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Cell service out for thousands across the American Southeast
Cellular service appears to be down across every major provider throughout Tennessee, Alabama and Kentucky with Nashville, Chattanooga, and Knoxville being the hardest hit. According to the website Down Detector, more than 10,000 AT&T, 1,000 Verizon, 7,000 T-Mobile and 300 Sprint customers are without internet or phone access. None of the affected companies have disclosed the specific reason for the outage yet, though they all have already issued vague statements about how they're working on the issue. Update: Verizon is reporting the issue is resolved as of 8PM ET, however we haven't seen an update from the others yet.
NVIDIA is getting rid of its cellular chip business
Alas, NVIDIA's one-time dream of hitting it big in the cellular chip world is not to be. The company is planning to "wind down" its Icera modem business in the second fiscal quarter of the year (that is, no later than July), which could include selling it off. Simply put, NVIDIA's priorities have changed -- it's focused on those areas where its signature graphics and mobile processors tend to thrive, including cars, gaming and the cloud. It's an understandable move given the lack of traction for Icera's parts (Qualcomm virtually dominates the modem landscape), but it's unfortunate for the roughly 500 staffers who may find themselves out of work in a few months. [Image credit: AP Photo/Mark Lennihan]
Apple is suing another tech company, drink!
With Apple's Samsung troubles winding down and a potential settlement reached in that whole anti-poaching brouhaha, the company's legal staff obviously needed something else to work on. Apple was happy to oblige and has now set its sights on Swedish tech firm Ericsson. Apple's suit centers on Ericsson's massive collection of wireless patents and, more specifically, the claim that Ericsson's LTE patents are not a crucial part of the wireless standard and do not warrant the hefty royalty payments that the company has been collecting. At present, the royalties for Ericsson's LTE patents are calculated based on the overall price of a device, be it a phone or tablet. Apple's hope is to get that changed, and to have the royalty percentage calculated based only on the value of the specific hardware component that actually uses that technology, which would bring the fee per-device down quite a bit. The case was filed in Northern California, and is still in its preliminary stages, so there will most definitely be further news on this as it progresses.
This is how Verizon torture tests every new phone
We know Verizon goes to extreme lengths to field test its network - but it turns out the carrier is also pretty tough on all of the devices it offers. Nestled in cozy Bedminster, New Jersey lies Verizon's labs, where it subjects new phones to a battery of creative torture techniques -- we've already seen what Samsung and Apple put their own devices through -- to make sure they're up to snuff. If they survive, they make it onto the company's network. If not, they get sent back from whence they came (with lots of notes to the manufacturer). And if you were wondering, yes, Verizon does its best to recreate all of the dumb ways we destroy our phones. One test machine's only job is to drop phones from a meter high at just about every angle. (We also learned that phablets only get tested at a half meter - read into that what you will.) Check out the full gallery from our tour of Verizon's labs below.
Verizon gets ready to shut down its 3G networks as LTE takes over
Verizon may not be releasing its first LTE-only phones until 2016, but it's already preparing for the day when its legacy CDMA and EV-DO networks ride into the sunset. Wireless tracker Milan Milanovic has discovered that the carrier is now using LTE data in Cleveland and Manhattan on 1,900MHz frequencies that were previously reserved for EV-DO (3G) service. Don't expect more bandwidth in your neck of the woods just yet, though. Verizon tells GigaOM that this is just a test -- it's not yet ready to make an official transition.
T-Mobile wants to give your iPad a ton of data for $10
The battle for the loyalty of tablet users sees another shot fired today, as T-Mobile has announced a deal that duplicates the data allowance of any phone plan if you add a tablet. For the US$10 monthly tablet fee, whatever data plan you currently have for your smartphone will be duplicated on your tablet for no additional plan cost. For example, if you have a plan that includes 5 GB of data for your smartphone, adding a tablet for $10 a month will include another 5 GB of data, for use with your tablet. Any cellular-equipped tablet is eligible for the deal, which starts on September 3rd. If you already have a T-Mobile Simple Choice Plan and want to get some cellular data support for your tablet, it's hard to argue with a deal like this. Of course, if you're currently with a different wireless provider, you'll want to take a look at T-Mobiles plans before deciding whether or not it will pay to switch. [via Engadget]
UK government wants to end mobile deadspots with 'national roaming'
Mobile operators might be doing more to put an end to signal blackspots in rural areas, but large parts of Britain's countryside remain underserved. BBC News reports that in a bid to change this, the government is thinking about forcing carriers to share their networks in these areas as part of a new "national roaming" initiative. As you may expect, networks are against the idea, arguing that it would offer less incentive to build more mobile towers and could result in extra costs being pushed to customers. Nevertheless, Culture Secretary Sajid Javid wants to implement a system where you'd switch to an alternative network if your carrier's is not available, just like when you travel abroad. Worryingly for providers, the government could pressure them into sharing their networks using existing legislation, meaning they might not have a say in it anyway.
O2's discounted SIM-only plans offer 4G from £11 per month
It's become a race to the bottom over who can provide the cheapest 4G tariffs. Today, O2 altered its one-year SIM-only plans, which now means its 4G tariff of 500MB of data, 500 minutes and unlimited texts costs just £11 a month. Jumping up to 3GB, 6GB or 8GB of data (with unlimited minutes and texts) will set you back £20, £25 and £30 per month, respectively. In comparison, the monthly damage on similar EE plans for 1GB, 2GB and 4GB are £17, £20 and £23 respectively.
Verizon completes buyout of Vodafone's stake in its cellphone business
After 14 years of partnership, Verizon now has full control over its cellphone business. The telecom giant has officially completed its buyout of Vodafone's 45 percent stake in Verizon Wireless, giving it both more independence and leaner operations. The American provider isn't saying just what it will do now that the $130 billion deal is done, but it at least doesn't have to worry about the tensions that sometimes defined its relationship with Vodafone. It's business as usual if you're a subscriber, although we wouldn't rule out changes in the long run.
FCC reportedly proposing that passengers can use cellular service in mid-flight (update: confirmed)
While the FAA has cleared the use of electronics on US passenger airplanes at all stages of flight, there's still one major restriction in place: you have to shut off all cellular access. That rule may not exist for much longer if the FCC has its way, according to sources for the Wall Street Journal. The agency will reportedly use its December meeting to propose letting passengers make phone calls and use cellular data whenever they're flying above 10,000 feet. Don't be too eager to start chatting in mid-air, though. The FCC hasn't publicly confirmed the proposal, and any new policy wouldn't be mandatory -- carriers could still ask for radio silence, and special equipment would need to be installed in order for each plane to communicate with towers on the ground. If implemented, though, the relaxed rules could make your phone's airplane mode seem like more of a relic than a necessity. Update: Chairman Tom Wheeler has issued a statement about the earlier report: "Today, we circulated a proposal to expand consumer access and choice for in-flight mobile broadband. Modern technologies can deliver mobile services in the air safely and reliably, and the time is right to review our outdated and restrictive rules. I look forward to working closely with my colleagues, the FAA, and the airline industry on this review of new mobile opportunities for consumers.
Get T-Mobile's 200MB free iPad data plan, even with a different carrier's device
One device, all networks. That's been a fond dream through the iPhone and iPad lifecycle, and while the iPhone 4S remains a unified device (sans 4G LTE support), the iPhone 5c and 5s remain split into CDMA-enabled and pure GSM model numbers. Enter the new slimness. The cellular-capable version of the iPad Air, like the forthcoming iPad mini with Retina display, actually ships in only one flavor: universal LTE. All the US carriers, major and minor (Bluegrass? Aio?) support wireless on the device, and it ships unlocked. Is it, you might wonder, possible to do a bit of gaming the system with nano SIM swaps and network shopping? Specifically, can you take an iPad bought under the banner of the "other 3" US carriers (VZW, AT&T or Sprint) but pop in and use a T-Mobile SIM with its 200 MB of free-for-life monthly data? It seems that the answer is "yes, it is possible." NBC's Devin Coldewey dug into the subject and confirmed with reps from both T-Mobile and AT&T that the SIM swap is feasible, anytime you want to do it. For direct confirmation, MacRumors forums poster Picho affirms that he/she has indeed swapped SIMs from all US carriers into a new iPad Air, with everything working as it should. (Tapbot's Paul Haddad even got the swap to work with a Verizon iPad mini current gen, but it's not clear he's getting full-speed T-Mobile service.) T-Mobile's plan information page suggests that you may need to become a post-paid customer to get the SIM, but you shouldn't need to put any money into the account to get the free data. You can even buy the nano SIM online for 99 cents. As Coldewey points out, plenty of iPad Air buyers may have gone with their primary carrier of choice for their new purchase, but may not intend to spin up data service soon or have it running most of the time. By picking up a T-Mobile SIM card -- you might get one for free, bring your iPad to your local T-Mobile outlet and see what they say -- it's simple to maintain a free account that credits you 200 MB of service for emergency or extremely light data use. Then, for those times when you want the primary network engaged, pop the old SIM back in and roll on. Have you tried this maneuver? Let us know in the comments or on our Facebook page.
Apple increases size limit for cellular downloads to 100 MB
Coupled with the release of iOS 7, MacRumors tips us off to the fact that Apple has quietly increased the size limit for apps (and other types of media files) users can download via a cellular connection. Now, users can use their cellular connection to download files that are as large as 100 MB. The previous size limit was 50 MB, a threshold that was frustrating given that many individual podcast episodes, for example, often check in at slightly more than 50 MB. Given that countless developers are now intent on rolling out iOS 7-inspired app updates, the timing of the size increase is likely not a coincidence.
Japan's NTT DoCoMo not eager to carry iPhone
That's the word from DoCoMo Senior VP Kazuto Tsubouchi in a chat with the Wall Street Journal. The telco giant has about half of Japan's cellular business, but the iPhone has never been offered by DoCoMo, despite many customers who have migrated to competitors that carry the iPhone. In the published interview, Tsubouchi said the company is "not necessarily against the idea of selling the iPhone. It just depends on the conditions. What's the procurement cost? What kinds of obligations do we have if we sell the iPhone?" "What we gain would be a boost to our marketing. Having such an attractive item in our lineup would help. However, you also have to ask: What are the conditions that come with the iPhone? Other Japanese carriers are selling iPhones at very low prices, and that means their sales expenses must be very high." Instead, DoCoMo has been pushing high-end Android phones from Samsung and Sony. DoCoMo also offers services that go along with the phones, and they like the customization options they have with Android. Those are things Apple, of course, does not allow.
eTrak GPS+ melds WiFi, cellular and GPS tracking, launches at CTIA (hands-on)
We've come across a number of GPS-based tracking devices over the years but most are rather bulky and difficult to setup. eTrak's attempting to remedy this here at CTIA 2013 with GPS+, a fob-like product that combines WiFi, cellular and GPS tracking in a small, light and easy-to-use package. The device, which is about the size and weight of a box of licorice-flavored Tic Tacs, features a panic button, multicolor status LED and charging contacts. It's meant to be attached to a keyring, and comes with a matching charging base which includes a standard micro-USB connector. Battery life is about 5 days per charge -- not too shabby for a product that packs WiFi, cellular and GPS radios. Speaking of which, eTrak's partnering with Verizon Wireless for CDMA-based network positioning. The company provides a web-based interface which supports geo-fencing with SMS and email notifications, along with iOS and Android-compatible apps. GPS+ will retail for $129 and be available soon (production's been under way since May 1st). Two plans will be available: $10 per month with a one-year subscription and $15 per month commitment-free. Want to know more? Don't miss our gallery below and follow the source link for more info. %Gallery-189167%
iPhone owners have the highest cellular bills among smartphone users
Carriers may not like iPhone users who consume a lot of data, but they cannot complain about the whopping bills these customers pay each month. According to a survey by Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP) and reported by AllThingsD, almost 60 percent of iPhone users pay more than US$100 per month for their wireless plan. A surprising 10 percent pay more than $200 per month to keep their iPhones always connected, while only 6 percent are on a budget plan that costs $25 to $50 per month. Android users, on the other hand, tend to pay less for their wireless service plans, with 14 percent rocking bills that cost less that $50 per month. Only 7 percent break the bank with bills that balloon to over $200 per month. CIRP co-founder Michael Levin says iPhone owners pay more because the iPhone traditionally has been offered on the major wireless carriers in the US. "We think it has to do with their data plans and carriers, rather than their usage habits," explained Levin. "They are all on expensive data plans, unlike Android users, some of which are on prepaid or unsubsidized plans with regional carriers."
MetroPCS unveils 'simpler' 4G plans with unlimited data for $60
MetroPCS has just announced new 4G LTE data plans for those who don't want to keep one eye on data usage or try to decipher the complexity of other offerings. You'll get unlimited talk and text with all three, and unlimited, 2.5GB and 500MB of 4G LTE hustle for $60, $50 and $40 respectively, all taxes in. You'll be able add a matching 4G device with the plan starting at less than a hundred bills up to the $499 Galaxy S III -- even the thickest of us can grasp all that. Check the source for more info.
Qualcomm tried to get Apple to put a radio in the Newton
Steve Jobs will be forever known for his moving introduction of Apple's first phone in 2007, but history may have been different had Apple worked more closely with Qualcomm in the '90s. According to a report in Venture Beat, Qualcomm courted Apple and tried to get the company to put a cellular radio in the Newton. The Newton could have become Apple's first smartphone, but the company rejected Qualcomm's proposal. Qualcomm, though, knew the future was in cellular technology and foresaw the coming age of mobile devices. Rebuffed by Apple, the chip company approached Palm, which happily accepted the offer. The pair produced the Qualcomm PDQ, an early model smartphone and the first of many PalmOS devices to sport a cellular radio.
Voyager Mobile promises free global roaming with 'patent-pending' technology
Voyager Mobile has launched a new "worldwide" wireless service called Project Global Voyager, saying users on the plan "won't pay a penny of roaming charges." The brash new MVNO has only vaguely described how it works, saying that the technology is "completely network cloud based, with no special software residing on the individual handsets and devices." Though it hasn't revealed pricing yet, Voyager says the service will be available to businesses and consumers starting in 2013. Color us intrigued as to how they'll pull it off -- feel free to read the PR tea leaves after the break.
Cellular-capable iPad pre-orders reportedly shipping
A report from MacRumors claims the cellular versions of the fourth-generation Retina iPad are shipping and will land on doorsteps by the end of the week. Customers who pre-ordered the iPad are receiving shipping notices with an estimated delivery date of November 16th. iPad mini pre-orders have not shipped yet and are rumored to land on November 21st, the day before the US Thanksgiving holiday. MacRumors also claims that the iPad mini and the fourth generation iPad will be eligible for AT&T's new $100 off tablet promotion starting November 16th. Customers buying a new tablet will receive $100 off the retail price, if they sign up for a new two-year data plan. AT&T announced the promotion last week, but did not specifically mention Apple's latest tablet devices or their sale date in the announcement.
Bluegrass Cellular starts rolling out 4G LTE network with a bit of help from Verizon
LTE. LTE. More LTE. That's what's currently roaming the minds of wireless carriers in the US of A, and while Verizon, AT&T and Sprint are at the forefront of it all, smaller networks are also looking to get a piece of the "real 4G" pie. The latest one to flip its own Long Term Evolution switch is Kentucky-based Bluegrass Cellular, which was accomplished in large part thanks to Verizon's LTE in Rural America program and is a culmination of an agreement inked back in 2010. With the initial rollout phase, Bluegrass Cellular's expected to cover more than 348,000 folks in cities such as Bowling Green, Glasgow, Radcliff, Bardstown and Elizabethtown, offering subscribers in these areas speeds of around 12Mbps down and 5Mbps up. Naturally, Bluegrass plans on bringing LTE to more of its covered markets, with the outfit noting that it "will continue to expand 4G LTE to additional areas in 2013."
