Hasta La Gadget!

We can’t say we’re exactly surprised, but it’s still worth noting that the United States DOJ has contacted MetroPCS to ask for additional information about the company’s recently announced merger with T-Mobile. The adequately-named “Second Request” will be essential before an actual consolidation approval can be made, and MetroPCS has stated it plans on being fully cooperative so that it can “obtain the approval of the transaction as soon as possible.” Additionally, the Wireless for All carrier says it’s pretty confident on the Department of Justice’s ability to see the proposed merger is “both pro-competitive and pro-consumer.” In the end, it’s nothing more than a required hurdle before the two telcos can move on with their original plans. Official word from MetroPCS can be found inside the presser below.

Continue reading Department of Justice asks MetroPCS for more info regarding T-Mobile merger

Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless, Mobile, T-Mobile

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Via: Android Central

Source: MetroPCS

A US Cellular rep confirmed today that the carrier is now offering a new unlimited 4G LTE data plan. Customers within the company’s LTE markets can now add unlimited 4G data for $40 per month — only through January 31st of next year, though. If surfing the web on a smartphone isn’t enough, you can add optional tethering for an additional $20, which requires a separate tiered hotspot data plan. Just in time for the holidays, this ample offering lines up with the carrier’s recent LTE expansion and its plan to bring 4G access to 58 percent of its customers by the end of the year. In addition to this promotional data plan, US Cellular is offering a $100 instant rebate on select smartphones, including the Huawei Ascend Y and Samsung Galaxy S III. Not stopping there, anyone who purchases a smartphone or tablet can score a free Samsung SCH-LC11 hotspot. It’s uncertain if this is truly unlimited data or the type that comes with a throttled cap. So, we’d caution you not to go on a Netflix and Pandora binge, as such activities could result in a nastygram from US Cellular for use beyond what the fine print allows.

Continue reading US Cellular promo brings unlimited LTE to smartphone owners for $40 per month, but tethering is another $20

Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless, Mobile

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Source: US Cellular (Facebook)

If you’re tried of paying an arm and a leg for mobile service, you might want to give Republic Wireless a try. We heard about the new wireless service late last year, and now Republic has opened up pre-orders for the Motorola DEFY XT. You can order up to four devices starting today, and they’ll begin shipping in mid-December.

Of course, one of the big draws of Republic is its mobile plan. Republic charges a flat rate of $19 per month for unlimited talk, text, and data, which gained a lot of attention back when the service first launched. Today, however, is the day that Republic service becomes available for everyone, so you’re free to sign up whenever you like.

The Motorola DEFY XT will set you back $249 if you’re going through Republic, so the initial payment isn’t exactly going to be cheap. There’s also an extra $10 service fee on top of that, which includes shipping and handling for your phone. Your first $19 monthly fee will be charged once your phone ships next month, so by the time you get your phone in the mail, you’ll be out $278 – and that’s if you only order one phone.

Still, that hefty initial payment might be worth it when you consider that you’ll only be paying $19 per month from there on out. For unlimited talk, text, and data, that’s a pretty significant discount over the major carriers (most of which aren’t offering actual unlimited plans anymore), so Republic might be worth checking out. Do you think you’ll give Republic Wireless a spin now that it’s open to everyone, or will you be sticking with your current carrier?

[via Republic Wireless]

Republic Wireless opens up its network to everyone is written by Eric Abent & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

NTT DOCOMO announced last Friday that it has developed the world’s first dual-mode small-cell base station, or femtocell, supporting 3G (W-CDMA) and LTE simultaneously for improved service coverage in indoor locations such as offices, shops and homes. The dual-mode femtocell will be commercially launched from December.
DOCOMO’s new femtocell, which weighs only 0.7 kg and measures just 18.5cm by 17.5 cm by 4.5 cm (H x W x T), provides 3G/LTE service coverage in a range of up to several tens of …

If you didn’t get enough mobile news during the week, not to worry, because we’ve opened the firehose for the truly hardcore. This past week, we found new smartphones at Virgin Mobile, Fido and Wind, along with a hefty new round of LTE expansion from AT&T. So buy the ticket and take the ride as we explore the “best of the rest” for this week of November 12th, 2012.

Continue reading Mobile Miscellany: week of November 12th, 2012

Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless, Mobile

Mobile Miscellany: week of November 12th, 2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 17 Nov 2012 21:45:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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