Carrier News

Verizon introduces PN-820 Smartphone

Verizon recently introduced the PN-820, a Windows Mobile 5.0 flip-style Smartphone. This device incorporates CDMA phone technology and 1xRTT/EV-DO data capability. It sports a 312 MHz processor and is powered by a 950 mAh battery that provides 200 minutes of talk time and 145 hours of standby (mfg. est.). It has a 2.2" color display and a smaller external LCD screen on the outside of the case. Also integrated into the device is a 1.3 megapixel camera and Bluetooth (1.2) capability. It does not have integrated Wi-Fi, but that can be added via the miniSD expansion card slot. Standard software includes the Windows Mobile 5.0 for Smartphone OS and software suite. For more information, visit Verizon's Web site (http://www.verizonwireless.com).

Verizon has reportedly overtaken AT&T/Cingular to become the number one wireless provider in the U.S. Verizon's subscribers reached 56.8 million, beating out AT&T/Cingular's 56.3 million.

T-Mobile leads in customer satisfaction

In a survey conducted by J.D. Power and Associates, T-Mobile ranked highest among carriers for overall customer satisfaction for the fifth consecutive period. Among the six U.S. regions that were surveyed, it ranked first in the Northeast, West, and Southwest, and tied for first in the Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, and North Central regions.

Sprint expands mobile broadband network

Sprint recently launched EV-DO Revision A technology in several more markets (Knoxville, Chattanooga, Chicago, Orlando, Richmond, and Cleveland). The carrier expects to expand the network to two dozen additional markets by the end of April, which will extend its EV-DO coverage to approximately 190 million people. It will continue to upgrade its existing network to Revision A for the rest of 2007.

AT&T introduces new international data plan

New PDA data plan rates from AT&T could be a money-saving opportunity for those who frequently travel abroad. The plans are from $44.99 to $69.99, depending on the type of device. They include unlimited domestic data and 20 MB outside the U.S. in 30 different countries. Overage charges are $5 per MB in most countries.

AT&T posts first quarter profits

AT&T reported that their profits rose to $2.8 billion in the first quarter of 2007, up from $1.4 billion in Q1 of 2006. The profit is attributed to the acquisition of BellSouth as well as growth in the wireless sector as Cingular is re-branded to AT&T Wireless.

Cell phone 911 calls hard to locate

According to a recent USA Today article, you may have to give the 911 operator specific details on your location due to limitations in emergency cell phone technology. Different carriers have different 911 location technology depending on whether the caller is in a rural or urban area. Network-based systems work well in urban areas since there are more cell sites to pinpoint a person's location. GPS-based systems work better in rural areas where there aren't buildings and other structures to interfere with the signals.