The Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2 were both unveiled at a Microsoft event earlier in the day, however it looks like some additional models are still to come. In fact, it was said that Microsoft will be announcing an LTE model in “early next year.” The details were revealed by Panos Panay who is […]
AT&T previously announced an acquisition of Alltel assets from Atlantic Tele-Network Inc., and as with all acquisitions, it was a long process involving finalization before being wrapped up. Now the business matter is complete, with AT&T announcing that it will use some of the assets it has acquired to bring its 4G coverage to more […]
In a process that started back in January of this year, the FCC has given the thumbs-up to AT&T on its proposed $780 million acquisition of Alltel assets. The package includes retail stores, approximately 620,000 customers in the midwest, network equipment and spectrum in the 700MHz, 850MHz and 1900MHz bands. AT&T isn’t getting away scot-free, however, as the FCC will only approve the deal based on a few conditions: first, the network needs to deploy HSPA+ and LTE in the new areas within 15 and 18 months (respectively); second, AT&T must keep Alltel’s 3G EVDO network alive and kicking until at least June 15, 2015. Third, AT&T needs to ensure that every affected customer gets a comparable phone for free without a contract extension. These types of conditions are nothing new for network acquisitions; such transitions are never fun for the customers involved, so it’s refreshing that the FCC isn’t forgetting their immediate needs in the process. The full details of the approval are located in the FCC docs, which we’ve included in the source link.
Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless, Mobile, AT&T
Via: PhoneScoop
Source: FCC
Despite the wide LTE support featured on the Nexus 7 2013’s cellular modem-equipped model, early buyers have found Verizon won’t activate it for a new line on the Big Red Network. The company responded officially on the matter today, explaining that its 4 – 6 week certification process must be completed first. The process apparently began in August, and spokesperson Debi Lewis said the company expects that to happen “shortly.” The whole process is actually laid out on Verizon’s website and shows how the testing is undertaken by a third party lab of the manufacturer’s choosing — feel free to read through it during the days / weeks your new Nexus 7 isn’t connecting to LTE.
Filed under: Tablets, Wireless, Mobile, ASUS, Google, Verizon
Source: Verizon Wireless
Verizon expects the Nexus 7 LTE to be 4G certified “shortly” after addressing complaints that Google’s Android tablet could not be activated on its network. The carrier blames extensive wireless testing for the delay, claiming to have begun examining the slate back in August. Meanwhile, rival carriers AT&T and T-Mobile USA already support the Nexus […]
The FCC may be guardians of America’s cellular devices, but the commission’s staffers don’t care too much for a company’s secret release plans. The latest bundle of documents has revealed that the Vodafone Smart 4G has been passed fit for human consumption over in the US of A. Given that Vodafone doesn’t have a branded presence in the colonies and the handset runs LTE Band 7, it’s likely that this one’s destined for a life in the UK. Presumably this re-branded Coolpad 8860U will be sold like the other Vodafone Smart range — as a budget option for Brits who want 4G without having to pay £21-or-more per month to get a Lumia 625 for nothing.
Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile
Source: FCC
If you happen to be in possession of the Nexus 7 that sports LTE connectivity, we have some good news for you. You are now able to restore your tablet in a safe manner, returning it to the factory firmware through the use of freshly released official images from Google. The images for the Nexus 7 with LTE connectivity have been given the codename “razorg”, and it has already been put up on the Google Developers site.
This would mean those Nexus 7 with LTE owners who did spend a fair amount of time tinkering with their devices and who knows, ruining it, now have a way to return their respective devices to stock Android 4.3 Jelly Bean, build JLS36C, without losing any sleep. Just in case you were wondering as to which particular mobile carrier you should pick up your Nexus 7 from, how about T-Mobile? We did bring you a story earlier on concerning a Nexus 7 with LTE that will be made available via T-Mobile, and not only that, snagging one of those puppies would also net you a full month of free data, now how about that for starters? I suspect that bricked Nexus 7 with LTE devices too, will gain a new lease of life pretty soon.
Nexus 7 LTE Factory Images Available original content from Ubergizmo. 
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To date, Straight Talk’s LTE support has been limited to a warmed-over Sprint version of the Galaxy S III. Now there’s a much better option: the prepaid carrier has started selling SIM cards that support unlocked devices with AT&T-compatible LTE. The upgrade potentially offers a better bargain than AT&T’s own Aio Wireless, giving customers unlimited LTE data, voice and text for $45 per month versus Aio’s $55. It’s not quite paradise, however. Straight Talk is known to throttle data, which could prove all the more frustrating at 4G speeds.
Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless, Mobile, AT&T
Via: Droid-Life
Source: Straight Talk
If recent smartphone launches have you reconsidering your carrier options, here’s some 4G rollout info to throw into the mix. Unlike its rivals, Three is actively advertising its full LTE roadmap, focusing first on London, Birmingham, Manchester and Reading, which it hopes to switch on before the end of the year. Its plans for 2014 are much more expansive, however, with a total of 42 cities set to go live, covering 98 percent of the country by 2015. Although it’ll launch some months after its rivals, the carrier may scoop up customers with a promise not to charge extra for 4G data. Finally, as to whether Three will eventually change its name to Four, the company still isn’t saying.
Filed under: Wireless
Via: CNET
Source: Three
Numerous regional US carriers have called for AT&T to support their 700MHz bands, which would give them the LTE devices and roaming coverage they need to compete with national rivals. These networks may soon get their wish: as part of an FCC-led deal, AT&T has agreed to support LTE on the 700MHz A Block frequencies held by smaller providers. While AT&T is short on details, it’s already modifying its network to support the additional bands. Compatible devices will arrive in a “reasonable time frame,” the telecom giant says. The commitment doesn’t address LTE interoperability problems with Verizon and other major US networks, but it should help at least a few tiny carriers stand a fighting chance in the 4G era.
Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless, Mobile, AT&T
Via: GigaOM
Source: FCC, AT&T Public Policy Blog
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