Since we can't actively cover every news
article that breaks (as much as we would love to), PhoneDog compiles
various announcements and press releases that have been published
throughout the week and places them in one easy to read article. Enjoy!
My Circle from Alltel expands, offers more numbers
Effective March 26th, Alltel has increased the size of their My Circle offerings. In regards to individual lines, My Circle 10 has been given five extra My Circle numbers; likewise, My Circle 20 has now been changed to My Circle 25. The new plans are below:
- My Circle 15 (replaces My Circle 10): 900 anytime minutes and 15 My Circle numbers, $59.99
- My Circle 25 (replaces My Circle 20): 2,100 anytime minutes and 25 My Circle numbers, $99.99
T-Mobile offers MyAccount application in Android Market
Those using a G1 can download and enjoy a MyAccount application tailored for specific use on their devices. The program offers the ability to view bill summaries, plan information, help guides, user forums, and pay the wireless bill, among other things. At this time, the application is only available for G1 devices. Via TmoNews
T-Mobile botches launch of WebConnect modem, editor says
In a piece in Gearlog, Sascha Segan points out what he believes to be several problems with the launch of T-Mobile's 3G WebConnect card:
- The wrong pricing - T-Mobile's 3G network only covers about 100 million people - less than half the coverage of Verizon Wireless's. Yet they're charging the same as Verizon, $60/month, with the same 5 GB monthly data cap. So why not pick the carrier with the better coverage? Meanwhile, Cricket remains the only innovator pushing 3G to Americans for a reasonable price.
- The wrong target market - with a $60/month price point, a 5GB cap and a $200/GB overage charge, T-Mobile is clearly going for the road warrior, occasional business traveler market. But that's not T-Mobile's market. T-Mobile's greatest strength is among families, students, and individuals who like low prices, cute phones and great customer service. T-Mobile isn't likely to win many businesses over from the other three carriers with a combination of poor coverage and high rates.
- Awful roaming policies - T-Mobile's Huawei E181 modem is a quad-band UMTS device, able to roam on AT&T's network here in the US and on many foreign networks. T-Mobile completely bungles roaming. First, they turned off AT&T roaming in the US. Then, they offered no international roaming bucket plans - only an option to be charged $15 per megabyte. That's $15,000 per gigabyte. Who wants to roam at $15,000 per gigabyte?
- No synergy - T-Mobile's greatest strength is their network of 10,000 Wi-Fi hotspots. The Huawei E181 comes with GPS functionality, so you'd think T-Mobile would make it easy to find a hotspot near you. Not so - the webConnect stick comes with the GPS disabled. Fortunately, T-Mobile says they're working on this one.
The T-Mobile WebConnect USB modem launched on March 25th, and can be found at T-Mobile retail locations and online for $49.99.
AT&T offering refurbished BlackBerry Bold for free
Though the device is typically priced $299.99 new and $199.99 refurbished, AT&T is offering the refurbished BlackBerry Bold for free on its website. A two-year contract is required, however. If interested, be sure to act quickly - the offer appears to be ending soon. Via BGR
