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Dutch officials contemplate barring KPN, T-Mobile and Vodafone from spectrum auction
A spectrum auction looms on the horizon in the Netherlands, but three of the country's largest players may be excluded from participation. As you know, earlier this week, Dutch authorities raided the offices of KPN Mobile, T-Mobile Netherlands and Vodafone Netherlands in a price-fixing investigation. The Netherlands Competition Authority (NMa), which carried out the raid, stressed that its visit does not mean the operators are guilty of collusion or hint at the outcome of its investigation. Now, Dutch lawmakers and the country's Minister of Economic Affairs must come to a decision about the auction that's set to take place in the spring of 2012 -- which is likely to be well in advance of any final report from the NMa. One option tossed around has been to postpone the auction, though, as lawmakers point out, this could hinder the development in the mobile space and further limit competition. Alternately, had any of the named companies actually profited from the alleged collusion, there's a risk that these monies could be used to purchase additional spectrum and further extend their dominance. Those discussing the matter hope to move quickly, though it certainly seems difficult to make any decision of this magnitude lightly.
Everything Everywhere's £1.5 billion investment to bring 4G to Orange and T-Mobile in the UK
So far there have been some limited LTE trials, but the truth remains: UK 4G isn't happening any time soon. A fact not lost on Everything Everywhere CEO Olaf Swantee, who's raiding the coffers to a tune of £1.5 billion to bring the Orange and T-Mo UK up to speed. Top of the shopping list, naturally, is the network equipment needed, in time for when the spectrum eventually gets auctioned off -- currently expected to be late 2012. The cash injection is part of a three-year investment, so don't expect that minty fresh network any time soon, but UK users can at least take refuge in knowing that Swantee, and his brace of providers, are pushing to bring old Blighty decent data rates sooner rather than later. That's if they've been given back in time.
T-Mobile confirms Samsung Galaxy S II in white will arrive December 14th
T-Mobile's going to have a rather important day on December 14th: earlier it announced a special event with Nokia scheduled for that evening, and it also tweeted out confirmation that the white Samsung Galaxy S II will be meandering into stores and online warehouses on the same day. If you've been hoping it would show up in time for the holidays, rest well tonight knowing you won't have to air any grievances this season -- at least, not for this reason.
T-Mobile G2x gets its Gingerbread on (again), hopes it sticks
The G2x just can't seem to quit Gingerbread. After a series of upgrade starts and stops, LG is once again offering an OTA software upgrade for this pure Google experience device. The update started rolling out to handsets yesterday, but those impatient to part with FroYo can always opt for a manual install via the company's site. If you'll recall, the one-time T-Mobile flagship's woes began shortly after its launch, when complaints of random reboots, overheating and poor battery life overtook dedicated forums. Yet despite promises that Android 2.3 would hit "soon" to address these issues, frustrated owners were instead treated to an on again / off again melodrama of scheduled releases. Now, as we totter on the brink of 2012 and an Ice Cream Sandwich future, this drawn-out saga appears to be reaching some form of closure.
T-Mobile, Vodafone and KPN raided in Dutch price-fixing probe
Details are pretty slim at the moment, but it appears that Vodafone, KPN and T-Mobile are among the companies that have been raided by Dutch regulators in a price-fixing investigation. The country's competition authorities, NMa, swept through the carriers' offices as part of a probe into alleged "cartel agreements" exposed by whistleblowers. All three of the companies have agreed to cooperate with the investigation and have denied wrong doing but, they're starting with a dark cloud of suspicion hanging over their heads already. It was only ten years ago that the same three mobile operators were fined for illegally coordinating on pricing and fees. Obviously, it's wrong to jump to conclusions, but what are the chances these huge corporations just haven't learned from their past mistakes?
T-Mobile to bleach Samsung Galaxy S II in white, arriving 'in time for the holidays'
What's that gorgeous device doing in a pearly white on this side of the pond? T-Mobile will be offering a second color option for its flagship TouchWiz device, the Samsung Galaxy S II, "in the coming weeks." Though its exact launch date is uncertain, the two companies assured us that it would land in time for the holidays. We're just hoping they're not referring to Valentine's Day. %Gallery-140072%
LG myTouch, myTouch Q available on T-Mobile November 2nd for $79
Magenta's taken to its Facebook wall to announce the availability of its latest LG-made, Android 2.3.4 phones: the 3.8-inch myTouch and 3.5-inch myTouch Q. Word of these handsets' existence leaked out via YouTube a few months back, but the carrier's since made both official. The duo will hit T-Mobile's site on November 2nd, each at a budget-pleasing $79.99 -- that's after a mail-in rebate on a two-year contract. But if you're the sort to pick up your wares in-store, then expect to see this pair on offer come November 9th. What'll you get for that sub-$100 price? Well, the devices run along the operator's 4G HSPA+ network and pack a single-core 1GHz Qualcomm processor, as well as front-facing / 5 megapixel rear cameras. The only thing setting these two apart is your predilection for a landscape QWERTY slider, in which case you'll want to snag the Q. So, if you've been waiting on T-Mo to roll this twosome out of the gate, consider tomorrow your lucky day.
LG DoublePlay likely to see single release for T-Mobile on October 26th
What phone has a second screen and split keyboard and is likely to make its debut on October 26th? Why yes, it's the LG DoublePlay, one of T-Mobile's latest oddballs. Of course, this is just a screenshot that likely indicates a release later this week (with retail outlets receiving units on November 2nd), so we can't say with an absolute certainty -- though this date would coincide perfectly with the beginning of the National Texting Championship. No word yet on its pricing, and its unique form factor and functionality keeps us from taking any wild guesses. Hopefully we'll know in less than 48 hours.
HTC Radar 4G gets November 2nd launch date on T-Mobile with $100 price tag
"In time for the holidays" has now been clarified to mean November 2nd. Nearly a month after T-Mobile initially unveiled the US version of the Windows Phone 7.5-containing HTC Radar, its Facebook page trumpeted the date along with its accompanying $100 cost attached to a two-year contract and after $50 mail-in rebate. So if this little 3.8-inch darling with 1GHz Snapdragon CPU, 5MP rear camera and 4G network compatibility is on your wish list, you don't have to wait much longer.
LG DoublePlay makes its official intro on T-Mobile, offers dual-screens and split keyboard
Where have all the split-keyboard phones gone? It's been roughly six years since the days of the Nokia E70, a messaging device with an innovative form factor, but handsets with a similar mold have become extreme rarities in the market -- if they even make it to the market at all (remember the MotoSplit?). LG's hoping to gain some ground in this area by officially announcing the DoublePlay, a unique Android 2.3 handset with dual touchscreens and split QWERTY. Here's the scoop: the DoublePlay's powered by a 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon CPU and offers a 5MP rear-facing camera capable of capturing 720p HD video. Where it gets interesting, however, is in the DoublePlay's design -- it uses a 3.5-inch display on top, sliding out to reveal a 2-inch internal screen sandwiched in between both halves of the keyboard. As it turns out, both screens can be used separately or in tandem with each other, depending on your needs. No pricing or availability was specifically announced, but the presser appears to coincide with the 2011 National Texting Championship beginning October 26th, so the phone will likely launch around the same time. Perhaps we have a device here that'll be a legend in another seven years?
T-Mobile Galaxy S II pre-orders begin today, should land in stores October 12th
T-Mo customers, don't get jealous of everyone pre-ordering an iPhone 4S, you've got your own super phone ready to hit retail channels -- the Galaxy S II. As promised, the 4.5-inch variant of Samsung's current flagship device hit T-Mobile's site today for pre-order and is expected to start popping up on retail shelves on Wednesday, October 12th. If you want to make sure you're one of the first on Big Magenta to leave your fingerprints on its sizable Super AMOLED Plus screen, head on over to the carrier's site now to put in your order. The privilege will set you back $230 with a two-year contract. [Thanks, xkaosu9x]
GSM Nexus Prime passes through the FCC, possibly heading to AT&T?
Just because next week's joint Samsung and Google event has been postponed doesn't mean the leaks have to end. A Sammy handset with the model number I9250, which matches up nicely with the baseband version in the Galaxy Nexus shots that popped up, just made an appearance at the FCC packing a GSM radio compatible with AT&T and T-Mobile's HSPA networks. It's also boasting dual-band 802.11n, Bluetooth and NFC. Despite suggestions that the next Nexus device would be a Verizon exclusive, we could be looking at the AT&T version or at least the unlocked GSM model. The fact that it doesn't support T-Mobile's 2100MHz band leads us to believe this won't be popping up in T-Mo shops. It appears that T-Mobile AWS is included. Noticeably missing, however, is any mention of LTE -- that particular feature could still be the sole realm of Big Red. Hopefully we won't have to wait much longer to find out all the details. One more image after the break. [Thanks, Samer]
LG myTouch phones listed as 'coming soon' to T-Mobile with suspect specs
Remember that pair of myTouch-branded LG phones that made a brief appearance on YouTube back in September? Well they're up on T-Mobile's site and listed as "coming soon." The myTouch and myTouch Q, in black and gray respectively, are sitting pretty with a pair of galleries showing of their sizable bezels and inoffensive (if bulky) curves. There are also some specs listed, but they're a tad suspect and may simply be a placeholder. In particular the Q being listed as having a QWERTY pad that is 92-percent the size of a laptop keyboard had us raising an eyebrow. Both are also listed as sporting 42Mbps 4G connections, which contradicts earlier leaks that pegged these handsets as mid-range 3G devices. For now, we'll just have to wait and see, but you can hit up the source links to take a gander for yourself.
T-Mobile's FlexPay plan to be eliminated as soon as December?
We've suspected for some time now that post AT&T-Mobile merger, Magenta's FlexPay plan would be on its way out sooner rather than later. The payment plan was originally discontinued for new customers back in July, but now it appears the company will completely phase out FlexPay as early as December -- forcing loyalists from the old regime to choose an alternate plan and clearing the way for postpaid and Monthly 4G alternatives. According to the leaked memo intercepted by TmoNews, customers who migrate to Postpaid plans will be able to keep the same rates, migrate without signing a contract or paying fees -- making the switch a little less painful. RIP FlexPay, you'll be missed.
T-Mobile CMO: no iPhone 5 on our network this year
Hopes and dreams = shot. We've had a sneaky suspicion all along that T-Mobile would likely be the only major network not playing host to an iPhone 5 launch party this year, but we still kept our heads high because no official denial had been given from the company's C-level. That's now changed, since T-Mobile CMO Cole Brodman slammed us back into reality at a town hall meeting stating: "we are not going to get the iPhone 5 this year." It's a hard pill to swallow in such a short summation, but there might be a glimmer of hope -- technically Brodman only referenced one specific name. Since there's always a possibility that Apple will choose a different title for its fifth-gen device (or even add a lower-priced option), T-Mobile fans can still grasp onto one last Hail Mary of a chance; just don't set yourself up for more disappointment, okay?
AT&T files response to DOJ suit, says regulators just don't understand
It's no secret or surprise that AT&T is unhappy with the DOJ's decision to try and block its merger with T-Mobile. But issuing public statements is one thing, officially filing papers in court is another. Ma Bell submitted a 25-page document arguing that the Justice Department's claims represent a misunderstanding of the market and dismisses competition from "innovative upstarts," like MetroPCS and US Cellular. AT&T's lawyers point out that T-Mo, currently the fourth largest provider, has been losing customers for years and it's German parent company may not be inclined to invest much in improving it. By contrast, AT&T has spent $30 billion over the last two years to boost network quality and capacity, yet still struggles to keep up with demand. We can't say the arguments are without validity, but the government's fear of a market dominated by just three companies with little incentive to innovate or drive down prices also seems well founded. Well, the pageantry officially gets underway on September 21st, when the US District Court hearings begin.
Galaxy S II finally lands on American shores for Sprint, T-Mobile and AT&T
Well, it's been a long time coming, but you fine folks living in the good ol' U-S-of-A are finally getting blessed with Galaxy S IIs to call your own. Conspicuously missing from the party is Verizon, but Sprint, T-Mobile and AT&T are all getting in on the Super AMOLED Plus action under the guise of the Epic 4G Touch on Sprint and just plain old Galaxy S II on AT&T and T-Mo. As we had heard earlier the Epic 4G Touch is sporting a slightly larger 4.52-inch screen as will the T-Mobile variant, while AT&T is sticking with the 4.3-inch panel found on the international model. Sprint customers will be first to get their shot at owning one on September 16th for $200, with AT&T and T-Mobile a little further down the road. Otherwise there are very few surprises here, with a 1.2GHz Exynos pushing Gingerbread and TouchWiz to each gorgeous screen. All are packing 16GB of internal storage and being pitched as 4G handsets -- with WiMax on board the Sprint model and HSPA+ for T-Mo and AT&T. Ma Bell's is specifically championing its variant as the "thinnest 4G smartphone," which might have something to do with the smaller 1650 mAh battery inside (the Epic 4G Touch is sporting an 1800 mAh pack). Check back soon for some hands-on. %Gallery-132069%
Engadget's back to school guide 2011: smartphones
Welcome to Engadget's Back to School guide! We know that this time of year can be pretty annoying and stressful for everyone, so we're here to help out with the heartbreaking process of gadget buying for the school-aged crowd. Today, we're tapping away on our smartphones -- and you can head to the Back to School hub to see the rest of the product guides as they're added throughout the month. Be sure to keep checking back -- at the end of the month we'll be giving away a ton of the gear featured in our guides -- and hit up the hub page right here! Now more than ever, collegiate studies require a wide variety of devices to help you get that prized "A." The thirst for knowledge you so desperately seek can strike at any time, and you're not always going to have that desktop or laptop nearby to find the answer to a burning question. Perhaps you just need to hurl birds at pigs for a while to blow off your stress. Whatever the case, you'll need something to help you study, store (and edit) all of your important term papers, keep you in touch with classmates or family, and everything in-between. What better way to get all of that than with a smartphone? We've picked nine respectable candidates that can help you through your upcoming semester -- three for each budget level. Oh, and while you're looking, we're giving away $3,000 worth of essential back to school gear to 15 lucky readers, and you can be one of them by simply leaving a comment below! So, which phones are most likely to help you get smart? Head past the break to find out.
Engadget Mobile Podcast 100 - 08.21.2011
We're 100. 100! If you're like us, you totally can't believe it's been more than two years since we first started Mobile Podcasting but you totally can believe it at the same time because that's just how we roll: dedicated. To celebrate we've brought along Engadget Chinese editor Richard Lai and Noah Kravitz of TechnoBuffalo to weigh in on stuff like the Xiaomi phone and Symbian Belle leaking its way into the world. And...a couple of other things. We're old. It's a mobile party. You just got your pentaband invite to click on the play or download links below. Don't sleep on it: before you know it we'll be 200.Hosts: Myriam Joire (tnkgrl), Brad MolenGuests: Richard Lai, Noah KravitzProducer: Trent WolbeMusic: Daestro - Light Powered (Ghostly International)00:02:45 - HP will 'discontinue operations for webOS devices', may spin off Personal Systems Group00:21:55 - Google acquiring Motorola Mobility00:42:45 - Motorola's new Droid HD makes cameo alongside Droid Bionic01:04:30 - BlackBerry Bold 9930 review01:05:43 - AT&T streamlining individual messaging plans August 21st, leaving unlimited as the sole survivor01:15:00 - Xiaomi Phone hands-on (updated with video)01:25:40 - Symbian Anna now available for download on Nokia N8, E7, C7 and C6-0101:26:30 - Symbian Belle download leaked to N8 community, quickly pulled from site (update: Anna available on NaviFirm)01:30:57 - CNET: RIM in talks to squeeze out BlackBerry music service01:32:50 - Motorola Photon 4G review01:36:53 - Samsung Hercules, HTC Ruby available from T-Mobile on October 26th?01:38:56 - Samsung Hercules gets its Telus on in leaked glamour shots01:39:38 - HTC Holiday prototype shows up on Craigslist, gives us reason to celebrate (update: AT&T-bound)01:45:55 - Why is LTE equipment being installed in an Apple Store?Hear the podcastSubscribe to the podcast[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes[RSS MP3] Add the Engadget Mobile Podcast feed (in MP3) to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically[RSS AAC] Add the Engadget Mobile Podcast feed (in enhanced AAC) to your RSS aggregator[Zune] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune MarketplaceDownload the podcastLISTEN (MP3)LISTEN (AAC)Contact the podcastpodcast (at) engadgetmobile (dot) com.Follow us on Twitter@tnkgrl @phonewisdom @engadgetmobile
HTC Ruby to be dubbed Amaze 4G, come with 1.5GHz CPU and 4.3-inch display?
The white shell of the HTC Ruby exudes a "ghostly" quality, which seems to explain its ability to appear and disappear at will. This time the smartphone's popped up in reports highlighting a couple important revelations: according to BGR, the Ruby's slated to become the carrier's flagship and will be looked upon as the Sensation 4G's big brother. We're not so sure about it being a literal statement, since the Ruby is speculated to have the same 4.3-inch display as its sibling, but it'll definitely be more power-packed with a 1.5GHz dual-core CPU and HSPA+ radio with connection speeds reaching up to 42Mbps. But that's not all, folks: PocketNow, contributing some gossip of its own, is reporting that the phone will be called the Amaze 4G by T-Mobile, and will also have an 8 megapixel camera with dedicated still and video capture buttons. Now that leaks and reports are starting to pour in this quickly, it may not be too long before the Ruby Amaze 4G completely outrumors the Droid Bionic -- which is not an easy task by any means.
