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Sprint gearing up to offer $60 / month unlimited calling plan?
After yesterday's barrage of unlimited calling plans left us all terribly underwhelmed, it seems as if Sprint is hoping to emerge as the knight in shining armor by undercutting the oh-so-popular $99 price point. According to unspecified "analysts," the carrier is gearing up to "offer flat-rate calling plans at up to a 40-percent discount to its rivals," meaning that yappers could talk 'til their batteries died (and then some) for around $60 a month. Of course, Sprint has yet to confirm nor deny the reports, but we're all for a price war in the cellular space, regardless.
AT&T feels a little left out, launches unlimited plan, too
There's no telling whether Verizon's recent announcement had anything to do with it, but something lit a fire underneath AT&T today as they've announced an unlimited plan for the same $99 Verizon is charging (well, $99.99, if you want to get down to the nitty gritty). The plan will be available starting this Friday, February 22, and much like Verizon's setup, it only includes voice calling -- data and messaging will still require an additional package. The plan will be available to both existing and new customers, and anyone can get it month-to-month with no contract extension necessary. When you add in all-you-can-eat bytes and texts, you're looking at a total package that falls roughly in line with Verizon's so-called Premium Plan, so the industry appears to be settling on a fair asking price for this kind of deal. Whether consumers agree, well, that remains to be seen.
Verizon's unlimited plans get official, not as stellar as previously assumed
We had a sneaking suspicion that the lineup of unlimited plans we got wind of earlier this week was just a bit too good to be true, and sure enough, it was. Now that Verizon's Unlimited Plans have gone official right on cue, we're left with three general plans that can each have additional lines tacked on for more dough. The $99 / month Basic Plan seems to include limitless calling only (read: messaging of all types and data still cost extra), while the Select Plan ($119.99 per month) throws in messaging but still demands $1.99 per MB of data. The Premium Plan is the one that's really attractive, offering up unlimited everything (for all intents and purposes) for $139.99 per month or $269.99 for two lines. Needless to say, we're a bit let down, but you can hit up the read link for more details on what's offered.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Helio offering unlimited everything for $99 a month
Is it just us, or is this a pretty good deal? Helio has started offering its unlimited plan for $99, down from the $145 it was charging before. In Helio parlance, "unlimited" really does mean unlimited, too: voice minutes, texts, and on-device data usage are all fair game. Of course, tethering isn't offered, which is probably the only thing preventing a deluge of people signing their names on the dotted line to get in on the action, but it still seems to be a solid offering any way you slice it. The MVNO had offered the $99 unlimited plan previously before jacking up the price (and indeed, the triple asterisk beside the price leads to some fine print that says "limited time offer"), so if this piques your interest, you might want to get in sooner rather than later.[Thanks, Chris R.]
iPhone customers on O2 now get more bang for their buck
So we've got to ask -- if the iPhone is allegedly O2's best selling device ever, why is fat already getting trimmed out of the carrier's plan offerings? No bother; we've always found that when a carrier wants to give us more for our hard-earned quid, we're best off blindly accepting the offer and asking questions later. A tariff restructuring currently underway now gives £35 / month subscribers 600 voice minutes and 500 texts -- up from 200 of both -- while current £55 / month subscribers will see £10 shaved off their bills and the current £45 plan goes away. The high-end £75 plan rolls deep with 3,000 minutes and 500 texts; not unlimited, granted, but at least all three new plans still include unlimited data. Current owners shouldn't have to do anything to see the benefits of the new plans.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Alltel expands My Circle with 5, 20 person offerings
T-Mobile's myFaves and Alltel's My Circle unlimited calling schemes seem to be doing pretty well for the carriers -- so well, in fact, that Alltel's adding a couple new versions of My Circle to its stable. The current version -- which allows users to select ten unlimited contacts on plans of $59.99 and higher -- remains, while new My Circle 5 and My Circle 20 add-ons can be applied to plans of $49.99 and $99.99 or higher, respectively. Needless to say, My Circle 5 knocks it down to five selections, while My Circle 20 ups it to twenty. The new offerings are available starting today.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
AT&T retooling data plans (hint: buh-bye, unlimited)
The largest carrier in the US is poised to turn its entire data pricing and marketing strategy on its end according to a series of slides we've found entitled "Data & Messaging Plan Realignment - January 2008." First up, MEdia Net plans are being revised, and for the most part things seem to be getting a little cheaper. MEdia Max Unlimited, for example -- a plan that includes unlimited on-device data and messaging -- goes from $39.99 to an even $35. Next, tethering and data card plans are dropping the term "Unlimited" and imposing a "soft limit" of 5GB; users who consistently exceed that limit won't be charged overage but could be relieved of their plans if AT&T chooses to do so. As much as this sucks, it brings AT&T's official policy in line with the way the industry seems to be trending, as it proudly points out in the slides. Also notable is that slide 8 claims that the carrier will no longer be selling any "windows media devices" (we're pretty sure they meant Windows Mobile devices) without QWERTY keyboards. We're hoping that's not right since it arbitrarily locks AT&T out of picking up nifty WinMo kit like the Touch, but we wouldn't put it past 'em. This all goes down on the 20th, so keep your eyes peeled. Click below for the full slide deck.[Thanks, anonymous tipster]Update: We've been told that AT&T's newfound ban on non-QWERTY WinMo devices only applies to Smartphones, not Professional handsets, so it seems the Touch is theoretically spared here. Not to say AT&T has any intention of offering it anyway, we're just sayin'.%Gallery-13369%
Just one more
Whether I'm fighting the seemingly undefeatable hordes of... the Horde, or battling against hordes of easily defeatable world creatures, I find than my truest, greatest enemy is my own self. Indeed, the greatest weapon my self uses against me is that little voice which comes into my head whenever I finish a battle or a quest -- it speaks those tempting, ever-so seductive words: "Just one more..."If I've just lost a battle in PvP, the thinking is, "Just one more -- maybe the next one will be a winner! If you log off now, you'll miss it!" But if I've just won a battle, the voice says, "Just one more -- you just won a match, so chances are you'll win the next one too!" Whenever I review my progress with honor points, gold or experience, to see how I've done this session, the voice insists: "Just a few more, and your goal of <insert however many points you think you need here> will be complete!" Even if I've firmly decided that I'm fighting no more battles of any sort today, there's always the temptation to log in to "just one more" alt to check mail, auction items, or chat with a friend for a while longer. Just logging off for good can take a long time if I'm not firm with myself, and naturally, whatever I was going to do afterwards (often sleeping) may suffer for it.By far the best weapon I have discovered for fighting off this insidious enemy inside my own head is to decide beforehand exactly how many battleground matches I am going to play or quests I'm going to do, no matter whether I'm ultimately successful or not. This works better for me than, "I'm only going to play for <insert amount of time here>", because it is based more on exact activities I have planned. With a time limit, the little voice will say, "But I just have a little bit left to finish!" but with the activity limit, once my number is up, this voice will assuredly say "just one more" again, but then I can reply, "NO! Three is the limit! End of story! Go to sleep!" I can then click on "exit game" with glee at my complete and total victory over... me.
EVEMon was down with API update, is now back up and working
The good news on this one is that there is no news: EVEMon, the out-of-game app that is a must-have for EVE players, wasn't working for most people after the Trinity patch this week, but a series of bug reports over on the developer website (EVEMon is open sourced) confirms that the problem was just that CCP had taken down the API for testing. By now, EVEMon should be back up and running, ready to help you plan those skill changes out.And in other EVEMon news, the New Features page over on the developer site is a fun read, too, if you haven't seen it in a while. Very cool to see all the new features planned for the next release: Battleclinic loadouts, a new plan printing feature, and updates to the Ship and Item browser. EVEMon is already a terrific app (definitely the best MMO-related out-of-game app I've ever seen), and it's great to see the devs are hard at work making it better.
The Daily Grind: Updating...
Tons of updates hitting this week: WoW is headed to 2.3, Everquest is getting patched, and it seems like almost everyone is getting code out to their games (maybe in advance of the holidays).So what's your routine when patches come around? Me, I'll probably be avoiding Azeroth on Tuesday, as a big patch usually means things are a little hectic when it first comes down (not to mention that Assassin's Creed is coming to the non-MMO world, and that's going to be grabbing lots of my attention). But in the meantime, I'll have addons to update, a probably a good chunk of the patch to download yet.What's your plan for patch day this week? Are you going to charge in ahead of the crowds and be the first to see the new content (and all that lag), or sit back, relax, and let things work themselves out before you login?
Verizon's BlackBerry Pearl gets new data plans, too
They're still miles away from T-Mobile's ridiculously cheap $10 for unlimited BlackBerry email, but Verizon's trying to reach out to a more personal, consumer-based audience as it preps to launch its own Pearl with a new data pricing structure of its own. Unlimited web and email will run you $29.99 when purchased with a voice plan, $34.99 without, offering support for up to ten POP3 and IMAP accounts. Again, T-Mobile's got these cats beat hands-down if saving dinero is the priority -- but then again, Verizon takes the cake for total coverage area and, of course, 3G speed. Pick your poison.
Boost's unlimited plan now available in 10 more markets
Boost has been super quiet about its strategy for unlimited calling and world domination since rolling out plans to a handful of test markets many months ago, but the deal's still on the table and markets are getting added -- just at a glacial pace, that's all. Dubbed "Unlimited by Boost," the plan offers unlimited calling (hence the name) within the user's home market; outside that market, though, the voice runs a stiff 15 cents per minute. Subscribers in an additional ten states can get in on the action now, which comes contract-free like all other Boost offerings. Check it for $45 to $55 per month depending on location, while a plan that also includes unlimited data will be offered starting November 12 for $55 and up (again, depending on market).
Google's mobile plans to be unveiled soon
For now it's not much more than a plan to announce a plan within the next few weeks, but since it involves Google and cellphone networks, we'll take it. The Wall Street Journal has the news that Google will announce its mobile offerings within the next two weeks, which could take the form of hardware, software packages, or -- most likely -- an open platform for phones that third party developers can build on. Interaction is the key word here: Google's platform won't involve locking down features, rather, it'll open them up so that they work together. How exactly the company will execute this plan will be revealed within the immediate future: although with most phone manufacturers already subcontracting development of their phone's software platforms, it doesn't sound like it should be too difficult a job to muscle in.[Thanks, Harry; via MarketWatch. Image credit]
AT&T targets a more mature audience with new plan
It seems the wireless industry is at a bit of a crossroads here where cellphone users are starting to retire and their needs are changing drastically. They may not need nearly as many minutes as they did in the workforce -- but as pretty much anyone who has ever touched a cellphone can testify, it's virtually impossible to give up the habit once you've started, particularly now that some folks are phasing out their landlines. Japanese carriers have been catering to this unique segment of the market for a while now and their US counterparts are starting to get into the swing of things with devices like Verizon's Wireless Coupe. AT&T really doesn't have any phones that it's specifically marketing to seniors just yet, but it's moving in that direction with the introduction of its "Senior Nation 200" plan offering 200 anytime minutes, 500 night / weekend minutes, and unlimited mobile-to-mobile for 30 bones a month. Sounds like a good deal for anyone that needs a light plan, but young'uns need not apply; AT&T is actually verifying that you've hit the 65 mark at the cash register.
Verizon Wireless allows customers to change plans without extending contract
Though you may be used to hearing Alltel boast of its consumer-friendly policy that enables users to change their plan at anytime without requiring a contract extension, now would be a good time to gear up for lots of similar chatter from Verizon. Reportedly, Verizon Wireless will soon allow its users to change up their plans mid-contract without asking them to sign on for any additional time, which should thoroughly excite those customers who've been regretting their plan decision since day two. So go on, Verizon customers, start scoping out which plan best fits your current lifestyle, because the new rule goes into effect on October 7th.[Thanks, Kiwi616]
T-Mobile hits bargain basement with new data, BlackBerry plans
We've always hearted T-Mobile's data pricing (while simultaneously cursing its lack of 3G), but they've somehow managed to make it even better than it already was. Unlimited mobile Internet and T-Mobile HotSpot service now totals just $19.95 a month on top of your voice plan -- a boon for just-unlocked iPhones, we'd say -- while BlackBerry pricing has taken a similar plunge, running just $10 a month for unlimited email on what T-Mobile is apparently positioning as an "entry-level" plan. Bring on the HSDPA 1700, T-Mobile, and we're so there.[Via RCR News, thanks Mike B.]
Sprint offers up 'unlimited' wireless plan for Puerto Rico, USVI
Those camped out in Puerto Rico or the US Virgin Islands (lucky...) now have yet another wireless plan option courtesy of Sprint, and although that "unlimited" keyword may look enticing, it's enclosed in quotes for a reason. The firm's newest unlimited calling plan was reportedly developed specifically for the Sprint Caribbean market and is available for new and existing customers. The $49.99-per-month plan "includes all local and long distance calls received or generated within the local Puerto Rico and USVI coverage area, as well as long-distance calls from [Sprint] mobile to mobile." Of course, one call to the US mainland, and you'll be hit with a $0.25-per-minute fee as well as an additional $0.69-per-minute if you're roaming, so we'd keep it local if we were you.
AT&T Unity subscribers get more freebies
With the way carriers tend to nickle 'n dime us all these days, you won't find this camp complaining about anything offered up gratis. AT&T's latest round of freebies does require you to be an AT&T Unity subscriber -- meaning that you rely on AT&T for wireless and landline service -- but affords those who are in the loop free calling to and from any AT&T phone number. Moreover, it allows AT&T wireless customers to keep their rollover minutes fresh for 12 months, prevents anytime minute usage when phoning another AT&T customer, and includes unlimited night and weekend minutes. Best of all, these gifts are also being given to current Unity customers in addition to newcomers, so make sure you eye your next bill extra carefully.
T-Mobile beefs up midrange plan offerings
$40 seems to be the sweet spot for T-Mobile, seeing how the carrier just added a pair of plans to keep its 300 minute myFaves plan company at that all-important price point. First up is a 1,000 minute plan (obviously not featuring myFaves) that features unlimited nights and weekends but no mobile-to-mobile calling. If anytime minutes are priority numero uno, though, you can forego the unlimited nights and weekends in exchange for an additional 500 anytime, bringing the total to 1,500. Additionally, the carrier added another plan another $20 up the food chain: a 1,000 anytime minute plan with myFaves, offering no nights/weekends or mobile-to-mobile, for $60.
International texting package in the pipe for AT&T
We've received word that AT&T is prepping a new package that should make texting outside of the US just a little more palatable. Right now, folks pay a stiff $0.20 to get their SMSes off our shores and $0.15 to get them in -- not bad, no, but still a good deal pricier than the domestic stuff. The new plan, scheduled for a June 3 launch, allegedly rocks 100 texts per month for $9.99, basically shaving 50 percent off the cost (for the first hundred, anyway). Still more expensive than a text to your friend next door -- and no, it doesn't include picture or video messaging -- but we'll take what we can get.[Thanks, anonymous tipster]
