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T-Mobile's new data plans detailed, launching March 13th
As it turns out a 20 percent discount isn't all that's in the cards for T-Mobile webConnect subscribers. We now have what looks to be full details on the new data-only plans for laptops and other devices that, rather sadly, feature price increases across the board. T-Mo will be offering a monthly 200MB plan for $29.99, 5GB for $49.99, and a new 10GB choice for $79.99. That compares to $24.99 for the current 200MB plan and $39.99 for the current 5GB plan -- but don't forget those 20 percent discounts if you also have T-Mobile voice, which bring the cheapest plan down to a more tangible $23.99, 5GB to $39.99, and 10GB to $63.99. The last two are overage-free, but they're also throttling-enabled.
Deutsche Telekom thinking of merging T-Mobile USA with Sprint?
It ain't as crazy as you may think. If you'll recall, we actually heard last month that Deutsche Telekom was mulling the idea of spinning off T-Mobile USA from its portfolio, and now it looks as if one carrier in particular is interested. According to the inimitable "people with knowledge of the matter," Bloomberg Businessweek is reporting that Deutsche Telekom has gone ahead with talks to "sell its T-Mobile USA unit to Sprint in exchange for a major stake in the combined entity." Granted, there's no guarantees at this point that the two will actually reach a deal that sits well with both boards, and up until now, they haven't been able to come to terms with T-Mob's valuation. As the story goes, Deutsche Telekom has purportedly said that it could sell "all or part of the US business, and all options are open." Meanwhile, Sprint's remaining mum. A merger of these two would combine the number three and four players in America, but if that doesn't pan out, T-Mobile USA may end up buying wireless spectrum from Clearwire as an alternative. We're hearing that an outright sale of T-Mobile in the US is pretty much off of the table, but considering just how many backroom talks are apparently going on in both camps, we won't be surprised until they tell us to be.
T-Mobile getting ready to roll out new webConnect broadband plans, offer 20 percent discount
Already a T-Mobile subscriber? Been thinking about adding a mobile broadband plan to go along with it? Hold on to that credit card for a little longer, as we're hearing that the company is about to roll out new webConnect plans that will, at least in some cases, include a 20 percent discount for those who already have voice plans. The date March 13th is mentioned as something of a line in the sand between the current and new offerings, but really that's about all we know at this point. Well, about these plans, anyway. We know lots of things about other stuff.
Deutsche Telekom rolling out NFC payments with T-Mobile USA, other markets this year; NFC iPhone along for the ride?
At its press conference at Mobile World Congress today, Deutsche Telekom -- the German parent of T-Mobile subsidiaries around the world -- mentioned that it'll start launching NFC payment systems in handsets across multiple markets starting this year with full deployments in 2012. T-Mobile USA will be included in the action through the Isis initiative announced in late 2010 in partnership with AT&T and Verizon, but here's where it gets particularly interesting: DT execs apparently name dropped Apple during the live event for a 2011 launch. Of course, there's no shortage of rumors that the next-gen iPhone will include some manner of NFC capability, and it certainly seems like an Apple endorsement would work wonders in taking the technology to a new level of consumer acceptance. Follow the break for the full press release -- it doesn't mention Apple, interestingly, so it's entirely possible that this was an executive slip-up. More on this as we have it. Update: Rich from Phone Scoop wrote in to let us know that the Apple mention was in a slide deck handed out during the conference, not verbalized by executives. Interesting!
T-Mobile G-Slate hands-on: yep, it's an LG Optimus Pad
In case there was any lingering doubt in your mind, we can now definitely confirm -- having just played with it -- that the G-Slate that'll be going on sale shortly from T-Mobile in the States is a dead ringer for the Optimus Pad officially unveiled here at MWC this week. We just posted our impressions on that bad boy a few minutes ago, so let's go over the few differences: first off, there's a tastefully small T-Mobile logo silkscreened toward one side of the back (and thankfully, no logo whatsoever on front). As software goes, the only customizations include a utility to activate the tablet on T-Mobile's network along with the standard My Device app that users of T-Mobile's other Android hardware will be familiar with; the carrier tells us it'll be making some additional announcements revolving around media and content partnerships closer to launch (tablets are good for reading and watching things, don't you know), but they don't have anything ready to unveil just yet. That's literally it -- other than those minor details, customers on both sides of the pond are going to be enjoying the same 3D-capturing Honeycomb action with this one. See the full gallery below! %Gallery-116540%
Samsung's Galaxy S 4G for T-Mobile going for $149 at Walmart
It may be a Vibrant with Froyo, a front-facing camera and a thing for Joseph Gordon-Levitt, but it's still downright enviable when you consider the Galaxy S 4G's innate support for 21Mbps downloads. As of today, neither Samsung nor T-Mobile USA have been perfectly clear about how much they'd be demanding for this guy, but thanks to a leaked pricing sheet from Walmart, it looks as if it'll be a solid $50 less than most new smartphones. Those who waltz into Wally World later this month will be able to take one home for $148.88 with a two-year service agreement, or if you're the No Strings Attached kind of individual, $650. Ah, the choices we're saddled with.
T-Mobile launching Nokia X2 on February 16th?
Considering the rumors of the canceled Nuron 2 launch, it seemed like T-Mobile USA might be on less-than-rosy terms with Nokia -- but check this out: we've got shots here suggesting that the X2 will be hitting America's Number Four in just a few days' time. For the record, the X2 isn't a smartphone in the strictest sense of the word -- it's a portrait QWERTY handset running a recent incarnation of Series 40 -- but to its credit, Series 40 is one of the most capable feature phone platforms in the biz. Follow the break for a shot of the device in T-Mobile livery. [Thanks, anonymous tipster]
T-Mobile's Nokia Nuron 2 shelved?
Of all the phones we didn't expect to have a successor, T-Mobile USA's Nuron ranks high on that list -- though it was a great deal seeing how it didn't require a smartphone data plan, the device itself offered users a pretty miserable (and unnecessarily WiFi-less) experience. New rumors suggest that the carrier had fixed its sights on Nokia's Symbian^1-powered C5-03 as the successor to the Nuron for launch early next month... but don't get your hopes up, because in the same breath, PocketNow reports that the project has already been killed off. No word on the logic behind the move, but the killing echoes the recent news that the X7's AT&T debut had been axed after the two companies failed to agree on marketing and pricing. Doesn't seem like T-Mobile would be playing those same games, but you never know.
T-Mobile USA talks future, Deutsche Telekom weaning it off lifeline; Clearwire spectrum purchase still in play?
Germany's Deutsche Telekom -- better known in the States as T-Mobile USA's disciplinarian parent -- was out in New York today chatting up its American division's prospects for the future, and execs from both sides of the pond had quite a bit to say. The biggest outstanding concerns for the carrier revolve around revenue and customer churn -- which, let's be honest, are the core benchmarks that any carrier in the world is looking to improve -- and the division's CEO Philipp Humm just announced a series of initiatives to help get those numbers in line. On the churn side, they're "going big with Android" to combat the iPhone, continuing to roll out WiFi calling to alleviate network coverage issues, and tightening up "risk management" issues that have let some bill deadbeats slip through the cracks. Funny to think that non-payment is a big enough issue to be a revenue risk for these guys, but it's true. %Gallery-114777%
T-Mobile G2 free on contract for a limited time, Android buyers have never had it so good
Want one of the best Android handsets around, equipped with a dandy keyboard and some pseudo-4G internet connectivity? Taking the leap into Google's mobile world just became that little bit easier as T-Mobile has decided to strip off the last remaining $50 on its G2 contract price and set it loose for free on two-year deals. This will be a quite familiar sight to our European readers, but premier Android handsets rarely, if ever, occupy such sweet price points in the US. Let's hope it's a harbinger of happy things to come. [Thanks, Dani S] Update: This pricing is only valid between now and January 20th, so if you want in, better do it soon.
Live from T-Mobile's CES 2011 press event
On yesterday's new that LG would be bringing the G-Slate Honeycomb tablet to T-Mobile, interest in this particular presser obviously went through the roof -- and now we're here! Let's hope this is an action-packed hour of crazy new hardware, and maybe -- just maybe -- some discussion of HSPA+ as a 4G technology. Set your watches to it: this puppy kicks off at 11:00AM PT (2:00PM ET). Read on!
Net neutrality: Verizon, AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile react
Amazingly, the FCC still hasn't released the full text of the net neutrality rules it passed by a contentious 3-2 vote yesterday, so we can't really say much about what's in them -- and while this sort of delay is typical of the Genachowski FCC, it hasn't stopped the carriers from issuing statements on the new rules. We've got to say, responses to the new rules range all over the map: Sprint commended the FCC, T-Mobile needs some time to look things over, AT&T called it a "fair middle ground" but railed about "radical voices" and "heavy-handed government regulation" (seriously) and Verizon -- well, Verizon issued what appears to be a veiled threat to sue everyone. That's pretty interesting, since it sure looks to us like the FCC all but rubber-stamped last summer's Google / Verizon neutrality proposal, but you never know what's happening behind closed doors -- and remember, Verizon's last major policy statement was a call to revamp the entire Telecommunications Act, so Big Red might have bigger plans in store. We've rounded up all the reactions below -- check 'em out.
T-Mobile drops the G2 to $50 on contract, really wants you to buy one
Pretty self-explanatory really: the T-Mobile G2 is now available to buy for a measly 50 greenbacks from its carrier's online store. It's a web-only deal, but it's sweetened by free overnight delivery for anyone ordering before the 20th of December. So, $50 and two years of your wireless freedom in exchange for a phone capable of exploiting T-Mobile's HSPA+ network and offering an almost stock Android experience? Decisions, decisions.
T-Mobile says it'll launch '4G' tablets in 2011
Oh, you too, T-Mobile? Without delving into details, T-Mobile USA has gone tit-for-tat with Sprint by dropping the knowledge that it'll be adding tablets (other than the Tab, of course) to its product portfolio in 2011 -- and as you might expect, they'll be using the network T-Mobile has taken to calling "4G." Though it doesn't meet any technical definition of 4G, the company's ever-expanding HSPA+ network is definitely hanging with the big boys running WiMAX and LTE right now, delivering downlink speeds of 10Mbps or more in some areas if you're lucky -- and that's just the kind of special sauce you're going to want when you've got a big touchscreen to consume content. No word on brand or platform, but we've no doubt some of that Honeycomb noise will be in the mix. Here's the full statement: "T-Mobile is working closely with the majority of our OEM partners to deliver 4G products by integrating HSPA+ into roadmaps in 2011 as the dominant global standard. Consumers will continue to see HSPA+ fuel future innovation in a variety of mobile consumer electronics from smartphones and tablets to emerging devices. T-Mobile will continue to be at the forefront of wireless innovation, delivering an aggressive 4G product lineup in 2011, including 4G tablets."
Dell Venue Pro finally available to order: $99 on contract, shipping December 9th
The much-delayed and much-desired Venue Pro is now finally ready for its proper launch. Dell has begun taking online orders for its first Windows Phone 7 device and prices are set at $99 for the 8GB handset or $149 for the 16GB version -- both on two-year contracts with T-Mobile as your carrier -- or, alternatively, you can snap them up for $449 or $499, respectively, if you just want the phone by itself. Shipping is promised for December 9th and there's even free delivery if you have a couple of business days' worth of patience. So, what are you waiting for? [Thanks, BeeMichael]
HTC HD7 greets Black Friday with a Buy One Get One Free offer from T-Mobile
Been feeling blue this holiday season? Finding all the special offer WP7 phones a little too little? Fear not, T-Mobile and Microsoft are ready to give you a pair of HD7s for the price of one next time you drop into one of the Magenta stores asking about Windows Phone 7 devices. You'll need to commit to the usual two-year contract and whatnot, but it's a straight up BOGO on what's probably the most desirable handset sporting Microsoft's new OS on the American market. Then again, even with this discount, you still might be able to find the HD7 cheaper at online retailers, so as per usual on Black Fridays, we'd advise doing your due diligence before letting your dead presidents out for a walk. And please, try not to think of how sweet a day this could have been if Dell's Venue Pro had actually been released on schedule. [Thanks, David]
AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon announce Isis national mobile commerce network
Just in time for the total economic collapse of Europe and the rise of the cyber-nomadic tribes, the kids at Discover, Barclaycard, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon have a name for their mobile phone-based payment system: Isis. Essentially it remains what we heard from Bloomberg a few months back: a system for using an app on your phone to send payments to a POS system using NFC technology. The Isis team thinks it has "the scope and scale necessary to introduce mobile commerce on a broad basis," and we wish them the best. But we know how it all ends anyways: with the lucky among us dead, and the rest of us living in caves, hiding from death-dealing robots, and bartering for what we can't scrounge from the ruins of our once-great cities. PR after the break.
Samsung Galaxy Tab fulfills its destiny, now available on T-Mobile for $399
Nothing unforeseen here, folks, just a friendly reminder that Samsung's Galaxy Tab has kept to its release schedule and is now available to purchase from T-Mobile USA. $399 gets you the 7-inch Tab plus a two-year contract with the American arm of Deutsche Telekom, or you can pay the full $599 and make off with just the tablet itself. Or you can even wait an extra day for Verizon to start dishing Android slates your way as well -- the choice, as always, is yours. Just try not to think about that gorgeous 7-inch Super AMOLED panel that Samsung's busy showing off in Japan right now. [Thanks, Aaron]
Why is T-Mobile selling an iPhone cable?
T-Mobile USA has been an oft-rumored darkhorse to help kill off AT&T's iPhone exclusivity in the country -- and for the life of us, we can't think of a good reason that the carrier's corporate stores would be carrying iPhone charge / sync cables now other than in preparation for a launch. It's interesting to note that Deutsche Telekom boss Rene Obermann in part blamed the lack of the iPhone in the States as a driving factor in its third quarter churn rate... a meaningless musing, perhaps, but it could've been a little bit of foreshadowing, too. It's important to note that T-Mobile has carried Nexus One accessories this year, too, so it's not out of the realm of possibility to think that they're just trying to cater to the unlockers who are already using iPhones on T-Mobile -- but then again, we'd argue that the people savvy enough to do that probably aren't shopping for overpriced cables in carrier stores. It's also important to note that T-Mobile literally just took a dig at FaceTime (while blasting AT&T's network in the same breath), so it's hard to say what this means, if anything. [Thanks, anonymous tipster]
T-Mobile blames lack of iPhone for poor US sales
Among the four national mobile phone carriers in the United States, T-Mobile is clearly the laggard in terms of subscriber numbers. This comes despite low prices and highly-regarded customer service. Rene Obermann, CEO of Deutsche Telekom, T-Mobile USA's parent company, lays the blame squarely on the lack of an iPhone to sell. The U.S. remains one of the few major markets with a single iPhone carrier, and T-Mobile isn't it. In the third quarter of this year, T-Mobile USA gained just 137,000 new customers. Most of those went for prepaid service rather than the smartphones. T-Mobile has no shortage of good smartphones with a wide array Android devices available. Despite this, growth for the carrier has been slow to non-existent while Verizon has had tremendous success with Android phones. Of course, AT&T has the iPhone. It's probable that T-Mobile would see an influx of new business if it had the Apple superphone to sell, but the real problem with T-Mobile isn't selection, it's the network. T-Mobile has made strides with its HSPA+ rollout, but it still has too many voice dead zones, making it an even worse choice than AT&T for many users. Perhaps Mr. Oberman should invest more in solidifying his company's voice coverage and less time complaining about what it doesn't have.
