Dec 12

AT&T asks judge to stay T-Mobile merger court proceedings until January 18th (update: granted)

Posted in: att, lawsuit, merger, mobilepostcross, t-mobile, TMobile, Today's Chili

Just last week, the US Department of Justice indicated its desire to dismiss the lawsuit it filed to stop the union of AT&T and T-Mobile because of Ma Bell’s withdrawal of the merger’s FCC application. It looks like that’s given the telco plenty more issues to ponder, so now it’s asking Judge Huvelle to postpone further antitrust court proceedings until January 18. The folks at AT&T need the extra time to “evaluate all options” and “revise our current transaction to achieve the necessary regulatory approvals” for the merger. Because the DoJ has signed off on AT&T’s petition, it seems likely the court will go along with the plan — as opposed to killing the deal via a case dismissal at the hearing currently scheduled later this week. We’ll have to wait and see if the Judge Huvelle grants the request, but if she does, this much is certain: Ma Bell’s lawyers will be doing more work than merrymaking over the holidays.

Update: It looks like Christmas came early for AT&T&T, as the New York Times reports that Judge Huvelle has granted the stay.

Continue reading AT&T asks judge to stay T-Mobile merger court proceedings until January 18th (update: granted)

AT&T asks judge to stay T-Mobile merger court proceedings until January 18th (update: granted) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 12 Dec 2011 15:23:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dec 12

Dish Network surfaces as possible Plan B for T-Mobile if AT&T merger falls through

Posted in: att, hdpostcross, merger, mobilepostcross, partnership, t-mobile, TMobile, Today's Chili
Dish Network had reportedly been considered a potential candidate to receive divested T-Mobile assets from AT&T if it couldn’t secure initial approval of its acquisition from the government. Dish, however, has publicly opposed the acquisition — and now it’s clear that there were some ulterior motives in wanting to see the merger fall through, because Bloomberg reported this morning that the satellite provider wants to merge its spectrum assets with T-Mobile if things don’t go so rosy in the acquisition. According to CEO Joseph Clayton:
We want to… create a national wireless network, video, voice and data. We’ve got expertise in satellite TV, and we will in satellite broadband. The voice part, we’ll need some help with.

A partnership with T-Mobile would ideally help both companies: it would help Dish get one step closer to its goal of a wireless network that bundles smartphones, tablets and satellite under the same umbrella, and would cast a bright light on T-Mobile’s questionable future. How does “Ollo” with LTE-Advanced on Magenta sound?

Dish Network surfaces as possible Plan B for T-Mobile if AT&T merger falls through originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 12 Dec 2011 14:14:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nov 01

LG myTouch, myTouch Q available on T-Mobile November 2nd for $79

Posted in: 4G, available, LG, mobilepostmini, t-mobile, TMobile, Today's Chili

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 myTouch, myTouch Q available on T-Mobile November 2nd for $79 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 Nov 2011 11:44:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Oct 25

Samsung Exhibit II 4G to be shown off for T-Mobile at Walmart tomorrow, official channels November 2nd

Posted in: Android, gingerbread, Google, mobilepostmini, samsung, snapdragon, t-mobile, TMobile, Today's Chili

The original Samsung Exhibit was a mere blip on T-Mobile’s radar screen when it originally launched, being obscured by titans like the HTC Sensation 4G. The sequel, curiously coming out a whole four months after its predecessor, is ready to see if it can buck the trend and offer a decent option to those seeking an inexpensive Android device. Starting at $30 after mail in rebate and with a two-year commitment, it’s poised to launch tomorrow in Walmart stores nationwide, with stock coming into official T-Mobile channels on November 2nd. If you’re feeling contract-averse, however, you can still procure the device for two Benjamins. Not bad for a phone that comes with Gingerbread, a 3.7-inch WVGA display, 1GHz single-core Snapdragon CPU, 4G access and a 3MP shooter with a front-facing camera. Also up for exhibit is the press release, shown after the break.

Continue reading Samsung Exhibit II 4G to be shown off for T-Mobile at Walmart tomorrow, official channels November 2nd

Samsung Exhibit II 4G to be shown off for T-Mobile at Walmart tomorrow, official channels November 2nd originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 26 Oct 2011 00:26:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Oct 25

LG DoublePlay likely to see single release for T-Mobile on October 26th

Posted in: availability, gingerbread, Google, LG, mobilepostmini, rumor, rumors, t-mobile, TMobile, Today's Chili
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.

LG DoublePlay likely to see single release for T-Mobile on October 26th originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 25 Oct 2011 14:41:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Oct 20

MetroPCS may be top contender for AT&T’s post-acquisition assets

Posted in: att, leak, leaks, merger, mobilepostcross, rumor, rumors, t-mobile, TMobile, Today's Chili
The likelihood of a successful acquisition of T-Mobile by AT&T may largely depend on what the latter is willing to give up. The largest GSM carrier in the US may need to throw a few assets overboard in order to satisfy the Department of Justice, and has reportedly been Rethinking Possible by engaging in discussions with several parties interested in scooping up the leftovers. According to Bloomberg, MetroPCS appears to be the frontrunner in the talks, and plans to meet with the Justice Department (alongside AT&T, of course) in the next two weeks to determine if the strategy will appease the regulating body. No guarantees here, of course: it seems like a lot of assets would have to change hands for MetroPCS — a regional carrier with roughly nine million subscribers — to be considered a large enough competitor to assuage the government’s concerns here. We can’t imagine the Feds would be satisfied with any small offering, considering the Department’s filed a lawsuit against Ma Bell to block the merger. We have a feeling this saga is just starting to get real interesting, so stay tuned.

MetroPCS may be top contender for AT&T’s post-acquisition assets originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 20 Oct 2011 19:11:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Oct 18

T-Mobile adds new daily and monthly plans for true commitment phobes

Posted in: 4G, hspa, t-mobile, TMobile, Today's Chili, Wireless

If you’re of the ilk who vehemently hates contracts, yet adores T-Mobile, read on. Alongside its existing pay-as-you go plans, Little Magenta has introduced a new $60 choice, offering unlimited minutes, texting and data — though the latter is throttled after consuming 2GB. If a month of commitment is too rich for your blood, how about about one of three new “pay by the day” plans? The priciest option’s three bucks for all the minutes and texts you could ever want and 200MB of data at full speed. A dollar less still gets you unlimited talk time and texts, but slows that all you can eat data buffet down to 2G speeds. True cheapskates (or those who only communicate via the written word) will love the dollar daily plan, which grants boundless texting, but dispenses the data altogether and runs ten cents per minute for phone calls. If any of that’s up your alley, head on over to the source for more.

T-Mobile adds new daily and monthly plans for true commitment phobes originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 18 Oct 2011 06:24:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Oct 13

Sprint explains iPhone 4S unlocking policy: phones will be unlocked, then locked, then unlocked again

Posted in: Apple, AppleIphone, att, cdma, ios, ios 5, Ios5, iPhone, iphone 4s, jailbreak, mobilepostcross, smartphone, Sprint, TMobile, Today's Chili, verizon, Verizon Wireless, VerizonWireless, vzw

Yeah, that makes just as much sense to us as it does to you. Following yesterday’s PR debacle, the final word from Sprint appears to be as follows:

“Sprint’s policy is to have the iPhone 4S SIM locked to our network domestically and internationally. At launch, the International SIM will be unlocked. We do expect a SIM lock to be pushed to the devices shortly after launch. We will then allow existing customers in good standing to unlock the SIM for international use if needed in the future.”

So, if we’re reading that correctly, the iPhone you purchase and activate will be unlocked. Then, a SIM lock will be “pushed” to your device. But, if you’ve been a good, policy-abiding customer, your iPhone can then be unlocked manually by Sprint. Who knows what’ll happen if you buy your phone and flee to a non-extradition country before Sprint comes knocking at the door, shackles in hand. Will you be left to live in peace with your newly-acquired international Micro SIM? Will you need to plead your case before a tribunal of mobile carrier overlords? Only time will tell, we suppose, or perhaps further clarification from Sprint. Jump past the break for the complete announcement.

Continue reading Sprint explains iPhone 4S unlocking policy: phones will be unlocked, then locked, then unlocked again

Sprint explains iPhone 4S unlocking policy: phones will be unlocked, then locked, then unlocked again originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 13 Oct 2011 18:20:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Oct 12

Samsung Galaxy S II and HTC Amaze 4G on sale at T-Mobile

Posted in: galaxy s ii, GalaxySIi, mobilepostmini, sale, t-mobile, TMobile, Today's Chili

Sure, we knew this day was coming, but now the wait is finally over. Now the main question for T-Mobile customers at the end of their contract is whether to pick up the Samsung Galaxy S II or HTC Amaze 4G. Both handsets are now on sale from the carrier, running $229 and $259, respectively (plus plan, post-rebate, naturally). Thankfully, we’ve got a full review of the 4.52-inch Galaxy S II magenta edition and a hands-on with the 4.3-inch Amaze 4G, which should help make the deciding a bit easier.

Samsung Galaxy S II and HTC Amaze 4G on sale at T-Mobile originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 12 Oct 2011 17:40:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Oct 12

Sprint and Verizon confirm iPhone 4S Micro SIM unlock for international travel (update: Sprint remains locked?)

Posted in: Apple, AppleIphone, att, cdma, ios, ios 5, Ios5, iPhone, iphone 4s, jailbreak, mobilepostcross, smartphone, Sprint, TMobile, Today's Chili, verizon, Verizon Wireless, VerizonWireless, vzw

If you own an iPhone 4 on AT&T, using the device while traveling internationally means paying sky-high roaming fees, jailbreaking or limiting data use to when you’re on a WiFi network, either with a public hotspot or through a service like Xcom Global. Verizon iPhone 4 owners, however, don’t have the option of GSM roaming at all, and can only make calls and use cellular data in countries that support CDMA. All that changes with the iPhone 4S, however — Macworld has confirmed that Sprint will sell its version of the device with the Micro SIM slot unlocked, with Verizon offering free unlocking to customers after the first 60 days of service. iPhone 4S owners will then be able to purchase a Micro SIM overseas, allowing them to access data and make calls at local rates, for a fraction of what it would cost to roam. AT&T iPhone 4S owners won’t have this option, however, so if you make frequent trips overseas, this benefit alone may be enough to justify purchasing the phone through Sprint or Verizon, saving some users hundreds or thousands of dollars in international roaming fees.

Update: Our source article was incorrect, and Sprint has told us that its SIM will not be unlocked, adding that the card will not even be removable.

Our SIM does not come out of the device – I believe the same is true of Verizon’s iPhone but you would need to confirm that with them. Customers can sign up for one of our international rate plans and use this phone all over the world. When traveling internationally, there is a setting that must be turned on within the device to connect to GSM. The phone will work with a SIM that is provided within the device out of the box. International voice and data charges are on a pay-as-you-go basis and vary based on the country where the customer is using their phone; a list of rates is available at www.sprint.com/international.

Update 2: We heard from Sprint a second time, which redacted part of its previous statement. The carrier further explained “the SIM is removable and is not affixed to the device,” which as you may notice directly contradicts the statement made earlier today. We’ve reached out to Apple twice and are awaiting further clarification.

[Thanks, Julio]

Sprint and Verizon confirm iPhone 4S Micro SIM unlock for international travel (update: Sprint remains locked?) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 12 Oct 2011 11:11:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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