T-Mobile

T-Mobile will launch Sony Ericsson AWS phone

Sue Marek — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 10:43:50 -0400

Sony Ericsson scored an important new deal with T-Mobile USA. The carrier will launch the Sony Ericsson TM506 handset in September, the first phone from the handset maker that supports the AWS spectrum. This deal represents a big win for Sony Ericsson which has had difficulty penetrating the U.S. market. The GSM-only handset maker has secured device deals with AT&T and has offered accessories and data cards through T-Mobile USA but the last Sony Ericsson handset offered by T-Mobile was in 2004.

The TM506 is a UMTS device with a 2.0 megapixel camera and a removable memory stick. It is also outfitted GPS capability and a navigation feature from TeleNav.

For more:
- see this release
- see this photo of the TM506

Related articles:
Sony Ericsson may not turnaround until 2010
Recession to hit Nokia and Sony Ericsson sales - iPhone unaffected
Sony Ericsson's 2Q profits sink, 2,000 workers cut

Google is hiring Android Developers

Sue Marek — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 11:13:20 -0400

Google is searching for designers, engineers and developers to work on its Android open-source operating system. The search firm is advertising for positions that involve working on things like hardware user interface design, battery life, RF issues and handset-security software.

The first Android device is likely to be the HTC Dream offered by T-Mobile USA. The device recently received FCC approval.

For more:
- see this Unstrung story

Related articles:
HTC's Dream comes true for T-Mobile USA
Rumor mill: T-Mobile will presale HTC Dream Sept. 17

Verizon adds usage controls

Sue Marek — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 11:03:23 -0400

Verizon Wireless subscribers now have a new tool to help them manage and control their wireless usage. Called Usage Controls, the new service lets customers (particularly parents) avoid unexpected charges by letting them set thresholds for voice minutes; establish limits for text, picture, IM and video messaging; set restrictions for time of day usage for data and messaging; create lists of trusted and blocked numbers; and establish content blockers for certain times of content.

The application costs $4.99 per month for each line and customers must have a nationwide calling plan to use the service.

Verizon is marketing the Usage Controls service as part of a bigger package that includes Chaperone 2.0, which lets parents keep track of their child's location using the mobile phone. Chaperone 2.0 service costs $9.99 per line per month.

T-Mobile USA introduced a similar usage control service called Family Allowance in late July. However, the operator is charging just $2 per month for the service as part of an introductory offer.

For more:
- see this press release

Related articles:
T-Mobile helps parents set wireless limits
SPOTLIGHT: Alltel to launch parental controls

M2Z asks FCC to reject more AWS-3 interference tests

Lynnette Luna — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 11:10:51 -0400

M2Z Networks said it has submitted evidence to the FCC to confirm that no further interference testing is needed to auction off the AWS-3 spectrum, which will be designed for an operator willing to offer free broadband wireless services. T-Mobile has been a vocal opponent of the plan, saying the FCC is rushing into an auction without adequately testing for potential interference. T-Mobile is the largest spectrum holder in the adjacent AWS-1 band and is concerned about interference. M2Z and T-Mobile have been trading barbs over the issue. M2Z says its latest filing with the FCC specifically rebuts the false assertions of T-Mobile based on its recent test, but also provides reference to two recent additional tests on the exact same interference scenarios that were conducted by the International Telecommunications Union and the United Kingdom's spectrum regulator, Ofcom. The recent tests also contradict T-Mobile's assertions.

According to M2Z, the fact that T-Mobile and the other carriers are now seeking an additional fifth round of testing on mobile to mobile interference issues without addressing any of the countervailing evidence in front of the FCC is further proof that these large phone companies are using "interference testing" as a veiled attempt to prevent nationwide broadband competition. The FCC wants to create a 25-megahertz swath of spectrum that would support a nationwide license. The AWS-3 spectrum would require the licensee to dedicate 25 percent of its network capacity to free broadband service, install a network-based Internet filtering system to block pornography and allow open access to third-party devices and applications.

For more:
- check out this release

Related stories:
M2Z: T-Mobile's interference argument over AWS-3 spectrum flawed. M2Z story
T-Mobile takes M2Z to task over AWS-3 auction arguments. T-Mobile story

New York Times: T-Mobile will be first with Android phone

Lynnette Luna — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 09:10:24 -0400

The New York Times is reporting that T-Mobile USA will be the first operator to offer a mobile phone based on Google's Android platform. The newspaper, citing sources briefed on the company's plans, said the phone will be HTC's Dream, and is anticipated to go on sale in the U.S. before Christmas and maybe as early as October. The release date of the device depends on how early the FCC certifies both the Google software and the HTC device. Executives at T-Mobile and Google hope to make an announcement by September so the two companies can make a splash for the holiday season.

The "unofficial" blog T-Mobile online reported earlier that T-Mobile would begin taking preorders for HTC's Android-based device on Sept. 17. T-Mobile executives declined to comment on the news, only saying it was on track to offer it in the fourth quarter. HTC, which is expected to be the only device maker to have an Android phone on the market this year, also declined to comment.

Earlier this week, HTC denied a report claiming it will be forced to delay its Android handset. Last week Trip Chowdhry of Global Equities Research said that HTC was struggling to incorporate the Android feature set and the first Android phone--originally slated to debut in the fourth quarter--would not make its debut until after the first of the year. But HTC reiterates that it remains on schedule--moreover, a new video posted to YouTube purports to demonstrate the company's Android-based Dream device, which boasts a fold-out QWERTY keyboard as well as an orientation sensor that automatically flips the screen layout in tandem with the user's movements.

For more:
- read The New York Times

Related stories:
HTC denies Android delay nightmare. HTC story
Rumor mill: T-Mobile will presale HTC Dream Sept. 17. T-Mobile story

Rumor mill: T-Mobile will presale HTC Dream Sept. 17

Sue Marek — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 11:40:29 -0400

Another day, another HTC Dream rumor. Today the "unofficial" blog T-Mobile online is reporting that T-Mobile will begin taking preorders for HTC's Android-based device, the Dream, on Sept. 17. The phone will be available to T-Mobile USA subscribers for $150, much less than the initial rumored price of $400. New customers will be able to purchase the phone in October.

This is a far cry from what we heard last week when Trip Chowdhry of Global Equities Research said that HTC was struggling to incorporate the Android feature set and the first Android phone--originally slated to debut in the fourth quarter--would not make its debut until after the first of the year. HTC subsequently denied that claim and reiterated that it remains on schedule. In addition, a new video posted to YouTube purports to demonstrate the company's Android-based Dream device, which boasts a fold-out QWERTY keyboard as well as an orientation sensor that automatically flips the screen layout in tandem with the user's movements.

For more:
- See this report
- see this video of the HTC's Dream

Related article:
HTC: Report of Android delay is not true

Furniture retailer IKEA becomes an MVNO

Sue Marek — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 10:54:15 -0400

British consumers will soon be able to get mobile phone service through an unusual source--home furnishings retailer IKEA. The Swedish furniture firm will offer prepaid mobile service for around $20 per month to members of its loyalty program. In addition, about 9,500 IKEA staffers will be issued phones with about $10 in prepaid minutes. The MVNO will use T-Mobile's wireless network for its service.

Strand Consulting says that the IKEA MVNO is being run by Danish MVNO pioneers Teddy Sogaard Pedersen of the MVNO CBB and Martin Petersen of the MVNO Telmore. Strand says CBB and Telmore were competitive MVNOs in the Danish market and in just a few years acquired about 20 percent of the mobile market with their Web-based discount concepts.

Strand warns competitors to be careful not to underestimate the IKEA MVNO, which the consulting firm believes has larger ambitions than just providing mobile service as part of its loyalty program. In fact, Strand expects IKEA's FamilyMobile MVNO to become competitive and offer advanced services including 3G, Web SMS and more.

For more:
- see this news report

Related articles:
ROK drops bid to acquire MVNO Xero Mobile
Report says WiMAX MVNO model Xerowork

Is T-Mobile taking a page from Apple?

Sue Marek — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 12:03:04 -0400

According to AppleInsider, T-Mobile USA is developing a unified software store that would mimic Apple's App Store but would work with every T-Mobile wireless device.

This strategy is a big departure for T-Mobile, which has always made mobile applications available through its deck. That deck often varies depending on the device and the operating system. According to reports, T-Mobile would offer a store for all its devices that could support simple Java apps and more sophisticated apps intended for operating systems such as Google Android and Windows Mobile.

Although T-Mobile hasn't publicly revealed any details about its plans, it has launched a developer site that lets teams build their programs and has some mention of a future go to market strategy. Of course, today's news that Apple's App Store downloads have exceeded 60 million in the first month is probably an added incentive for carriers such as T-Mobile to go this route.

For more:
- see this article

Related story:
App Store downloads exceed 60 million in first month

T-Mobile gets injunction against prepaid traffickers

Sue Marek — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 11:19:41 -0400

T-Mobile USA is putting a stop to companies that bulk purchase and resell prepaid phones. In a federal lawsuit filed in Houston, the operator received a judgment against Rafiq Wazir Ali, who does business as Fone XChange. Likewise, in a federal lawsuit filed in Dallas, it received a judgment against ASPAC. In that case T-Mobile was awarded $6.5 million in damages in addition to the injunction.

T-Mobile says that the problem with these traffickers is that they pocket the subsidies that T-Mobile expects to get by making the phones less expensive to consumers. Plus the fraudsters usually resell the phones without manufacturers' warranties or user manuals, and consumers think they are getting T-Mobile handsets that carry the warranty. T-Mobile isn't alone in its pursuit of prepaid traffickers. TracFone also has filed similar lawsuits across the country to try to put an end to this practice.

For more:
- read this press release

Related article:
TracFone tries to stop phone traffickers

T-Mobile adds 668,000 subs, lowest number since 2006

Sue Marek — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 10:58:20 -0400

T-Mobile USA may be feeling the pinch of not having a nationwide high-speed data network. The carrier reported that it added 668,000 net new customers in the second quarter, bringing its total subscriber base to 31.5 million. However, the number of net new adds is substantially down from the first quarter, when the operator added 981,000 new customers and it's the lowest net add figure the company has had since second-quarter 2006. Technology Business Research analyst Kate Price suspects the reason for the lower net adds could be that T-Mobile is losing customers to AT&T and Verizon Wireless, which both have high-speed data networks. T-Mobile is in the process of building its UMTS data network, but so far has only commercially launched a couple markets. The company's churn also rose slightly to 1.9 percent.

Here are some other key metrics:

Revenue: Service revenues rose to $4.85 billion in the second quarter, up from $4.57 billion in first quarter and up from $4.20 billion in second quarter 2007. Total revenues were $5.47 billion.

ARPU: Average revenue per user was $52, up from $51 in first quarter and down from $53 in second quarter 2007. Prepaid ARPU was $23, up from $22 in first quarter. Data revenue was $8.60 per customer, up from $8.50 in first quarter.

Churn: Contract churn was 1.9 percent, up from 1.7 percent in first quarter. Blended churn (including contract and prepaid) was 2.7 percent in second quarter, up from 2.6 percent in first quarter. The company says that the higher churn was because the anniversary of the two-year contract was in April.

For more:
- see this press release

Related articles:
With little fanfare, T-Mobile launches 3G in New York
T-Mobile launches UMTS in Las Vegas