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Tag: Sprint

  • Sprint Losses Drop, But So Do Subscribers

    Sprint, the third largest wireless carrier in the U.S., today released its first quarter 2013 financial results. The report shows that the company’s net losses have decreased from the fourth quarter of 2012, though it also shows worrying trends, such as falling subscriber numbers.

    Sprint reported a net loss of $643 million, compared to the $863 million net loss it posted for the fourth quarter of 2012. However, this small victory was tempered by the news that the carrier lost 560,000 postpaid subscribers during the quarter.

    Many of Sprint’s revenue and subscriber losses come from its Nextel platform, which the company is currently in the process of shutting down. Sprint stated that it is on-track to shut down Nextel at the end of the second quarter 2013.

    In the meantime, Sprint announced it has formed a committee of independent directors to review a proposed $25.5 billion merger with Dish. The merger would provide Sprint shareholders with a greater payout than an alternate $20.1 billion proposal from Softbank.

    Back in December, Sprint fully acquired Clearwire for $2.2 billion.

    “This is a transformative year for Sprint and we’ve gotten off to a good start,” said Dan Hesse, CEO of Sprint.

  • $25 Billion Offer From Dish A 13% Premium Over SoftBank’s Sprint Offer

    As previously reported, Dish Network announced a proposal on Monday to merge with Sprint Nextel in a deal worth $25.5 billion. According to Dish, the offer is a 13% premium over the pending acquisition by SoftBank announced last year.

    In a letter to Sprint Nextel Chairman of the Board, James Hance, Jr., Dish chairman Charlie Ergen wrote, “We are offering Sprint shareholders a total consideration of $25.5 billion, consisting of $17.3 billion in cash and $8.2 billion in stock. Sprint shareholders would receive $7.00 per share, based upon DISH’s closing price on Friday, April 12, 2013. This consists of $4.76 per share in cash and 0.05953 DISH shares per Sprint share. The cash portion of our proposal represents an 18% premium over the $4.03 per share implied by the SoftBank proposal, and the equity portion represents approximately 32% ownership in the combined DISH/Sprint versus SoftBank’s proposal of a 30% interest in Sprint alone. Together this represents a 13% premium to the value of the existing SoftBank proposal.”

    “Our proposal provides a highly-compelling and unique opportunity for Sprint shareholders,” he continued. “We are offering an ownership interest in a combined company with a comprehensive product and services suite, a significantly enhanced subscriber base, considerable financial and operating scale, as well as a spectrum portfolio that would lead the industry. As a result, this merger creates sizable cost and CAPEX savings and promises extensive new revenue opportunities.”

    You can read the letter in its entirety here.

    Dish held a conference call this morning discussing the proposal.

    The boards of both Sprint Nextel and Softbank approved the $20.1 billion deal back in October, but the companies noted it was still subject to shareholder and regulatory approval. The deal was expected to close in mid-2013.

    It’s already half way through April, but today’s news gives all parties involved some major new things to consider.

  • Dish Network Proposes $25.5 Billion Sprint Nextel Merger

    Dish Network proposed a $25.5 billion merger with Sprint Nextel on Monday. Under the proposal, which has been submitted to the Sprint Nextel Board of Directors, Sprint shareholders would get $7.00 per share.

    The proposal is designed to upstage the pending $20.1 billion acquisition form Softbank, which has yet to close.

    Dish Network Chairman Charlie Ergen said, “The Dish proposal clearly presents Sprint shareholders with a superior alternative to the pending SoftBank proposal. Sprint shareholders will benefit from a higher price with more cash while also creating the opportunity to participate more meaningfully in a combined Dish/Sprint with a significantly-enhanced strategic position and substantial synergies that are not attainable through the pending SoftBank proposal.”

    “A transformative Dish/Sprint merger will create the only company that can offer customers a convenient, fully-integrated, nationwide bundle of in- and out-of-home video, broadband and voice services,” he added. “Additionally, the combined national footprints and scale will allow Dish/Sprint to bring improved broadband services to millions of homes with inferior or no access to competitive broadband services. This unique, combined company will have a leadership position in video, data and voice and the necessary broadband spectrum to provide customers with rich content everywhere, all the time.”

    According to Dish, the proposed combination will “result in synergies and growth opportunities estimated at $37 billion in net present value, including an estimated $11 billion in cost savings.”

    The company has shared Ergen’s full letter to Sprint Nextel Chairman of the Board, James Hance, Jr.:

    Dear Jim:

    On behalf of DISH Network Corporation (“DISH”), I am submitting this proposal for a merger between DISH and Sprint Nextel Corporation (“Sprint”). Our proposal provides Sprint shareholders with a superior alternative to the pending SoftBank Corporation (“SoftBank”) proposal. It provides more cash and affords your shareholders the opportunity to participate more meaningfully in a combined DISH/Sprint, which will benefit from a significantly enhanced strategic position and substantial synergies that are not attainable through the pending SoftBank proposal.

    We are offering Sprint shareholders a total consideration of $25.5 billion, consisting of $17.3 billion in cash and $8.2 billion in stock. Sprint shareholders would receive $7.00 per share, based upon DISH’s closing price on Friday, April 12, 2013. This consists of $4.76 per share in cash and 0.05953 DISH shares per Sprint share. The cash portion of our proposal represents an 18% premium over the $4.03 per share implied by the SoftBank proposal, and the equity portion represents approximately 32% ownership in the combined DISH/Sprint versus SoftBank’s proposal of a 30% interest in Sprint alone. Together this represents a 13% premium to the value of the existing SoftBank proposal.

    Our proposal provides a highly-compelling and unique opportunity for Sprint shareholders. We are offering an ownership interest in a combined company with a comprehensive product and services suite, a significantly enhanced subscriber base, considerable financial and operating scale, as well as a spectrum portfolio that would lead the industry. As a result, this merger creates sizable cost and CAPEX savings and promises extensive new revenue opportunities.

    Leveraging both companies’ existing assets and expertise, we will be the only company able to offer a fully-integrated, nationwide bundle of in- and out-of-home video, broadband and voice services to meet rapidly evolving customer preferences. The new company’s assets will immediately establish national cross-platform leadership and will position the company to deliver innovative services while expanding our collective subscriber base.

    The proposed combination will result in synergies and growth opportunities estimated at $37 billion in net present value. This includes an estimated $11 billion in cost savings, representing approximately $1.8 billion in annual run-rate cost synergies by the third year after closing.

    Further, our combined national footprints and scale will allow us to efficiently develop our joint spectrum assets to provide advanced services to the millions of homes with inferior or no access to competitive broadband services.

    I am proud of the company we have built and believe we will be an excellent partner to Sprint. Like Sprint, DISH possesses a strong tradition of innovation and industry leadership. We created the third largest pay-TV provider while competing with incumbent cable monopolies and other entrenched operators. DISH has consistently led our industry in service and technology delivery with award-winning innovations like Hopper® with Sling®. Our history of value creation is outstanding. Investors in our 1995 initial public offering have enjoyed a total return of 27 times their original investment, significantly outperforming the broader markets and our peers. We also have a proven track record of responsible capital management.

    DISH has significant experience structuring and consummating strategic transactions and only needs to complete confirmatory due diligence, which we believe can be done quickly with your cooperation. We have examined your merger agreement with SoftBank and we would be prepared to execute a definitive merger agreement on substantially similar terms and conditions. Though not a condition of our proposal, we anticipate that the pending transaction with Clearwire would be completed. We are confident that we can obtain all necessary approvals within a reasonable timeframe.

    We intend to fund the $17.3 billion cash portion of the transaction using $8.2 billion of our balance sheet cash and additional debt financing. We have a proven track record in raising capital to fund strategic initiatives and have received a Highly Confident Letter from our financial advisor, Barclays, confirming our ability to raise the required financing.

    We would be pleased to discuss our plans for the combined company and we are available at any time to meet with the Sprint Board, management and advisors to answer any questions about our proposed merger. We are confident that the Sprint Board will share our view that this proposed merger offers an excellent opportunity for the equity holders of Sprint to realize a superior value for their shares that is unavailable to them under the SoftBank proposal.

    While it would have been our preference to have confidential discussions regarding this proposed merger, your existing agreement with SoftBank and the impending deadlines associated with your shareholder vote, will compel us to confirm our intentions publicly. We look forward to hearing from you.

    Very Truly Yours,

    DISH Network Corporation

    Charlie Ergen
    Chairman

  • HTC One Launches April 19 On AT&T, Sprint For $199

    HTC One Launches April 19 On AT&T, Sprint For $199

    The HTC One is the Taiwanese company’s latest attempt to dethrone Samsung and its super popular Galaxy S line. It has the specs to succeed in this endeavor, and now we know it will be launching before the Galaxy S 4 hits stores.

    Both AT&T and Sprint announced today that the HTC One will be hitting their respective stores on April 19. The latest smartphone will retail for $199 at both carriers with a two-year contract. Interested buyers will be able to place a pre-order for the device on April 4 at AT&T, and on April 5 at Sprint.

    If you’re in between contracts, you may find yourself stuck between choosing the HTC One on AT&T or Sprint. If you care about 4G LTE coverage, AT&T definitely has the larger network. AT&T will also be the exclusive home of the 64GB HTC One for $299. To sweeten the deal, AT&T will throw in a free HTC Media Link HD wireless HDMI adapter with any HTC One purchase as well.

    If you want more info on the unique features of the HTC One, AT&T threw together this short video detailing the new device:

    The HTC One presents a sizable threat to Samsung in a few key areas, but consumer interest will be the deciding factor in the latest war of the smartphones. HTC will have to pull out all the stops in its advertising if it wants to go head-to-head with the Galaxy S 4. Samsung has the deep pockets to just bombard all communication channels with its advertising so HTC will have to get creative if it hopes to undermine the competition.

  • New BlackBerry 10 Phones Coming to All Major U.S. Carriers

    New BlackBerry 10 Phones Coming to All Major U.S. Carriers

    Nearly every detail of BlackBerry’s (RIM has changed its name to just “BlackBerry”) new BlackBerry 10 operating system and smartphones were painstakingly covered in the company’s big launch event earlier today. The one very noticeable thing that wasn’t covered, however, was when the new devices would actually launch in the U.S.

    Canada got a clear release date of February 5, but U.S. BlackBerry fans will have to wait until sometime in March. The specific launch date will probably vary by carrier, but each of the major U.S. carriers has at least confirmed that it will carry at least one of the two new BlackBerry 10 smartphones.

    AT&T and Verizon, the two largest U.S. wireless carriers, have both confirmed that they will be carrying the BlackBerry Z10 (the one that resembles an iPhone) and the BlackBerry Q10 (the one with the traditional BlackBerry physical keyboard). The white version of the Z10 will be a Verizon exclusive handset. Verizon is also the only carrier that has so far announced a price for either of the new BlackBerry devices. The Z10 (both black and white) will retail for $200 plus a two-year Verizon service contract.

    Neither T-Mobile nor Sprint will be selling both the Z10 and the Q10. They seem to have some sort of split deal with BlackBerry, where T-Mobile will be selling the Z10 and Sprint will be selling the keyboard-laden Q10.

    None of the carriers are taking pre-orders for the BlackBerry smartphones yet, though all of them but Sprint are allowing customers to sign up for email notifications regarding the devices.

  • Sprint Fully Acquires Clearwire for $2.2 Billion

    Sprint announced today that it will acquire the 50% of Clearwire that the company does not already own. Sprint will pay $2.97 per share of Clearwire, spending $2.2 billion for the purchase. The transaction puts Clearwire’s value at around $10 billion.

    “Our board of directors has been reviewing available strategic alternatives over the course of the last two years,” said Erik Prusch, CEO and president of Clearwire. “In evaluating available alternatives, a special committee conducted a careful and rigorous process, and based on the committee’s recommendation, our board unanimously determined that this transaction, which delivers certain and attractive value for our shareholders, is the best path forward.”

    Along with its purchase of U.S. Cellular spectrum and customers back in November, this acquisition could be seen as Sprint’s reaction to T-Mobile’s recent merger. T-Mobile’s acquisition of Metro PCS raised its subscription numbers to within striking distance of Sprint’s. Sprint announced a total subscription numbers decline in its third quarter earnings report, along with a $767 million net loss.

    Sprint and T-Mobile are currently the third and fourth largest wireless carriers in the U.S., behind AT&T and Verizon. This year they began to offer unlimited data plans that are not offered by the larger carriers. Both companies are currently building out their nationwide 4G LTE networks, and their acquisitions will provide them with the extra spectrum and assets to take on a greater numbers of subscribers.

    “Today’s transaction marks yet another significant step in Sprint’s improved competitive position and ability to offer customers better products, more choices and better services,” said Dan Hesse, Sprint CEO. “Sprint is uniquely positioned to maximize the value of Clearwire’s spectrum and efficiently deploy it to increase Sprint’s network capacity. We believe this transaction, particularly when leveraged with our SoftBank relationship, is further validation of our strategy and allows Sprint to control its network destiny.”

  • Sprint Purchases Midwest Spectrum, Customers From U.S. Cellular

    Sprint announced today that it will acquire PCS spectrum and customers from U.S. Cellular for $480 million. Parts of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, and the Chicago and St. Louis markets are all part of the deal. Sprint stated that the new spectrum will be used to “supplement Sprint’s coverage in these areas as it continues to deploy its Network Vision upgrade and roll out 4G LTE nationally.”

    “This transaction will enable us to strengthen our business and become a more robust competitor,” said Dan Hesse, Sprint’s CEO. “Acquiring this spectrum will significantly increase Sprint’s network capacity and improve the customer experience in several important Midwest markets including Chicago and St. Louis. We welcome the new customers in these markets and look forward to providing them with Sprint’s unique combination of unlimited plans, an iconic device portfolio and unmatched customer service.”

    The agreement will provide Sprint with 20 MHz of PCS spectrum in the 1900 band in Chicago and other markets, and 10 MHz of PCS spectrum in the St. Louis market. Sprint will also receive 585,000 current U.S. Cellular customers and will assume “certain liabilities” as a part of the sale.

    Sprint last month announced a $767 million net loss for the third quarter 2012. Much of the reason for the loss, according to Sprint, is its massive program to upgrade its network and the expected shutdown of the Nextel platform. Sprint is currently the third largest U.S. wireless company by subscriber numbers, though T-Mobile pushed closer last month after its acquisition of MetroPCS.

  • Sprint Pushes Jelly Bean Update To Galaxy S III Today

    Sprint Pushes Jelly Bean Update To Galaxy S III Today

    Samsung announced a while back that Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) would be coming to Galaxy S III devices in the US at some point in the near future. Many expected it to take a few months as Samsung left the scheduling in the hands of carriers. In surprisingly good news, at least one US carrier has been able to get the update out in a timely fashion.

    Sprint announced today that they are the first US carrier to offer Jelly Bean to Galaxy S III owners. Android 4.1 will be available today as an OTA update. A user’s Galaxy S III will notify them when the update is available for download.

    Jelly Bean brings a number of enhancements to the Android platform that Galaxy S III owners are sure to be pleased with. The most important new feature is Google Now which provides up to the second information updates on traffic conditions, public transportation schedules and more. Other improvements include expandable notifications, Android beam and resizable widgets.

    Samsung is also packing in a number of new features into the phone with the update as well. The camera is receiving the most notable improvements with new filters including warm vintage, cold vintage, black and white, sepia, color highlights and many more to fulfill your innate artistic desires.

    The other notable addition is easy mode. It provides a simplified user experience for those who are new to the Android operating system or just aren’t very good at navigating modern UIs.

    There’s no word yet on when the update will hit Galaxy S III devices on other carriers. T-Mobile may be next as they’re pretty good about getting updates out in a timely manner. I wouldn’t count on an update from AT&T or Verizon in the near future though. Having said that, an update in the next few weeks from all the carriers would be greatly appreciated.

  • Sprint Announces $767 Million Net Loss in Third Quarter

    Sprint Nextel today reported a net loss of $767 million on revenues of $7.3 billion during the third quarter of 2012. While this does represent a 6% year-over-year increase and a diluted net loss of $0.26 per share, the loss was less than expected and the company’s stock has not suffered today as a result.

    Sprint claimed that much of the loss is due to its Network Vision plan, which includes massive upgrades to its network infrastructure and the expected shutdown of the Nextel platform.

    “The Sprint platform performed well, with strong net subscriber additions, record third quarter postpaid and prepaid churn and robust revenue growth, contributing to adjusted OIBDA of $1.28 billion even as we continue to invest in Network Vision and position the company for future growth,” said Dan Hesse, Sprint CEO. “As a result, we believe we will slightly exceed the top of the range of our recently increased Adjusted OIBDA* forecast.”

    Though, as Hesse mentioned, the Sprint platform added subscribers, customers have begun abandoning Nextel in droves, resulting in a loss of monthly subscribers to Sprint’s wireless services.

    Still, even with its losses and shrinking subscriptions, Sprint could be in position for a resurgence next year. The company’s 4G LTE network is continuing to roll out across the U.S., matching AT&T and Verizon’s offerings. Sprint also announced that it sold 1.5 million iPhones in the third quarter, and Samsung’s Galaxy Note II smartphone is scheduled to launch on Sprint today.

    The Softbank investment in Sprint and the T-Mobile/MetroPCS merger should mean better competition in the U.S. The unlimited data plans Sprint and T-Mobile offer could put pressure on the “shared” wireless data pricing of AT&T and Verizon.

  • Sprint Galaxy Note II Coming October 25

    Sprint Galaxy Note II Coming October 25

    Sprint announced today that Samsung‘s Galaxy Note II smartphone will be available on its network beginning October 25. The device will cost $299 with a new or upgraded 2-year service agreement.

    The carrier will have the Galaxy Note II in both of its colors: Marble White or Titanium Grey. It will be the first Sprint smartphone to launch running Android 4.1.1 Jelly Bean. It is also the carrier’s first device to feature a quad-core processor and have a display over 5 inches.

    For those who don’t know, Samsung’s Galaxy Note II has a 5.5-inch display and an Exynos 1.6GHz quad-core processor. Also, though the device will come running Jelly Bean, it will also come pre-loaded with Samsung’s proprietary software, such as S-Voice. The Galaxy Note II also has an 8MP rear camera and a 1.9MP front-facing camera.

    The device also comes with Samsung’s S-Pen stylus, which Sprint states is (I kid you not) “longer, thicker, and ergonomically designed for the perfect grip.”

    Of course, Sprint is one of the two U.S. carriers that offers unlimited 4G, and the only carrier that offers unlimited 4G LTE. If your current contract is up, you’re an Android fan, you want to download many things on-the-go, and want the largest smartphone currently available from Samsung, Sprint’s version of the Galaxy Note II is probably the device you’re looking for.

  • Softbank To Drop $20.1 Billion On Sprint Nextel

    Last week, there were reports that Softbank was about to acquire Sprint Nextel, and today, the companies made it official.

    Softbank and Sprint Nextel announced that they have entered into an agreement in which Softbank will invest $20.1 billion in Sprint. $12.1 billion will be paid to Sprint shareholders, and $8 billion of new capital will be used to “strengthen Sprint’s balance sheet,” among other things.

    Softbank will own the 70% majority of Sprint Nextel, which will be known as “New Sprint”. Softbank says the acquisition enables it to establish an operating base as one of the largest mobile Internet companies in the world, and that the combined subscriber base will be one of the largest between the U.S. and Japan. Its combined mobile telecom revenue will rank third in the world.

    Sprint, meanwhile, will have plenty of money for strategic investments, and its mobile network.

    Softbank Chairman and CEO Masayoshi Son said, “This transaction provides an excellent opportunity for Softbank to leverage its expertise in smartphones and next-generation high-speed networks, including LTE, to drive the mobile Internet revolution in the world’s largest market. As we have proven in Japan, we have achieved a V-shaped earnings recovery in the acquired mobile business and grown dramatically by introducing differentiated products and innovative services to an incumbent-led market. Our track record of innovation, combined with Sprint’s strong brand and local leadership, provides a constructive beginning toward creating a more competitive American mobile market.”

    Sprint CEO Dan Hesse added, “This is a transformative transaction for Sprint that creates immediate value for our stockholders, while providing an opportunity to participate in the future growth of a stronger, better capitalized Sprint going forward. Our management team is excited to work with Softbank to learn from their successful deployment of LTE in Japan as we build out our advanced LTE network, improve the customer experience and continue the turnaround of our operations.”

    The deal has been approved by both Boards of Directors, though it is still subject to shareholder approval, as well as regulatory approval. The companies expect it to close in mid-2013.

  • Softbank May Soon Acquire Sprint Nextel

    Softbank May Soon Acquire Sprint Nextel

    Sprint Nextel may soon be acquired by Softbank, according to a report from the Wall Street Journal, which says the Japanese carrier is in “advanced talks” to buy a “substantial stake” in Sprint Nextel in a deal that could exceed $12.8 billion.

    The Journal cites “a person with knowledge of the negotiations” as the source of this info.

    Reuters is also reporting the same news, quoting a Softbank spokesperson as saying that reports of the talks are “based on speculation”.

    The Verge shares a statement from Sprint:

    Sprint is currently engaged in discussions with Softbank regarding a potential substantial investment by Softbank in Sprint. Although there can be no assurances that these discussions will result in any transaction or on what terms any transaction may occur, such a transaction could involve a change of control of Sprint. Sprint does not intend to comment further unless and until an agreement is reached.

    Based on the WSJ’s report, the deal would see Softbank with a 70% stake in Sprint Nextel, and the remainder of the company would be publicly traded.

  • Sprint Lets Subscribers Use Their Name as Their Number

    I’ll admit it. There are only a couple of numbers in my smartphone’s contacts list that I know by heart, and I only know those because I’ve known them since before I got a cell phone. I couldn’t tell you my girlfriend’s phone number from memory if you put me on the spot.

    Today, Sprint is making it easier for all of us by unveiling its StarStar Me program. The feature will function as a sort of phone number DNS service, allowing users to pick a short name, word, or phrase, proceeded by two asterisks, in place of their number. For example, I might choose to be contacted by **SEANP, my first name and last initial (the nickname has to be 5 to 9 characters long, so I can’t use just my first name).

    “Sprint customers will be the first people to get StarStar Me,” said Kevin McGinnis, vice president of Product and Technology Development at Sprint. “We expect this service to be especially popular with professionals, students and family customers, who can tailor its use to their individual preferences, lifestyles and interests with a few simple clicks.”

    The only catch is that the service won’t be free. Sprint subscribers will be charged $3 per month for the feature. There is a smartphone app that goes along with it, though. It enables features such as managing incoming calls, automatic texting, and sending contact information, including social media accounts. The app is currently available for Android, and will be coming to iOS soon.

    Sprint has set up a website for subscribers to choose their StarStar nickname, and those who want the service should sign up quickly to get their desired moniker. As expected, many common names are already taken, though some provocative combos such as **STEVEJOBS, **BILLGATES, **BRUCELEE, **TOMHANKS and **BOBAMA are still available.

    Below is an explanatory ad that Sprint released to coincide with the launch of the service. Though **CHLOE and **JAVAGUY are taken, some of the nicknames shown in the video (such as **SUPERMOM) are still available.

  • iPhone 5 Shipping Dates Slip With U.S. Carriers

    iPhone 5 Shipping Dates Slip With U.S. Carriers

    It didn’t take long (just a couple of hours) for the initial stock of iPhone 5s to sell out, as the Apple.com site slip their ship date from September 21st to September 28th in the wee hours of the morning. Throughout most of the day, U.S. carriers AT&T, Verizon, and Sprint still held the September 21st ship date, but as we close the work day, all three carriers have pushed back their shipping estimates.

    AT&T is showing that they’ll ship all models of the new iPhone in 14-21 days:

    AT&T iphone 5 ship date

    Verizon is saying they’ll deliver by September 28th:

    verizon iphone 5 ship date

    And Sprint is showing 2 week ship time for the 16GB, but the 32GB and 64GB remain on schedule. That’s likely to change at any moment, however:

    sprint iphone 5 ship date

  • iPhone 5 Ship Time Slips to Two Weeks on Apple.com

    iPhone 5 Ship Time Slips to Two Weeks on Apple.com

    As expected, Apple’s brand new phone is already showing signs that it’s going to be popular.

    Pre-orders for the new iPhone 5 began early this morning, and if you weren’t one of the first ones to grab your new device on Apple.com, well, you’re going to be waiting a little bit longer for yours.

    The original shipping date for the new iPhone was set as September 21st but as of this morning, all models of the iPhone 5 have a two week ship date. That’s September 28th, for the mathematically challenged.

    This includes all models – the 16Gb, 32GB, and 64GB in both black and white.

    Luckily, the ship date hasn’t changed for the carrier sites. AT&T, Verizon, and Sprint all show an estimated shipping date of September 21st.

    You could always forgo the pre-ordering altogether. I hear late September is a beautiful time of the year to go camping.

  • Sprint Ad Skewers AT&T and Verizon Shared Plans

    Sprint Ad Skewers AT&T and Verizon Shared Plans

    When Verizon and AT&T switched their subscriptions to shared data plans, many customers were upset. The new plans offer a small “shared” pool of data that a variety of devices can use. Of course, subscribers have to pay a monthly fee for each device they want the privilege of using with the plan, making the shared plans more expensive for those who don’t have lots of devices.

    The Verizon plans even ended the grandfathered unlimited plans many subscribers had had for years. A Verizon spokesperson was awkwardly unable to explain how the new plans would help save customers money, as many of the company’s statements about the plans suggested.

    The plans are a clear example of the two largest wireless carriers in the U.S. raising the prices of their data access. It would be pretty evil if those companies had a monopoly on the wireless industry, but, luckily, they don’t. Sprint announced earlier this year that it would offer truly unlimited 4G data plans, and the company has followed through. It is the only company that currently offers such a plan, although T-Mobile has recently announced one as well.

    Now Sprint is doubling-down on its unique unlimited plans, creating an ad campaign to show just how silly the claims about the shared data plans are. In a new TV spot, Sprint features a family arguing about how their small pool of data should be divided up:

    Clearly the smaller players in the U.S. wireless market see an opportunity to use AT&T and Verizon’s new, more expensive plans against them. And it just might work, if Sprint and T-Mobile can roll out their 4G LTE networks in a competitive time frame. Sprint announced just this week that its 4G LTE network is now available in four more markets across the U.S.

    (via 9 to 5 Mac)

  • Sprint Rolls Out 4G LTE in Four Markets

    Though Sprint is far behind other mobile carriers in their 4G LTE network implementation, the company has begun making strides. And with less expensive, truly unlimited data plans, customers are generally getting what they pay for.

    Today Sprint announced that it has rolled out its 4G LTE service to four new cities. Subscribers in Baltimore, Maryland; Gainesville, Georgia; Manhattan/Junciton City, Kansas; and Sedalia, Missouri can now connect with faster 4G speeds.

    “Our customers are enjoying new applications and devices that increase the demand for mobile data,” said Bob Azzi, senior vice president for network at Sprint. “The network build-out – that today is playing out in four new cities – will provide nothing less than a state-of-the art network platform for the next generation of customers. Customers across the country will begin to experience better 3G service on their devices and will be able to take advantage of 4G LTE on cutting-edge devices as we continue to launch more cities.”

    In addition to its LTE rollout, Sprint also announced that customers in Baltimore, Boston, and Washington D.C. have just gotten the company’s improved 3G service. That should come as a relief, as tests earlier this year found that Sprint’s 3G speeds were abysmal in comparison to the other major carriers.

  • Severe Weather Alerts To Be Sent Via Text Soon

    Severe Weather Alerts To Be Sent Via Text Soon

    A little over a week ago we brought you news that the iOS 6 beta included the option to turn certain kinds of government issued alerts on and off. There were two basic kinds of alerts that you could receive: AMBER Alerts, and more generalized emergency alerts (which presumably include things like severe weather). Of course, not all phones – not even all smartphones – have this kind of option. In fact, most don’t. While there are weather apps for most smartphones that will perform a similar function, they don’t always work as advertised.

    With that in mind, the National Weather Service has struck a deal with all four major carriers to begin bringing severe weather alerts to smartphones using SMS messages. According to Yahoo!News, the alerts will be less than 90 characters long, and will be completely free. All customers on each of the carriers will be signed up automatically, though you have the option to opt out if you want (why would you want to?).

    Each of the four largest carriers in the country – AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon – are participating in the program. Three of the four currently offer the service everywhere, while AT&T only has it in Washington, D.C., Portland, Oregon, and New York City. Most smartphones on the carriers’ networks will be able to receive the alerts, though iPhone users will have to wait until the fall – presumably for the release of iOS 6, or possibly the new iPhone.

    Considering how many fewer people listen to live radio or watch live, local TV these days, it’s getting harder and harder for the NWS and other agencies to disseminate emergency information quickly. Programs like this will allow people to get emergency information over channels that were previously unavailable.

  • Samsung Galaxy S III U.S. Launch is a Confusing Mess

    Samsung Galaxy S III U.S. Launch is a Confusing Mess

    No doubt Samsung would have loved to have launch it’s new flagship Android smartphone, the Galaxy S III, globally in a single day. The realities of cellular service in different countries, however, make this impossible. The next best plan is to release it in Europe and Asia first, then roll it out to the U.S. Samsung scored big when it announced all of the major U.S. carriers would be hosting the phone on their network. Unfortunately, the U.S. cell phone industry is so screwed up, and Samsung’s supplies of the phone are so limited, that not even a country-wide debut on a single U.S. carrier was possible.

    Samsung announced today that the Galaxy S III has officially launched in the U.S. The company held a large party in a trendy New York gallery last night, hosted by Ashley Greene (I Googled it for you – she’s an actress from Twilight). While U.S. Samsung executives were partying with Steve Nash and Skrillex, though, it was already clear that most customers in the U.S. would not be able to purchase the new device for around another week.

    The only guaranteed place for customers to get their hands, physically, on a Galaxy S III today is at a T-Mobile store in a very large city. T-Mobile is also selling the phone on its website, though it states that the device is not in stock, and will ship as soon as it arrives (the website estimates a June 29 ship date). The top 29 markets for T-Mobile are selling the smartphone today (via TmoNews): LosAngeles, CA; Chicago, IL; Phoenix, AZ; Houston, TX; SanDiego, CA; NewYork, NY; Seattle, WA; Miami/Ft.Lauderdale, FL; Dallas/Ft.Worth, TX; SanFrancisco, CA; SaltLakeCity, UT; Denver, CO; Minneapolis, MN; Tampa/St.Petersburg, FL; Philadelphia, PA; SanAntonio, TX; Portland, OR; Austin, TX; Atlanta, GA; KansasCity, MO; Boston, MA; Sacramento, CA; Orlando, FL; Detroit, MI; Washington DC; Cleveland, OH; Jacksonville, FL; Charlotte, NC; and McAllen, TX. T-Mobile customers in other cities will have to wait until at least June 27 to see the phones in their area.

    Sprint, like T-Mobile, had promised supposed to launch the Galaxy S III today, but demand for the phone means that not everyone will receive theirs on time. The company has stated that it will try to ship all 16 GB Galaxy S III pre-orders to customers today, but there might be delays of up to two days. Customers who pre-ordered the 32 GB version will have to wait until at least June 28.

    AT&T pre-orderers were promised their Galaxy S III’s as early as today, but the company is now asking them to be patient with its June 28 ship date. And that’s just for the 16 GB version. It doesn’t appear that AT&T is even getting the 32 GB version any time soon. Instead, the company is offering a more expensive package with a 16 GB MicroSD card included, and calling that the 32 GB package. AT&T will be getting a red version of the phone at some point, though. Yay.

    Verizon was already going to be the last carrier to get the Galaxy S III. Today the company announced that its launch date for the smartphone has been pushed back yet another day, all the way to July 11. Customers who pre-ordered early should have their devices by July 9 or 10, though.

    Why is all of this happening? The demand for the phone has somehow exceeded Samsung’s manufacturing capabilities. Instead of simply selling the phone and allowing the customer to choose a carrier (as it’s done in Europe) every separate U.S. carrier had to split a deal with Samsung on subsidy pricing. No doubt ship dates were a factor in these negotiations. So, we now have tenuous release dates where most of the country has no idea when the phone will arrive in their area.

    At least Samsung managed to sidestep Apple’s patent lawsuit, which would have delayed the phone’s release even more. Also, it’s clear from the delays and staggered releases that the Galaxy S III will probably be Samsung’s best-selling smartphone of all time. That, and not the release date, is certainly what Samsung was celebrating last night in New York.

  • Galaxy S III U.S. Release Date Pushed Back

    Galaxy S III U.S. Release Date Pushed Back

    Earlier this month we brought you news that both AT&T and Verizon had made Samsung’s new Galaxy S III available for pre-order through their websites, following closely on the heels of Sprint and T-Mobile. Three of the four carriers – all but Verizon – were projecting shipping dates of this week. AT&T promised they would begin shipping the phones on Monday, June 18th, while Sprint and T-Mobile listed tomorrow, the 21st, as their shipping date. Surprisingly, Verizon’s shipping date was July 9th, a full three weeks after the other carriers.

    Now, though, it seems that Verizon might have been a little more prescient than their competitors. Shipping dates for the Galaxy S III are slipping left, right, and center. AT&T’s shipping date has slipped into next week – the 28th, to be precise. Sprint is having similar troubles and is also tentatively promising to have filled its orders by the end of next week. T-Mobile, meanwhile, has announced that they’re splitting up the launch. If you’re fortunate enough to live in one of their top 29 markets, you should still be getting yours tomorrow. If, on the other hand, you live anywhere else at all, your Galaxy S III will be coming… wait for it… next week. June 27th, to be precise. So while T-Mobile’s Galaxy S III may be more expensive than other carriers, at least they manage to beat the other carriers to release by a day, right?

    Verizon, meanwhile, hasn’t made a peep. They’re presumably still on track for an early July launch. From the way things are looking with the other three carriers, maybe they won’t be as behind as we thought.

  • iPhone 4S Coming To Virgin Mobile?

    The announcement that Apple’s iPhone 4S is coming Cricket Wireless slated for later this month has set off a storm of speculation about the possibility of other prepaid carriers getting the iPhone as well. Last week saw rumors that Boost Mobile would be next, though Boost all but denied it.

    Now it looks like the other prepaid wireless carrier owned by Spring – Virgin Mobile – might actually be next to get the iPhone. Citing “people familiar with the company’s plans,” the Wall Street Journal is reporting that Sprint will announce later this week that the iPhone is coming to Virgin Mobile on July 1. Details on plan pricing and whatnot are not clear at this point, but Virgin’s existing plans are comparable to those on Cricket and Boost. Odds are Virgin Mobile iPhone customers will be paying $55 per month for unlimited talk, text, and data. Like Cricket, though, Virgin is a prepaid-only carrier. That means no carrier subsidies for the iPhone itself, which means that you’ll be paying $499.99 for your phone, though the difference in handset cost is more than offset by the amount of savings on a monthly plan from one of the big three carriers – Verizon, AT&T, and Sprint.

    Apple has been steadily increasing the iPhone’s presence on wireless carriers other than the big three. Over the last month they’ve brought the iPhone to several small, local carriers. Now they’re bringing the iPhone to Cricket and (presumably) Virgin (and maybe Boost). Bringing a high-end phone like the iPhone – the single best-selling smartphone in the world – to prepaid carriers is a big move. While it may not hurt the big carriers much, it definitely lends an air of legitimacy to the prepaid carriers.

    A request for comment sent to Virgin Mobile has not yet been answered.