3G

iPhone 3G Coming to WalMart

Bernie — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 22:56:02 -0500

Looks like Apple and AT&T are hoping to step up the pace for iPhone 3G sales by bringing it to the mass of mass markets – WalMart. Apple’s been very selective with retail relationships for the iPhone. So far, it’s Apple and AT&T owned stores, and most recently, Best Buy. But realistically, who could resist the appeal of WalMart’s herculean distribution machine. Interestingly enough, WalMart got its dibs on the iPhone before AT&T’s retail agents – I’m sure they are “thrilled” about that. According to BGR, the iPhone 3G will be available on December 28th in both select WalMart stores and Sam’s Club stores. I guess Apple wanted all the holiday sales to themselves. No word yet if WalMart will offer discounted pricing.

The iPhone joins the G1 and other BlackBerry devices which are already sold at WalMart. Will the BlackBerry Storm join them? Looks like WalMart is turning into a regular smartphone "heaven." It demonstrates the further penetration of the smartphone into the consumer segment.

iPhone Outsells All Other Mobile Phones

Bernie — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 02:43:26 -0500

The iPhone had a historic 3Q08. Not only was it the number one selling smartphone, it actually outsold all mobile phones period. The Motorola Razr V3 was number two, followed by the BlackBerry Curve. Until this iPhone triumph, the Razr held the best selling phone title for the previous 12 quarters. The rankings were compiled by the NPD Group. It’s really quite a remarkable feat for Apple, considering they weren’t even in the mobile phone business a couple years ago. Now, at least for the time being, they own it.

AT&T Subsidizing 3G Enabled Laptops

Bernie — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 23:40:20 -0400

AT&T announced a partnership with Lenovo and Ericsson to knock $150 off Lenovo ThinkPad laptops that ship with embedded AT&T 3G LaptopConnect modules. Eligible Lenovo laptops include the ThinkPad SL notebooks and all notebooks in Lenovo's T and X series. The move expands the equipment subsidization model beyond cell phones to laptops. Customers must sign up for AT&T’s 3G service and will also receive 30 days of free service. The promotion basically removes the cost of the embedded 3G wireless modem, putting a 3G capable laptop cost on par with other laptops. Some analysts suggest that wireless carriers will expand laptop and mini notebook subsidies in an effort to help push mobile broadband adoption. Mobile data is the fastest growing revenue segment for wireless carriers, and efforts like this may help accelerate that trend.

U.S. Cellular Launches 3G in Madison

Bernie — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 22:48:56 -0400

The Capital Times — 10/27/2008 8:01 pm
U.S. Cellular announced it will launch its higher speed "3G" mobile broadband network in southern Wisconsin, including the Madison area, on Tuesday. 3G (for third generation) networks provide speeds comparable to DSL high-speed Internet services provided by landline phone companies. Read More ...

Sprint Introduces the Highly Anticipated HTC Touch Pro

Bernie — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 10:48:22 -0400

Bellevue, Wash. — Oct. 24, 2008 — HTC Corporation, a global leader in mobile phone innovation and design, today launched the HTC Touch™ Pro for Sprint. Bringing a beautiful new angle to mobile business productivity, the HTC Touch Pro uses styling and functionality similar to the recently launched HTC Touch Diamond™ and introduces a variety of business-focused enhancements that make getting work done on-the-go quick and easy. Read More ...

T-Mobile Ramping Up 3G for G1 Launch

Bernie — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 21:56:07 -0400

T-Mobile announced an aggressive continuation of its 3G buildout, with 120 markets expected to be lit by late November. With 3G market additions in Sacramento, CA, Memphis, TN, and Tampa, FL, T-Mobile says it currently covers 92 markets. T-Mobile has some catching up to do, with their competitors having a significant 3G lead in markets and subscribers served. They have raised the stakes for themselves with the pending introduction of the Google co-branded G1 phone. Poor 3G coverage could prove to be disastrous for T-Mobile if word gets around that the G1 experience is lacking a credible 3G feel. That could drive lucrative 3G customers into the willing hands of AT&T and its iPhone.

iPhone’s Competitive Prowess

Bernie — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 23:31:39 -0400

According to the NPD Group, 30% of iPhone purchasers (and corresponding AT&T wireless subs) from June to August 2008 churned from other wireless providers. Nearly half of those new AT&T wireless subs came from Verizon Wireless, 24% from T-Mobile, and 19% from Sprint. So by NPD’s estimate, just under one-third of new AT&T wireless subs came to them as a direct result of the iPhone, and Verizon Wireless felt the most iPhone pain.

Lucky for Verizon, Sprint, on average, is losing 1 million subs per quarter in 2008, many of whom are fleeing to Verizon. So while Verizon lost a fair number of subs to AT&T and the iPhone, they made up for it by welcoming all those disgruntled Sprint customers. Upcoming third quarter numbers will provide a more revealing view of this competitive battle. So far, Verizon has fared quite well next to the iPhone challenge (thanks in part to the aforementioned Sprint). But the third quarter will be the first full quarter of the iPhone 3G bonanza. I’ve seen estimates that suggest 7 million+ total iPhone sales in the 3Q08 alone. All of those sales won’t be AT&T customers, but the majority will. Look for a blowout wireless quarter for AT&T. Now, will Sprint continue to deliver for Verizon?

T-Mobile’s First 3G Phone Goes Live

Bernie — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0400

T-Mobile has been busily trying to play catch up on the 3G front, and now that they have enough markets operational with 3G, customers can finally take advantage of their first true 3G phone. The Sony Ericsson TM506 is now available and offers a 2-megapixel cam, TeleNav navigation, video capture/playback, and stereo Bluetooth. It retails for $79.99 (after rebate).

Mobile Broadband Implications Are Far Reaching

Bernie — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 00:40:30 -0400

Nielsen Mobile released a revealing study on mobile broadband which may offer some insight into the future of broadband and wireless. The study results reveal that there were 13 million users of 3G mobile data cards in the U.S. as of the end of 2Q08. Mobile data cards connect to laptops and PCs, allowing access to mobile broadband services over a cellular network. The cards come in a variety of formats, including PCMCIA cards, USB cards, and even come embedded in laptops. The study also revealed significant momentum, citing that 55% of these cards were purchased within the last twelve months. One of the more revealing findings indicated that this mobile broadband product is increasingly being used by everyday consumers, not just traveling professionals, or “prosumers” as they are often called. “It’s clear that data cards aren’t just for business travelers but are an increasingly popular choice for in-home, personal Internet access, too” said Nic Covey, director of insights at Nielsen Mobile. “Data cards aren’t just for road warriors—but also for couch and kitchen warriors.” Other interesting findings include:

43% of mobile data card users report they most often use their data card at home
15% say they typically use the card at work
9% say they use the card while commuting to/from work
40% of card users also have cable broadband and 34% also have DSL in their home
59% of mobile data card users say they might cut their wireline Internet service for data card use exclusively

The threat to wireline broadband service is fairly obvious. There will be a segment of mobile broadband users who will go exclusively wireless, just as they’ve done with voice. The advent of 4G wireless in coming years will certainly accelerate that trend. But I also believe there will still be significant opportunity to leverage both wireline and wireless broadband together. I interpret the findings of this study to also support the notion that broadband carriers who augment their wireline broadband with a wireless value add option can gain competitive advantage. If your value proposition to customers communicates a robust wireline broadband option, complemented by a broadband “lite” wireless option, at an acceptable price point, you may have a winner. Indeed, some leading companies are already executing such a vision. This strategy is exactly what Cablevision has in mind with their pending Wi-Fi mesh network in New York. The idea that I can buy a service that will seamlessly extend my broadband experience, both inside and outside of the home, is quite compelling. As the Nielsen study reveals – compelling to not only prosumers, but soccer moms too.

Shentel to Upgrade to 3G

Bernie — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 22:45:24 -0400

Shenandoah Telecommunications Company (Shentel) will upgrade their wireless network to 3G using Alcatel-Lucent gear. “The network upgrade includes the deployment of third-generation (3G) CDMA2000 1xEV-DO Revision A (Rev. A) technology." Shentel's wireless network, Shenandoah Personal Communications Company, is a Sprint PCS Affiliate of Sprint Nextel. Shentel serves markets in Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania. “With this upgrade to our network, we will be able to give our customers access to some of the most advanced wireless technology available today, technology that will provide unequalled quality and reliability for both their voice and data communications,” said Chris French, President of Shentel.