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Sprint encroaches on AT&T markets for first LTE upgrades: Atlanta, Dallas, Houston and San Antonio
We knew good and well that Sprint was placing its future network bets on LTE, but up until now, we had no idea who would get first dibs. Sprint's own Dan Hesse just cleared up a quip that he gave to us back in July of 2011, noting that Atlanta, Dallas, Houston and San Antonio would be first to get "4G LTE and 3G network upgrades by mid-2012," just in time for the first Sprint LTE phones to take advantage. If you're thinking those cities sound familiar, you're right; AT&T Mobility is headquartered in the ATL, and all three of those Texas communities were high on AT&T's list of launch markets, too. Here's hoping we hear of a few more markets in the run-up to Mobile World Congress in February.... Update: Sprint has just issued a proper release on the news (it's embedded after the break), with the key snippet as follows: "The launch of these metropolitan areas marks the next step in the company's overall network strategy, also known as Network Vision. Sprint customers can expect to enjoy ultra-fast data speeds, improved 3G voice and data quality, and stronger in-building signal penetration providing a more reliable wireless experience." [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
AT&T flips 4G LTE live, nearly 97 percent of America wonders where the party is
According to Ma Bell, AT&T covers 97 percent of all Americans. Of course, that's including those "one bar of EDGE" places that are uncovered so far as reality's concerned, but regardless of all that -- there's no denying that AT&T's LTE launch is on the subdued side. With Verizon rolling out five times more LTE markets this month than AT&T is even launching with, the country's largest GSM carrier definitely has some catching up to do. Regardless of the standings, the company appears to have (quietly) gone live with five LTE markets as of today, with Chicago, Atlanta, San Antonio, Dallas / Fort Worth and Houston getting first dibs. The source link below takes you to the new coverage map, as well as to a promise from the carrier to expand "4G LTE" (not to be confused with the other 4G, more accurately known as HSPA+) to 15 major metropolitan areas by the year's end. Notice how rural areas aren't mentioned, despite plenty of grandstanding near D.C.? Don't worry, guys -- it's just Rethinking Possible. [Thanks, Marcus]
Let Kirby feed you in NYC, SF, or Houston next week
If you happen to be in NYC, San Francisco, or Houston next week, you'll be able to celebrate the launch of Kirby: Mass Attack in true Kirby style -- with a display of gluttony. Nintendo is bringing "Kirby Snack Attack" trucks to those three cities, providing fans with game demos and "frozen fruit treats," which should be of particular interest to those in Houston who accidentally find themselves outside, in range of the deadly sun. Kirby's truck will be in NYC's Rockefeller Plaza (also home to the Nintendo World Store) on September 14, somewhere in the SF Bay Area on September 14-15, and in Houston's Upper Kirby neighborhood (get it?) from September 16-18. Nintendo will tweet more specific information as the dates approach. Please don't get ice cream on the DS demo units.
Xfinity Home Security makes home monitoring and management Comcastic (video)
It looks like Comcast's trial bubble has been something of a success, and now the company is announcing that its Xfinity Home Security Service will be branching out beyond Houston to arm alarms, dim lamps and keep home automation freaks appraised of sports scores in an additional six markets (including Philadelphia, Portland, Jacksonville, Sarasota/Naples, Chattanooga and Nashville). Powered by iControl Networks' Open Home automation and security platform, packages start at $40 a month and feature live video monitoring, lighting and climate control, burglar and fire alarm monitoring, and more -- via touchscreen interface, web portal, and iPhone app. Now you too can put your family's safety in the same hands that bring Gilligan's Island into your home! Video, PR-palooza after the break.
Houston grandmother becomes host of first 'super WiFi' hotspot, proves you're never too old for wireless
This ain't your grandma's WiFi -- that is, unless your grandma is 48 year-old Leticia Aguirre. The Houston woman became the host of the very first "super WiFi" hotspot, earlier this week -- the new network takes advantage of unused UHF TV channels to bring internet service to underserved communities. In collaboration with researchers at Rice University, a Houston-based non-profit fittingly referred to as Technology for All (TFA), facilitated the setup and is in the process of deploying more whitespace hotspots across the area. The FCC approved use of whitespace for the new "super WiFi" back in September of last year. Full PR after the break.
NRG's eVgo charging stations hope to catch the eyes of Texas
EV charging station announcements are almost becoming commonplace (keyword: almost), but not so much that we aren't happy to welcome one more. This week NRG Energy unveiled it's first eVgo branded "Freedom Station" at a Dallas Walgreens, and aims to pepper the map with a total of 60 such units by Labor Day. Each eVgo freedom station will pack both a quick charging 480V AC/DC converter (juicing up a Nissan Leaf to 80 percent in about 30 minutes), as well as a 240V Level 2 charger (netting 25 miles of "go" per charging hour). NRG plans to cover the Dallas / Fort Worth and Houston areas with 120 of these guys by the end of 2012. Like others before it, the eVgo network plans to follow a subscription model -- with the premiere plan ($89 a month on a three year contract) not only covering the cost of usage at eVgo charging stations, but that of electricity used at your home charging dock, too. Toss in a handful of generous EV owners rocking PlugShare, and Dallas has the makings of a low-emissions wonderland.
Houston will be home to America's largest car charging network, identity crisis
Everything is somewhat more gargantuan in Texas, so its only natural that Houston has its eye on having the largest network of electric vehicle chargers in the country. The plan is a privately funded brain-child of power plant operator NRG Energy, which hopes to install 150 charging stations in the 25 mile vicinity of downtown Houston starting in February. Chargers will be placed at common retail locations such as Walgreens and Best Buy, but given that 80 to 90 percent of charging will occur in homes, an $89 all-you-can-juice monthly plan will also include the installation of 240-volt charging systems in residences. NRG doesn't expect to turn a profit on its $10 million investment for several years, but hopes that taking the proactive step will create a lucrative business in the future as electric vehicle prices (hopefully) hit the skids. The company also wants to build a similar network in Dallas in early 2011, and perhaps San Antonio and Austin in the future as well. Still, while the plans are admirable for the home of big-oil, compared to London's government-backed 1,300 station plan, NRG's Houston aspirations still seem positively Rhode Island-sized.
Sprint promises 'many' new 4G markets in 2010; New York, SF included
With LTE onslaughts from Verizon and AT&T (not to mention countless carriers around the world) drawing near, Sprint's wasting no time beefing up its WiMAX network ahead of its competitors' 4G launches in an effort to give WiMAX the best chance it can. Without giving a hard figure, the company says that it expects to launch WiMAX service in "many" markets this year, with several notables among the lot: Boston, Denver, Kansas City, Houston, Minneapolis, New York, San Francisco and Washington, DC are all called out by name. SF and the Big Apple in particular will be huge wins -- assuming the deployments go smoothly -- thanks to abnormally high concentrations of geeks (including yours truly, of course) that will immediately appreciate faster wide-area broadband. They're not listing dates just yet, so it's unclear just how soon we can expect these to light up.
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.
Blizzard music to be featured at Gamer MusiCON '09
If you're looking for a way to relax this weekend, why don't you hie off to Houston and get tickets to the Gamer MusiCON '09, an all-day event celebrating music from the video game industry. If you're familiar with the Video Games Live, the whole event has expanded somewhat with the help of Blizzard Entertainment and will now have a full hour-and-a-half Blizzard Live! to go along with the traditional Video Games Live! concert.Blizzard Live! will feature music, both old and some never performed ones, from Blizzard's different game worlds - Diablo, Starcraft, and Warcraft - paired with exclusive game footage and synchronized lighting. The Video Games Live! segment features music from other popular games like Chrono Trigger or Mega Man. Of course, just like any great geek and gamer event, Gamer MusiCON will feature a lot of fun in between, such as costume contests, Guitar Hero faceoffs, a Q&A with Blizzard's composers, autograph signings, and lots of swag. The event, conducted by Jack Wall and hosted by Tommy Talarico, comes to life with the help of the Houston Symphony. It will be held at the Jones Hall in downtown Houston. You'd better get your tickets today! Oh, and don't forget to bring a date.
HD channel expansion roundup
Once upon a time, a smattering of new HD channels in one major metropolitan area was a huge deal. Nowadays, it's almost expected that one area or another will experience some HD expansion each week. In order to keep things nice and tidy around here, we deliver high-def expansions, market expansions and anything else dealing with HD channel growth right here. If we missed an area that you're familiar with, drop us a line in comments so everyone can catch up. The more the merrier, we say!Read - Some cable customers missing WV PBS Read - Cox adds 2 family-friendly HD channels (Louisiana) Read - Comcast in Denver to add FX HD on May 31, ION HD on June 9 [Thanks, No] Read - Comcast of Houston HD expansion [Thanks, DeadPlasmaCell]
Comcast adds The Weather Channel HD in Houston, Texas
Typically, we can count on Comcast to bring along at least three newcomers whenever it decides to bulk up an HD lineup, but for whatever reason, it decided to drop just a single, lonely high-definition station on the residents of Houston this week. For those too lazy to check the forecast online, The Weather Channel HD is now showing on slot 289. Who knows -- maybe this is just the calm before the proverbial storm.[Thanks, Stacey and Brandon]
AT&T rolls out Weather On Demand U-verse functionality in Houston, TX
Now that AT&T is finally finished rolling out its Total Home DVR software, it's back to adding in interactivity. As Weather On Demand continues to make the rounds, Houston, Texas has become the newest locale to become acquainted. Hard to say if you'll really be compelled to check the forecast on your HDTV versus, say, your cellphone, but it's there if you're into it.
Houston subscribers make up nearly 20% of AT&T's U-verse base
The numbers are in, and it's clear Houston adores U-verse. Since launching the service in the Texas city some 23 months ago, a whopping 100,000 residents have made the switch to AT&T's fiber-based programming service. In and of itself, that number isn't too significant, but when you consider that the carrier only has 549,000 U-verse TV customers (as of Q2 2008), you'll quickly realize how important the Houston market is to the company. Nearly 1 in 5 (18.2%) U-verse TV customers reside in or around Houston, and not surprisingly, the provider is continuing to expand its service in the region. Just remember Houston, AT&T owes you one if it hits that magical one million mark before 2009.
AT&T takes Total Home DVR to Houston and San Diego
We've a feeling we'll soon be unable to keep up with all the Total Home DVR rollouts, but we aren't complaining one bit about the speed at which AT&T is getting it out there. Hot on the heels of Austin, Fresno, and a handful of other cities getting gifted, AT&T has quietly given Houston, Texas and San Diego, California residents the ability to watch recorded shows on connected TVs anywhere in the house. Dollars to donuts a few more markets get lit up before October dawns.[Thanks, Artur and Anthony]
New Texas Apple Store set to open
Apple is about to open their 14th retail store in Texas -- San Antonio's second -- this Saturday, June 28th. Apple Store North Star is located in the North Star Mall, next to Ann Taylor. You can get full driving directions here. The doors open at 10:00 AM. Two stores is pretty good, San Antonio, but Houston still has you beat with three.This store is pretty narrow at only 34 feet wide. Aren't things supposed to be bigger in Texas?[Via ifoAppleStore]
Comcast now airing Houston's MyNetworkTV affiliate (My20) in HD
Nothing too exciting about this one -- unless you're a fan of My20, that is. Houston, Texas residents can now find their local MyNetworkTV affiliate in glorious high-definition on Comcast. Aside from airing Astros games, a variety of movies and a good bit of original programming, the channel also becomes yet another available in HD from the local cable carrier. For those who haven't noticed it pop up in the EPG, it can be found on slot 304 right now.[Thanks, Carlos]
Houston being overrun by electronics-killing ants
We'll let you read the hed again -- nope, it's not a joke. Apparently millions of tiny swarming ants called "crazy raspberry ants" are causing quite a ruckus down in Houston after they accidentally arrived on board a cargo ship and started busily invading homes and offices, where they are attracted to electrical equipment. So far they've messed up sewage pumps, cause fire alarms to go haywire, destroyed computers, and taken out at least one gas meter -- and since they're resistant to over-the-counter ant killers and each colony has multiple queens, they're nearly impossible to kill. Worse, those that do die are used by the remaining ants as bridges over pesticide-treated areas. Yep, that's insanely creepy. Anyone in Houston got any horror stories to share?[Thanks, David]
Continental Airlines expands paperless boarding in US
Handset addicts traveling domestically through Houston's Intercontinental Airport have likely utilized the paperless boarding option if hopping on a Continental flight, and apparently the initiative is going over so well that the aforesaid airline and the TSA are expanding it to three more venues. As of now, passengers traveling within the US can enjoy the same luxury at Boston's Logan International Airport and Reagan Washington National Airport in Washington, D.C; later this month, the program should slide into Newark International Airport in New Jersey. As expected, only folks traveling alone can take advantage, as the airline feels that pulling up passes for an entire group would actually slow the flow of boarding. There's been no word given on future expansion plans, but at this rate, we wouldn't be shocked to see it hit even more airports in the not-too-distant future. [Via WBZTV]
Houston Astros find all home games, select road tilts in HD
Another day, another realization that this year's baseball season will be covered with HD. On the docket today are the Houston Astros, which have announced that every last home game (and "select" road matchups) will be presented in high-definition and carried on FSN Houston or KTHX 20 (the local MyNetworkTV affiliate). All in all, 130 tilts (4 Spring Training telecasts notwithstanding) will be shown on FSN Houston, while My 20 "takes over as the new broadcast home for Astros baseball with a 31-game package." As for FSN HD, citizens of Houston can locate it on Comcast (302), DirecTV (639-1) and DISH Network (336), while KTHX HD is only available OTA and on DirecTV (20-1).[Image courtesy of MLBlogs, thanks German]
