roaming
Latest
AT&T cuts prices on international data roaming, goes easier on overages
Could it be? Is AT&T addressing bill shock by simply trying to make international data roaming costs reasonable? From the looks of its new Data Global Add-On deals, that might be the case. The baseline price is up from last year at $30 per month, but you'll get 120MB of data for your trouble -- an amount that used to cost $50. The next step up not only costs less than before, at $60 versus the old $100, but ups the data ever so gently to 300MB in the process. AT&T's maximum allotment is still a relatively modest 800MB, but at $120 a month, it's a lot easier to swallow for a European vacation than the earlier $200 for the same data cap. The real advantage for all three may be the overage rate: rather than bill by the byte, AT&T is now charging $30 for every 120MB over your limit, so you won't have to fork over the equivalent of a car payment just because you couldn't resist posting to Instagram from the Alps. We still think dedicated international services like Xcom Global (or an unlocked phone and a prepaid SIM) are the most efficient ways to go, but the carrier-bound among us will catch a big break when the new international plans take effect June 1st.
Verizon's ZTE-built Jetpack 890L 4G hotspot ships May 24th, promises globetrotting for $20
Verizon has just finished trotting out the last of its known 2012 Jetpack hotspots through the arrival of the ZTE-made model we saw back at CES in January. Now carrying a bit more Verizon red on the surface and a bit less Chinese in the name, the Jetpack 890L can share its 4G LTE sugar with as many as 10 WiFi devices at once. There's no removable battery like its Novatel-made Jetpack cousin, but you do get Global Ready (read: HSPA) roaming abroad. We're most liking the price. At $20 on a contract after a $50 mail-in rebate, the 890L will be the most frugal way to board the LTE hotspot train once it reaches stores on May 24th.
Europe votes to cap data roaming prices, will make it cheaper to tweet from Ibiza
European Union countries already had a data roaming cutoff law in place to prevent bill shock after your next Balearic vacation, but the price of the data in question should get much cheaper very soon. The European Parliament has just voted 578 to 10 to cap the price customers pay at no more than 70 Euro cents (91 US cents) per megabyte starting from July 1st, with that price eventually dipping to 45 Euro cents (58c US) a year later and just 20 Euro cents (26 US cents) in 2014. Voice and text price caps are going down to as little as 19 and nine Euro cents (25 and 12 cents US) in that two-year span, and if you're visiting from outside the EU, you'll be glad to hear that the anti-bill shock rule will apply to you this year as well. So, while you still might want to avoid uploading large videos from your phone while in Spain, you'll at least have the option of checking in on Foursquare without having to take out a small mortgage.
Predictably named iPavement puts hotspots into the sidewalk
We know what it's like to be in a foreign country without a mobile internet connection. Although there are domestic options making it easier to connect our devices abroad, Spanish company iPavement wants to help confused tourists (and their confused devices) by seamlessly integrating hotspots into tiles -- which are seamlessly integrated into the ground. It's unclear whether users will have open access to the entire world wide web, or only controlled info about the city, but the service is at least free to use. The 24kg (53lb) tiles are slightly larger than normal, installed a maximum of 20 meters (66 feet) from one another and only work at temperatures between -10 - 45 degrees Celsius (14 - 113 degrees Fahrenheit). Touristy cloud apps like maps, coupons, and traffic updates in various languages are also a part of the deal, and you would look like less of a tourist without that huge guide to Madrid. Just lose the fanny pack and you'll be set.
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 announces Global Data Plan, 100MB for $25 a month starting April 23rd
Need to take that Verizon smartphone with you on an upcoming overseas excursion? Well, now you no longer have to wonder just how harsh the roaming data rates will be on the ol' wallet. The carrier has announced its Global Data Plan that will launch on April 23rd, providing its customers with 100MB of data for $25 a month. Available in over 120 locales, the new roaming allotment will span all of Europe, South America, the Caribbean, Mexico and Canada. Of course, you'll need a global phone to take full advantage of the list of destinations. Once you use up your initial purchase, a text message will break the news that an additional 100MB has been added automatically and another $25 tacked on to your bill. If you happen to venture outside of this plan's included areas but remain within VZW's wider global coverage, you can expect pay-per-use rates of $0.02 for each KB downloaded. Looking for more details? Hit that PR button below before packing your bags.
Ask Engadget: Best AT&T smartphone for occasional tethering?
We know you've got questions, and if you're brave enough to ask the world for answers, here's the outlet to do so. This week's Ask Engadget inquiry is from is from Paul who is looking for a handset for his tethering needs. If you're looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com. "Hello! Can you help me decide if I should take my freshly available upgrade on AT&T or hold on for a while. In the past I've made some rash decisions that led to immediate regret and two years of gadget envy. If I had to choose today, I'd pick a Samsung Focus S, because of the overall feature set of Mango and its small size. It'd be nice to have a mobile hotspot for syncing my Kindle Fire while I'm camping and a camera should Bigfoot happen across my path. Please help me, Engadget gurus!"If you asked us, we'd advise keeping our powder dry for a month or two, because there's a whole slew of handsets that were announced at MWC we'll be seeing in Q2 of this year. But heck, what do we know? There's a river of eager commenters below this post all desperate to help, so help away!
FCC counters Verizon, aims to dismiss its data roaming complaints
Verizon and the FCC have been going at it for sometime over a variety of issues, but one of the more notable has been the data roaming rules that narrowly passed last year. In May of 2011 the carrier filed suit against the commission, claiming it had overstepped its authority by demanding larger providers enter into voice and data roaming agreements with its smaller "competitors." The regulatory agency has finally responded in kind, by saying that Verizon's case is invalid and that its powers are clearly spelled out under Title III of the Communications Act of 1934. Now its just a matter of waiting to see if Big Red's case is indeed dismissed, or if the FCC is headed to court. Stayed tuned to find out -- we know we will.
T-Mobile to tighten the purse strings, limit data roaming starting April 5th
We've just come across an internal T-Mobile memo that will certainly give a few customers a moment of pause: come April 5th, it seems the carrier will impose new, restrictive limits that affect data usage when roaming. Hot on the heels of the network's roaming pact with AT&T, the change would restrict subscribers to a fixed allotment of roaming data that's proportionate to their current data plan. While most customers are unlikely to notice the change, it's almost certain that some will be left out in the cold. Once the roaming limit is met, users will be unable to consume any additional data on non-Magenta networks until the start of a new billing cycle. T-Mobile suggests the move is in effort to keep its prices competitive, but one thing is for certain: it's hardly the Full Monty.
Sprint's move to roaming agreements sends AT&T to angry town
Despite all Sprint's efforts to promote its Network Vision plans, the carrier has been much more coy about its intentions for subscribers in the rural midwest. It was recently revealed that the company plans to divest some of its infrastructure in Oklahoma and Kansas, where the carrier will instead rely on roaming agreements for voice and data. The move is primarily a cost-cutting measure, but one network -- AT&T -- is none too happy about the revelation. Ma Bell argues that Sprint is being too opportunistic following the FCC's shuttering of the Home Market Rule, which (once upon a time) required carriers to build up infrastructure rather than rely on roaming agreements in areas where they held spectrum licenses.With the Home Market Rule a thing of the past, AT&T suggests this move will merely be the tip of the iceberg for Sprint, as the carrier may now essentially piggyback on the investments of other providers. The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals is currently set to hear arguments on the matter this spring, and AT&T hopes the Court will "reject the FCC's market intervention." In the meantime, according to Ma Bell, Sprint's actions are, "Nice work, if you can get it." These are fighting words, indeed.Naturally, Sprint isn't taking these accusations lying down. In response, it states, "It's disappointing, but not surprising, that AT&T wants to challenge a consumer's right to access email, the Internet and other mobile broadband services wherever they may travel in the U.S." Those interested can read the text in its entirety after the break.
Verizon to enable global roaming for LG Spectrum and Droid 4
VZW's latest LTE handsets don't make the best travel companions right now. Aside from getting stressed in airports and talking too much on coach trips, they also lack support for global GSM roaming. However, Big Red says it's "working on a few network enhancements" that will let the LG Spectrum and Droid 4 (shown above) work outside CDMA areas -- probably by the first half of this year. It's a nice gesture, but it also reminds us that what we're going to need in future -- full-on data roaming at LTE speeds -- will be a lot trickier to achieve.
Roam Mobility deflates roaming charges, teams up with T-Mobile to spare Canadian wallets
Roaming charges are the big, bad wolf of the wireless industry. And if you happen to be a Canadian with a predilection for crossing the US border, you've likely incurred the wrath of those fees. Enter Roam Mobility, a partnership with T-Mobile that aims to offer Canucks a flat, no strings attached fee when visiting the states. The plans range from a $15 offering for three days worth of unlimited voice and text to $20 for a 500MB allotment of data. If you want to take part, you'll need an unlocked GSM handset or you can always opt for one of the company's own featurephones. The service goes live on the 16th of this month, so mark your calendar and adjust those travel plans accordingly.
China Telecom eyes network expansion in France, Germany and US
The world's largest CDMA mobile operator, China Telecom, is looking to further expand its network footprint in Europe. With wireless assets already secured in the UK, Bloomberg reports that France and Germany may be next on the communication giant's proverbial hit-list. CT hopes to win the wireless business of jet-setters and Chinese citizens living outside of The People's Republic with competitive international roaming rates and its familiar brand. A separate report states that the company's interest is not confined to the Euro Zone and China Telecom may try and bring its services to the US sometime in 2012. Something tells us AT&T won't make a play to buy 'em, though.
Xcom Global revolutionizes global data: one MiFi to serve 195 countries
Chances are you'll see a metric ton of new gizmos surfacing at CES next week, and if we're lucky, two or three of them will be bona fide game changers. Lucky for you, Xcom Global is serving one up ahead of the mayhem, with a single WWAN device that enables you to suck down 3G data in nearly every country on the planet. If you'll recall, the outfit's Euro SIM took a giant step in the right direction by providing universal 3G data coverage to jetsetters who passed through some 40 nations in Europe, but true globetrotters need something even more advanced. And frankly, even those who are only hitting three or four nations in a swing will surely appreciate the ability to carry just a single USB stick or MiFi hotspot versus a handful of 'em. Xcom's deeming it the Global Travel Plan, and thanks to its partnership with iPhoneTrip, the outfit is adding support for some 130 nations, bringing the grand total to 195. Better still, users will be able to enjoy unlimited surfing in any of those places, all for just $12.95 per day. For those unaware, Xcom's service -- which we reviewed back in 2010 -- works a bit like this. If you're in the US, you hit its website and select your travel dates as well as the nations you're planning to travel through. If you select the Global Travel Plan, you'll get a single device shipped to you before you depart. It'll serve up data from local 3G networks in the countries you travel through, and once you're home, you pop the device back into a prepaid envelope and carry on. Yeah, you could argue that scrounging up a local SIM in every place you go is more affordable, but the ease of use here can't be overlooked. We'll be giving the new plan a go in some of the world's most far-out locales in the coming weeks, so be sure to keep an eye out for our results. Till then, hit the source link for a PDF of every supported nation as of January 2012.
T-Mobile USA and AT&T's seven-year UMTS roaming agreement gets detailed
Oddly enough, the main upside of the proposed T-Mobile USA / AT&T tie-up is coming to fruition, despite the fact that neither carrier will be merging into the other. We'd heard shortly after the breakup that both operators would be agreeing to a seven-year roaming deal, but hadn't noticed any specifics on it until now. According to T-Mob's parent company Deutsche Telekom, the two have come to terms on a UMTS roaming agreement for the US (read: no international deals here), which will "allow [T-Mobile] to improve its footprint significantly among the US population and offer its customers better broadband coverage for mobile communications services in the future." The carrier's population coverage will increase from 230 million potential customers at present to 280 million. As a result of the deal with AT&T, coverage will be extended to many regions of America in which T-Mobile USA previously had neither its own high-speed mobile communications network nor the associated roaming agreements. As if that weren't enough, T-Mobile USA will also receive a large package of AWS mobile spectrum in 128 Cellular Market Areas (CMAs), including 12 of the top 20 markets (Los Angeles, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Washington, Boston, San Francisco, Phoenix, San Diego, Denver, Baltimore and Seattle). Oh, and Deutsche Telekom gets $3 billion in cash. #winning
Cubic Telecom's Maxroam data SIM card lets you roam the globe without breaking the bank
It's never easy to travel the globe on a tight budget, but Cubic Telecom is doing its best to ease the financial burden a bit, with its new Maxroam card -- a global data SIM card that allows American travelers to access the web for just 65 cents per MB. The card, available without any subscription or contract, works within a total of 43 countries, including India, Australia, South Africa and Europe. All you have to do is purchase the card, insert it in your unlocked handset and activate it online. From there, you'll be able to use Maxroam until you reach the data limit, without worrying about expiration dates or time constraints. It's available now at the source link below, though as Cubic Telecom points out, final data rates may vary with the euro/dollar exchange rate.
AT&T Call International App gets Ma Bell into the mobile VoIP market
AT&T is throwing its globe trotting customers something of a bone with its Call International App. The free VoIP service, created with help from 8x8, will allow customers to place international long-distance calls over WiFi for much less than they would have to pay under standard roaming plans. Calls to China, France, Germany and the UK are as little as $0.04 a minute when dialing a landline. The app is available for all versions of the iPhone and certain Android and BlackBerry handsets. You can see if your device is supported (and chances are it is -- even the ancient BlackBerry 5810 has been granted access to the party) at the more coverage link. And don't miss the PR after the break.
Republic Wireless to offer unlimited calls, SMS and data for $19 per month
Prepaid world, you're getting called out. Offering what appears to be the lowest unlimited everything plan we've seen thus far, Republic Wireless -- a division of Bandwidth.com -- is ready to roll out its game-changing service next Tuesday. The carrier will be doling out all-you-can-eat talk, text and data for $19 per month. We're still slim on the nitty gritty details, but we know the new network is so inexpensive because it plans to utilize hybrid Android devices that rely mainly on UMA (the same WiFi-calling tech employed by T-Mobile) and will drop back to cellular roaming on Sprint when you're not in range of a hotspot. The company's main site offers nothing more than a teaser for now, but promises that we'll know all of its secrets no later than November 8th. If you're pulling your hair out wanting to find out more, we guess the teaser was a success.
H2O Wireless brings no-contract wireless broadband with international roaming to Best Buy, prices it into oblivion
And this, folks, is why Engadget will be first in line once the Occupy International Roaming convention gets underway. Truth is, it's not H2O Wireless' fault that its latest mobile broadband launch is priced in a way that would only appeal to those who spend their spare time printing money -- it's just the way the (crooked) industry works. Outside of picking up a rental MiFi or procuring a local SIM card from well-appointed international airports, your options for Facebooking, Google Mapping and VoIPing whilst abroad are limited. At any rate, the aforesaid company will be teaming up with Best Buy in order to deliver a no-contract mobile broadband plan that includes global roaming in 100 nations. The Worldwide Wireless Internet on-the-go package includes the USB device and H2O Broadband SIM card for $99.99, but you'll need a $30 international roaming data card in order to get -- wait for it -- ten megabytes of international data. For the big spenders, a $50 card is also available to provide 1GB of domestic data. In case we didn't make it crystal clear already, that's entirely too much for too little; we'd still recommend a local SIM upon arrival, or an Xcom MiFi if you'll be departing from the US of A. Full release is after the break, should you feel the need to explore further.
Sprint explains iPhone 4S unlocking policy: phones will be unlocked, then locked, then unlocked again
Yeah, that makes just as much sense to us as it does to you. Following yesterday's PR debacle, the final word from Sprint appears to be as follows: "Sprint's policy is to have the iPhone 4S SIM locked to our network domestically and internationally. At launch, the International SIM will be unlocked. We do expect a SIM lock to be pushed to the devices shortly after launch. We will then allow existing customers in good standing to unlock the SIM for international use if needed in the future." So, if we're reading that correctly, the iPhone you purchase and activate will be unlocked. Then, a SIM lock will be "pushed" to your device. But, if you've been a good, policy-abiding customer, your iPhone can then be unlocked manually by Sprint. Who knows what'll happen if you buy your phone and flee to a non-extradition country before Sprint comes knocking at the door, shackles in hand. Will you be left to live in peace with your newly-acquired international Micro SIM? Will you need to plead your case before a tribunal of mobile carrier overlords? Only time will tell, we suppose, or perhaps further clarification from Sprint. Jump past the break for the complete announcement.
