've never had the opportunity to sit in one of these sessions, let us tell you -- they're incredibly exciting, fast-paced events. As always, the meeting will be broadcast live over Real Video -- hit the read link for details. [Via Ars Technica]
Both flavors of Garmin-Asus nuvifone coming to AT&T?
After years of wrong turns, it looks like Garmin-Asus's nuvifone has finally found its way to a US provider, with two separate sources claiming the nav-enabled handset will be coming to AT&T, and soon. This falls in line with earlier indications that it would be making a slight left turn onto American streets in Q4, and will mark the end of a tortuous journey to retail. Both the G60 with its homemade OS and the Windows Mobile M20 are said to be inbound, meaning you'll still have a choice to make even if you choose one of these. No confirmation from AT&T just yet, naturally, but we'll keep you posted. Read - Garmin-Asus M20 Heading to AT&TRead - Garmin-Asus G60 Heading to AT&T
Palm Eos coming in October, or next year, or some other time, or never
Two months post-launch, the Pre remains the only official game in town for webOS, but we all know how Palm rolls -- there are unquestionably other phones in the pipeline, and they're going to be available on a variety of carriers. By all accounts, the so-called Eos (or Pixie, if internal codenames are more your thing) for AT&T is going to be the next model to come out of the chute, and now that we've all gotten bored with our Pres, the world seems to be turning its attention to more pressing matters like a release date. To that point, we're dealing with two ends of the spectrum right now: at one extreme, Digital Daily cites a Morgan Joseph analysts as saying he believes the Eos will hit AT&T at some point beyond the holidays, thanks in part to the $99 iPhone's continued strength. On the other end, the Chinese language Commercial Times out of Taiwan says an HSPA-powered version of the Eos will rock a 2.6-inch display and start volume deliveries from ODM Compal to Palm in October of this year with a CDMA variant following on in the first quarter of next year. Ultimately, both reports have the reassuring solidity of Jell-O -- so what have we learned? The Eos (or whatever it's called) will ship when it ships. Read - Analyst likes Eos launch next year Read - GSM Eos in October, CDMA version Q1 '10?
AT&T news: Lancaster dead, Warhawk and Fortress coming in October?
We've received some pretty believable information this evening indicating that the HTC Lancaster -- a phone that would've likely been AT&T's first to run Android -- has been shelved. We don't know why, but considering that the rumored specs had it signed up for a weaksauce QVGA display, our hearts aren't really broken by the news as long as they make haste getting a more suitable model to market (and we're not talking about the Fiesta). In happier news, we're hearing that "two new Windows Mobile 6.5 models" will be gracing AT&T shelves in October, and considering everything we know about the carrier and its plans, we've got to believe these are the Warhawk and Fortress (better known as the Touch Diamond2 and Touch Pro2) from HTC. That'd lag T-Mobile's Pro2 launch by a country mile -- but then again, T-Mobile's running circles around everyone in the Android department, so why not WinMo, too?
