AT&T Asks FCC to Place Conditions of Dish’s Network Plans

AT&T has requested that the Federal Communications Commission set a number of requirements in place before Dish Network can build out its planned LTE-Advanced 4G network. AT&T wants Dish beholden to similar requirements levied on LightSquared. It would be required to cover 100 million POPs within 33 months and reach 260 million POPs within 69 months. AT&T also noted that it has “concerns” over Dish’s use of 700MHz spectrum... 

Verizon’s Galaxy Nexus Nixed from Official Google Support Site

Google has removed references to the Verizon Wireless variant of the Samsung Galaxy Nexus from its official developer support pages. Android devices bearing the “Nexus” name are intended to be 100% stock Android, with all the native apps and services supported. Verizon Wireless has blocked the Google Wallet application from functioning on its Galaxy Nexus, as it is developing a competing mobile payment platform called Isis. When asked for comment... 

Motorola Atrix 2 Receives Maintenance and Security Update

Motorola has provided a system update for the Atrix 2, which is sold by AT&T. The software update, which must be downloaded via Wi-Fi, makes a number of adjustments to the Atrix 2. According to Motorola, the update improves the performance of the camera; adds the Google Music application; patches security holes; adds emergency alerts from government agencies; and improves the keyboard, device stability, and performance of the Webtop application. The update... 

Ting Launches ‘Mobile Service That Makes Sense’ on Sprint

A company called Ting has this week launched its cellular phone service using Sprint’s CDMA and WiMax networks. Ting, which is operated by Tucows, provides inexpensive, no-contract access to mobile services. Potential customers will need to buy a Ting-branded phone from Ting, which range from the Samsung Reclaim for $45 to the Motorola Photon for $545. Phone prices are subsidized only slightly. Voice minutes, messages, and data can be each be ordered... 

Verizon Prepping Maintenance Update for Droid RAZR

Verizon Wireless has shared the details about a forthcoming software update headed to the Motorola Droid RAZR. The update does not include Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, but does introduce a wide range of enhancements and bug fixes. Some of the applications affected include the mobile hotspot, visual voicemail, VZ Navigator, Bluetooth performance, battery life, and MotoCast. The update also installs new applications, including V CAST and the Commercial Mobile... 

Google Wallet Appears in Android Market for AT&T Phones

Google Wallet has become visible to AT&T variants of the Samsung Galaxy Nexus and Nexus S. The application was previously only available to the Sprint version of the Nexus S (though unofficial workarounds for other handsets were possible). The appearance of the application means that Galaxy Nexus and Nexus S owners will be able to download, install, and use the NFC-based Google Wallet mobile payment system to make purchases at select retailers in select... 

Google Intros ‘Bouncer’ Security System for Android Market

Google today announced that it is taking more active measures to keep malware out of the Android Market. It said it is using a new service that it calls Bouncer to sweep through the Market for potentially malicious software It scans new applications, applications already in Android Market, and developer accounts for known malware, spyware, trojans and for apps that may be misbehaving. Google says that Bouncer has been running for a while now, and has seen... 

LightSquared Caught Up in Bribery Scandal

Senator Chuck Grassley has accused LightSquared of bribery, claiming that the company insinuated that it would build a call center in Iowa if he “pulled his punches” in the government’s investigation of LightSquared’s GPS interference issue. LightSquared vehemently denied the accusation, saying that Grassley has misstated the facts to create the appearance of impropriety. Grassley has been a vocal critic of LightSquared’s planned... 

MetroPCS Revives $40 Smartphone Plan

MetroPCS today announced that is once again offering a $40 plan to all 4G LTE smartphones within its portfolio. This plan had previously been available only for the Samsung Craft, which MetroPCS ceased to sell in December. The new $40 monthly plan includes unlimited talk, text, 4G web browsing, and 100MB of streaming media. Customers may also choose the $50 or $60 monthly plans, which add access to more streaming media. Originally posted here: MetroPCS Revives... 

Skype Dials Up Support for Symbian Belle

Skype today released a version of its VoIP application for Nokia’s Symbian Belle platform. The application matches the look and feel of the Belle user interface and includes most of the main features, such as Skype-to-Skype calling, instant messaging, and so on. The application is free to download and use over Wi-Fi. See the original post: Skype Dials Up Support for Symbian Belle  Read More →

Samsung and Corning Mate OLED and Glass Businesses

Samsung Mobile Display and Corning today announced a new joint venture that will create OLED glass substrates and panels for mobile phones and other devices. Samsung will supply its OLED expertise to the joint venture and Corning will contribute its Lotus Glass technology. The venture will supply OLED backplane glass substrates for Samsung Mobile Display, as well as for the broader market in Korea. The joint venture is an expansion of an existing partnership... 

Qualcomm Claims First VoLTE-to-WCDMA Call Hand-Off

Qualcomm today announced that it and partner Ericsson have successfully completed the first voice call handover from an LTE mobile network (using voice over LTE — or VoLTE) to a WCDMA network. The call used Single Radio Voice Call Continuity (SRVCC), which is required for VoLTE calls to seamlessly switch to a WCDMA network when a consumer on a VoLTE call leaves the LTE network’s coverage area. SRVCC and its predecessor CSFB (circuit-switched fall... 

HTC Issuing Update to Fix Wi-Fi Security Bug

HTC is in the process of sending out software updates to some of its smartphones to address a security issue concerning the Wi-Fi radio. The problem revolves around applications with the “access_wifi_state” permission, and the ability to sniff out Wi-Fi passwords for networks to which the phone is connected. The affected handsets include the Desire HD, myTouch 4G, Desire S, Sensation, EVO 3D, Droid Incredible, and Thunderbolt. The update had already... 

Senate Looks Askance at Verizon’s Spectrum Dealings

A U.S. Senate spokesperson has confirmed that an antitrust panel is going to hold a hearing to discuss Verizon’s planned spectrum purchases. Verizon Wireless currently has three spectrum deals on the table with Leap Wireless, Cox, and SpectrumCo that will significantly bolster its AWS and 700MHz holdings. “The subcommittee carefully examines questions about competition in the wireless and video markets, with the ultimate goal of protecting consumers... 

U.S. Cellular Launching LTE Network in March

U.S. Cellular today announced that it will launch Long Term Evolution 4G in a handful of markets starting in March. The first markets to have access to U.S. Cellular’s faster network include Milwaukee, Madison and Racine, Wis.; Des Moines, Cedar Rapids and Davenport, Iowa; Portland and Bangor, Maine; and Greenville, N.C. According to U.S. Cellular, this represents 25% of its service footprint. See the original post: U.S. Cellular Launching LTE Network...