Virgin Mobile USA is set to refine its rate plans and data speeds, moves that align the company with its direct rivals and could provide a peak at the future of parent company Sprint Nextel Corp.'s (S) plans for data services.Citing the increased data...
It may be the height of summer, but MetroPCS Communications Inc. (PCS) is running back-to-school promotions on two new handsets as well as some of its existing models. The flat-rate operator is selling Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd.'s M835 device for $79, and Samsung Electronics...
Editor's Note: Welcome to our weekly Reality Check column. We've gathered a group of visionaries and veterans in the mobile industry to give their insights into the marketplace.One of the great things about summer, especially this year’s Midwest rainfest, is watching things grow. Trees,...
GUANGHZOU, China – Network sharing among smaller U.S. operators could create a strong venture that would be able to compete against today's large incumbent operators, although that concept is just a concept today.Leap Wireless International Inc.'s (LEAP) Matthew Stoiber described how a network-sharing agreement...
Dish Network Corp. (DISH) has submitted a $1.375 billion cash bid for TerreStar Networks Inc. in a bankruptcy auction, according to Reuters. Among other assets, TerreStar holds wireless spectrum.Dish was competing for the opening bid against MetroPCS Communications Inc. (PCS) and a group of...
Editor's Note: Welcome to our weekly Reality Check column. We've gathered a group of visionaries and veterans in the mobile industry to give their insights into the marketplace.June is a special month in the wireless industry. For the past four years, it has usually...
U.S. Cellular Corp.'s (USM) LTE plans continue to take shape as the regional operator said it plans to roll out its first LTE equipped device in November, presumably following the launch of its initial LTE services.The carrier announced last month that it planned to...
Editor's Note: The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation approved the Spectrum Act this morning, a key step in getting more spectrum into the hands of first responders. The text of the bill, including amendments, was not available at press time. Once the...
ARLINGTON, Texas — Everything is bigger in Texas so it is no surprise that Cowboys Stadium boasts the largest TV screen in the world, along with a lot of other “boasts,” like retractable roofs that open and close in 12 minutes, not a bad...
In an attempt to help fund its LTE network deployment plans, Leap Wireless International Inc. (LEAP) said its Cricket Communications Inc. subsidiary plans to offer $400 million in 7.75% senior notes dues in 2020 to qualified institutional buyers “subject to market and other conditions.”...
In an attempt to help fund its LTE network deployment plans, Leap Wireless International Inc. (LEAP) said its Cricket Communications Inc. subsidiary plans to offer $400 million in 7.75% senior notes dues in 2020 to qualified institutional buyers “subject to market and other conditions.”...
Editor's Note: Welcome to our weekly Reality Check column. We've gathered a group of visionaries and veterans in the mobile industry to give their insights into the marketplace.“This time, it’s for real.” If I have heard that phrase once, I’ve heard it a thousand...
The first three months of the year showed an interesting pecking order among the nation's largest wireless operators.While its position as the nation's largest operator is threatened by the impending AT&T Inc. (T) acquisition of T-Mobile USA Inc. (DTEGY), Verizon Wireless (VZ) continues to...
Adding some bite to its LTE plans, regional operator U.S. Cellular Corp. (USM) said it now plans to launch LTE services covering more than 25% of its network by the end of the year.The carrier said the network would cover 24 markets in parts...
Showing the continued strength of the no-contract market MetroPCS Communications Inc. (PCS) posted a 5% increase in net customer additions during the first quarter, rising from 691,602 in 2010 to 725,945 this year. The growth pushed the carrier's total customer base to nearly 8.9...
Editor's Note: Welcome to our weekly Reality Check column. We've gathered a group of visionaries and veterans in the mobile industry to give their insights into the marketplace.Several companies provided earnings and further guidance last week. Interestingly enough, all of these earnings results were...
While the mobile market is indeed international in scale, don’t think carriers ignore local issues. A perfect example is a prepaid offering Verizon Wireless (VZ) unveiled last week in the Southern California and select Florida markets that looks to compete against similar offerings from...
LAS VEGAS – The Rural Cellular Associations snared a significant catch getting Sprint Nextel Corp. (S) to join the association, which traditionally has catered to smaller wireless players. The move follows similar additions from MetroPCS Communications Inc. and Cincinnati Bell Wireless. RCA’s members now...
AT&T Inc. (T) late last week filed its petition to acquire T-Mobile USA Inc. with the Federal Communications Commission. The detailed document, excluding the lack of detail from redacted information, lays out AT&T’s argument as to why the FCC should allow the nation’s No....
Looking to expand its prepaid reach and tap into a rapidly growing market segment, U.S. Cellular Corp. (USM) unveiled a pair of no contract rate plans for smartphone devices.The plans begin at $60 per month and provide unlimited messaging 2 gigabytes of data transmission...
The “unlimited” wars continue to heat up as T-Mobile USA Inc. (DTEGY) today unveiled a new unlimited calling, messaging and data offering priced at $80 per month. The carrier does note that the “unlimited” data portion includes up to 2 gigabytes of data transmission...
Further proof that the prepaid space is the mobile industry’s hottest segment came this morning with AT&T Mobility (T) announcing it will begin offering its first smartphone through its GoPhone offering. LG Electronics Co. Ltd.’s Thrive has been tapped as the initial prepaid smartphone...
The Federal Communications Commission adopted rules mandating that wireless operators offer data roaming on what it calls commercially reasonable terms and conditions along a 3:2 party-line vote, with Republicans Robert McDowell and Meredith Atwell Baker dissenting from the order. Under the new regulations,...
RCR Wireless News is hitting the road next week for New York City and the Garden State. As with every stop on our global tour, conference series and news desk, our team will engage the mobile community at the local level to better understand...
