Gizmodo: att

AT&T BlackBerry Bold Pushed Back to September(ish)

Adrian Covert — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 20:21:42 EDT

First it was July, then mid-August, but now BlackBerryNews is pegging the AT&T BB Bold with a launch date around September 1, contingent on how quick they can train personnel on the phone. The Bold was also supposed to release first on Rogers today, but that has been pushed back to July 29. [BlackBerryNews]

First White iPhone 3Gs Appear in White Boxes

Wilson Rothman — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 22:23:54 EDT

After the recent spate of iPhone 3G unboxing, a vid of AT&T personnel taking 3Gs out of a crate doesn't necessarily qualify as gadget porn, but this snippet happens to contain the first sighting of the elusive white iPhone 3G, in its—surprise!—white box. Luckily for your girlfriend, it looks like we were wrong about Apple cutting AT&T stores out of the white iPhone distribution. If you live in the UK, though, you may still have to cross the Atlantic for iPhono blanco. You can check out the video below.

[AT&T Video Log]

People Who Sold Their iPhones May Not Be Eligible For Subsidized iPhone 3G Upgrade

Jason Chen — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 18:01:46 EDT

Update: Looks like our the rep at AT&T gave us the wrong info despite double-checking the situation. If you recently sold your phone but haven't purchased another phone through AT&T with a subsidy and renewed a contract, then you're still eligible for a subsidized iPhone 3G at $199/$299. Even if you shoved your SIM into a temporary phone while you wait out the launch. If you have purchased a new phone with a subsidy, you're not eligible for another subsidy. Glad we cleared this up! Sorry for the scare. Our original post is after the jump, struck out.

We just learned that AT&T's policy of allowing current iPhone owners a subsidized upgrade—even though they're only as most one year into their two-year contracts—quite literally applies to current iPhone owners. That means that if you sold your iPhones recently in order to raise money for the new one, you might be out of luck. And by out of luck, we mean you have to pay the unsubsidized price ($399 for 8GB and $499 for 16GB) in order to upgrade to the iPhone 3G, not the $199 and $299 you thought you were going to pay. Let us explain.

We've confirmed from an AT&T rep that if you aren't using the iPhone, then by definition you aren't an iPhone customer. That makes you a regular AT&T customer with regular upgrade qualifications. How does AT&T know whether or not you're using the iPhone currently? Well, when you stick your old SIM into a new phone, they can detect exactly what you're using even if you haven't switched your plan to something else besides the iPhone plan. Bottom line is, you should go to AT&T and use their eligibility checker to see if you qualify. If you're really lucky, you only sold your phone recently and you haven't gotten around to sticking your SIM into something else.

BlackBerry Bold Hands On (It's Great)

Benny Goldman — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 23:41:22 EDT

Tonight, we finally got our hands on the BlackBerry Bold, and it was worth the wait. You've already seen the UI, which yes, it's that snappy and smooth. The screen is nice 'n' crispy, if a lil' tiny for extended cinematic pursuits. But the real q: How's the browser? Damn skippy. It not only renders Giz correctly (a feat that makes most mobile browsers cry blood), it's fast (thanks AT&T), and zooming in and out with the trackball works pretty well.

Smaller than the 8800, but bigger than the Curve, it feels really nice in your hand. Well, our hand. The keyboard is solid, as expected—BlackBerries live and die by the keyboard. Sweet design, more features, a great browser and the most consumer-oriented feel of any BlackBerry yet. This is the BlackBerry you've been wanting.

WSJ: Android Is A Giant, Delayed Flustercuck, iPhone Easier to Develop For

matt buchanan — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 11:02:02 EDT

Oh, Android delays, let us count the ways: T-Mobile will probably deliver an Android phone by the end of the year, but the WSJ says that working with T-Mo is sucking up so much Google juice that Sprint will have to wait until 2009 (and its Android phone might not play on EV-DO, but WiMax). AT&T is still holding off. China Mobile, the world's largest carrier, wanted one by fall, but it's looking more like 2009. Software developers are struggling to pump out programs and say that the iPhone is way easier to develop for. So, uh, what's going on in Googleland?

A lot of has to do with the fact that Android itself is still baking—it's hard to develop for an OS that isn't totally set and firm to the touch. So, even though Google has lotsa cool prototypes like one "a long touch-screen, similar to the Apple iPhone, a swivel-out full keyboard, and a trackball for navigation similar to the kind on some BlackBerrys," developers are having to constantly rewrite apps because the OS is in flux.

The Weather Channel admits it has already had to "rewrite a few things," and the latest version of Android is going to require some of the biggest revisions yet. The iPhone's SDK on the other hand, is ready to go, and many developers are already familiar with OS X. (And if developers are choosing one platform over the other, that's where Android's real trouble starts.) Topping it off, phonemakers like Samsung aren't having a jolly time integrating it either.

Sprint's woes are in part due to the fact it wants an Android phone with Sprint services, rather than a generic Google-y one. Because of the pushback, they might skip over a 3G Android phone and just do a WiMax one (though that doesn't make much sense to us—the EV-DO footprint is and will be way bigger than gimpy WiMax's, even in the first half of 2009, and that's being optimistic). Curiously, no word on the newly open Verizon's front, but given how messy Android is right now, even with all of its promise, we can't really blame AT&T for sitting it out for now. [WSJ]

iPhone 3G AT&T Activation Details: Doing It at Home is Possible, But Requires a Promise

Jason Chen — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 13:39:07 EDT

The two things we previously heard about iPhone 3G activation on AT&T—mandatory in-store activation and a penalty if you don't activate within 30 days—seemed to contradict each other. Not anymore. Apple Insider has just heard through an internal memo that people can actually leave a retail store without activating their iPhone 3G as long as they've signed a form saying that they intend to register with a 2-year service plan within 30 days. The retail guys would then input the IMEI number of your phone into their machines, which would enter AT&T's Death Star tracking machine to allow them to know whether or not you've properly activated. Now it all makes sense. [Apple Insider - Thanks Joel!]

And here's our gigantic FAQ about the iPhone 3G.

Free AT&T Wi-Fi Starbucks Lawsuit Settled, Lattes Still Overpriced

Jesus Diaz — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 08:46:00 EDT

Remember the T-Mobile vs Starbucks lawsuit over the free AT&T Wi-Fi, because the former said the latter broke their exclusive contract? Yeah, me neither, but apparently it has been settled: "T-Mobile, AT&T and Starbucks have entered into a memorandum of understanding to resolve their disputes and are committed to providing a high quality Wi-Fi experience for customers." The terms are undisclosed, but unfortunately they don't include the immediate closure of all Starbucks outlets through the galaxy. [Reuters]

iPhone 3G Pricing and Activation Details: $30 Unlimited Data, Activated In Store Only

matt buchanan — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 17:36:40 EDT

We just talked to AT&T's President of National Distribution Glenn Lurie, who gave us all the pricing and activation details for the iPhone 3G, which won't be getting special treatment anymore. It will be using all AT&T's standard voice and data plans, which means $30 for unlimited 3G data for consumers, $45 for business users, on top of voice. Also, no in-home activation for iPhone 3G—it does require a two-year contract, and it will have to be activated in store (at AT&T or Apple Store), which takes 10-12 minutes, meaning that first day line is going to SUCK. And you will have to camp out, since there won't be any online ordering at launch—and Glenn was mum on how many phones there'd be to go around. Updates below.

Supposedly the network will be ready, even if the supply won't be. I asked him four different ways if it was ready for the onslaught of millions of 3G data phones and he said "absolutely" each time, and that they've planned for it. What's unclear is how many units they've planned for the first day. He said they expected "high" demand but nobody knows what the "full demand" will be, in response to my question about meeting demand.

For people who care about the business end of things, the other way that the iPhone 3G isn't special in regards to AT&T anymore is that AT&T subsidizing it like any other phone means that the old revenue-sharing program is out. Basically, other than letting Apple sell and activate the iPhone 3G at Apple Stores, the model is the same they have with everyone else, like RIM or Sammy. More details on everything will be coming from AT&T in the next week or so.

Update: Interesting point from Apple Gazette about ending Apple ending revenue-sharing with AT&T—it means we might have to pay for future feature updates to the iPhone 3G since Apple won't be getting those monthly checks, thanks to those "accounting purposes." Obviously we don't know for sure yet. Besides, SDK might make it a moot point.

Update 2: David alerts us to this bit from Dow Jones' report: "AT&T and Apple are working on a form of penalty for users who don't activate their iPhone within 30 days of purchase." Whoa. Guess that'll cut down on unlockers, eh?

Update 3: Looks like AT&T's dropping the GoPhone plan for the iPhone 3G too. Also, it's been pointed out Apple is still counting its revenue for the phone over the course of two years despite dumping revenue-sharing with AT&T, so iPhoners can probably continue to lord free updates over iPod touchers. [AT&T]

Free Starbucks Wi-Fi Launches Tomorrow

matt buchanan — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 10:23:18 EDT

Our friend and Starbucks addict Dave Zatz says that Starbucks' long-overdue free Wi-Fi is officially launching tomorrow. Info comes from the manager of his usual haunt, who gave him a peek at the store memo and signage, though he couldn't take photos. No word on whether iPhone access is coming back tomorrow (or June 9th), unfortunately. Makes sense, given that AT&T's service has been there since May 1 for AT&T customers. Anyone planning a run just to celebrate? Just remember you need to register a Starbucks card and use it once a month to get your two free hours a day. [Zatz Not Funny, Thanks Dave!]

AT&T's Pantech Breeze, A Hip Phone for Geezers on the Go

Benny Goldman — Tue, 27 May 2008 09:30:00 EDT

AT&T's geezerphone, the Pantech Breeze, is designed with the elderly in mind. The Breeze has three big speed-dial buttons, simple menus, a loud speakerphone and large font. Now you can hear Gladys's mahjong story and read Morty's steamy text messages from anywhere in Del Boca Vista. A step up from the Jitterbug and the ClarityLife, other cellphones for the olds, it has a camera to snap pictures of your grandkids, or the carpet while you're figuring out how to make a call. The Breeze sells for $70 up front with a two-year contract, or $155 if you do pay-as-you-go, which is a good option if you don't know where you'll be three weeks from now. Bigger pics and press release after the jump. [AT&T]

AT&T AND PANTECH MAKE USING A MOBILE PHONE A BREEZE FOR CUSTOMERS New Phone Focused on Ultimate Ease-of-Use Now Available Nationwide SAN ANTONIO, May 27, 2008 — If you are an experienced mobile phone user, the ins and outs of wireless devices are second nature. For first-time phone owners, simplicity and ease-of-use are more important than ever. AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) and Pantech Wireless Inc. today announced the Pantech Breeze™ from AT&T. Available in all company-owned stores and online beginning May 27, the Pantech Breeze is an ideal device for a wide range of users, from novice or first- time mobile phone owners to customers looking to simplify the overall user experience. At its core, the Pantech Breeze is an uncomplicated mobile phone, specifically designed for people needing an easy way to stay in touch with friends, caregivers and loved ones. From its clean and uncluttered design to its simplified menus, oversized display with large keypad and quick-call keys, the Pantech Breeze includes a host of convenient features in a comfortable, modern design. The Pantech Breeze is the direct result of AT&T and Pantech's collaboration to build a device on the principles of Universal Design — the practice of designing products and applications that are usable by the most customers possible. AT&T recently published the company's approach to Universal Design to encourage application developers and handset manufacturers to consider the needs of seniors or customers who have disabilities when creating products and services. "Universal Design helps define important design criteria to meet the wants and needs of as many of our customers as possible," said Carlton Hill, vice president of Product Management, Voice Products and Affiliate Marketing for AT&T's wireless operations. "The Pantech Breeze is a result of our efforts to meet these criteria and offer a great-looking phone that's a breeze to use for everyone — from tweens to great-grandparents." The Pantech Breeze takes into account many of the design principles set forth in AT&T's approach to Universal Design: • 1-2-3 Quick-Call Keys — Three pre-programmable quick-call buttons are located below the screen — users can easily select one of the three quick-call contacts and press the send button to start a call. • Simplified Menu — Navigating the phone's features is trouble-free with the simplified "breeze menu," which prioritizes the features that customers want to access most. • Large Font — Menu screens on the Pantech Breeze use a highly visible large font. Additionally, the font of SMS messages is enlarged and the date and time of messages sent is at the beginning rather than at the end of a message. • Easy-to-Use Buttons — The oversized buttons on the device respond with a tactile click when pressed, and the amount of time the keys remain illuminated after use is extended. • Clear and Loud Speakerphone — A large, dedicated button starts and stops speakerphone use. • Camera — A dedicated hard key for the camera brings up camera options "take a picture" and "photo album" to give users easy access to useable camera functions. • Audible Keys — An option to have audio accompany numeric keystrokes makes it easy to know which buttons have been pressed, resulting in mistake-free dialing for those with limited sight. In addition to these key design features, the Pantech Breeze is a powerful phone. The product is a GSM quad-band world device, able to make voice calls in more than 200 countries and access data and send messages in more than 145. The Pantech Breeze features a talk time of up to three hours and up to 10 hours of standby time. Full messaging, camera and video capabilities, Bluetooth® compatibility and tools such as an alarm clock, notepad, calendar and calculator are included. "The Pantech Breeze is a unique and important target product for us, one that underscores our commitment to all levels of customers," said Patrick Beattie, vice president of Marketing and Sales at Pantech Wireless Inc. "By incorporating AT&T's socially responsible Universal Design model, this product speaks directly to people needing a down-to-earth handset that provides easy access to core features." The Pantech Breeze will be available May 27 at select AT&T company-owned stores and online at www.wireless.att.com. The Pantech Breeze is $39.99 after a two-year service agreement and a $30 mail-in rebate or $124.99 after a $30 mail-in rebate for customers who prefer to use AT&T's Pick Your Plan or Pay As You Go GoPhone® prepaid plans.

FCC May Regulate Cellphone Early Termination Fees

Jason Chen — Wed, 21 May 2008 11:10:00 EDT

The FCC might be getting up in cellphone providers' collective grill, telling them what they can and cannot charge to customers who quit their service early. A proposal to them outlines some changes consumers want enacted, including free termination up to 30 days after signing a contract or 10 days after the first bill and pro-rating the $175+ fee depending on how many months you've been with the service (some do already). What's the upside for cellphone companies? They get let off the hook in state courts "where they are being sued for billions of dollars by angry customers." [CNN]

Regional Carriers Want the iPhone, Tell FCC to Ban Phone Exclusives

matt buchanan — Tue, 20 May 2008 17:20:00 EDT

The wireless industry is essentially at the saturation point, so exclusive phones matter more than ever, especially ones like the iPhone for AT&T or the touchscreen Blackberry Thunder for Verizon, phones that really drive people to particular carriers. So it's no wonder the Rural Cellular Association (repping smaller regional carriers) is petitioning the FCC to ban exclusive deals, which obviously push people out of smaller local carriers to the established juggernauts, since it can take months or years for trickle down. The iPhone is at the center of the complaint.

Basically, the peg is that most people in Vermont can't get an iPhone, since AT&T only has roaming coverage there, and none of the carriers in the area can offer it. While it sounds like a nice, egalitarian thing the gov't could latch onto, the petition will probably fail.

As big as FCC Chairman Kevin Martin is on promoting competition, it's really only particular kinds of competition, and this doesn't really fall into the rubric. Moreover, this isn't the first time this kind of petition has been filed, and it's been smacked down every time before. Sorry, Green Mountain Staters and boondocks-dwellers, you're probably not going to get an iPhone till iPhone 4 or 5, when that AT&T exclusive finally runs out. [WSJ via Silicon Alley Insider]

Dealzmodo: Refurbished iPhones For $249 and $349

Jason Chen — Wed, 14 May 2008 17:00:00 EDT

If you don't mind using a phone that's been face-greased by someone else over who knows how many months, AT&T's refurb store has some pretty decent deals on iPhones. The 8GB is $249 and 16GB is $349, perfect for buying now and then regretting one month later when the 3G iPhone is available. At least you got a good deal on it, and perhaps your wife won't mind using an older model if her current phone sucks donkey anyway. [AT&T]

AT&T 3G Hitting 20Mbps in 2009

Benny Goldman — Wed, 14 May 2008 13:30:00 EDT

Just in time for the new iPhone's imminent release, AT&T said today that it will upgrade its 3G network to run at speeds over 20 megabits per second in 2009. That's more than five times the current limit of 3.6Mbps, which is already fast, at least compared to EDGE. The company is currently testing its HSDPA 3G network for the upgrade, and says it now runs at 7.2Mbps in the lab. The speed boost will be achieved through a software upgrade and won't require major hardware changes across the network, so we may actually see this happen on time. The question is, when everyone and their mom has the 3G iPhone, will the speed peaks still be that good? If you want to know more about 3G and HSPA, check out Giz Explains: Mobile Terms.[AppleInsider]

3G Networks Reviewed: AT&T Is the Fastest

matt buchanan — Tue, 13 May 2008 13:00:00 EDT

Computerworld took Verizon, Sprint and AT&T's 3G data services for a spin all around the tri-state area—500 points in NY, NJ and CT—with data cards from everyone and an X300 to determine the king of 3G. Surprisingly (or maybe not), AT&T was the snappiest of the bunch in both average (755Kbps) and top data speeds (1.6Mbps). Of course, there's more to consider: As we've said, only Sprint gives you unlimited data freedom; Verizon and AT&T have 5GB caps (they're squishy, but they're there). Also, EV-DO has a bit wider coverage area. But if you're mostly roaming around the NYC area, it looks like AT&T might be the new go-to, especially if speed is your main concern. [ComputerWorld]

Rumor Smashed: AT&T's iPhone Black Reference Just Placeholder Text

Jason Chen — Mon, 12 May 2008 15:10:29 EDT

An AT&T spokesperson just told us that the iPhone Black dropdown reference on the AT&T Wireless website is just a temporary placeholder. The spokesperson says that it was used over the weekend for a "scheduled catalog update," distinguishing the various iPhone models (4GB, 8GB and 16GB). Sorry dudes, the 3G iPhone is probably not called the iPhone Black. Unless, of course, the spokesperson was just covering AT&T's butt, which could always be possible.

Sprint Loses 1 Million Customers While Everyone Else Gains

Wilson Rothman — Mon, 12 May 2008 12:23:47 EDT

Two weeks ago we told you that Verizon and AT&T had added millions of customers in the first quarter of 2008, and that T-Mobile was also on the up. Today Sprint reported that, as expected, it was not part of this trend, instead losing 1 million customers in the same period. CEO Dan Hesse told Reuters that recovery would take "many quarters." Sprint was working hard to reduce customer cancellations and return to profit, but it was "still far from where we need to be." Our theory: Sprint is throwing a Hail Mary pass with the Samsung Instinct, whose marketing costs alone are rumored to cost $100 million—or more. If that doesn't work, I think we might see some towel throwing. [Reuters]

AT&T Confirms First Dibs on BlackBerry Bold

Wilson Rothman — Mon, 12 May 2008 11:11:47 EDT

AT&T told our friend Sascha at PC Mag that it would be the first carrier to sell the new BlackBerry Bold. Others may very well follow this year, and judging from the fact that the hardware specs include room for T-Mobile, Sprint and Verizon, they most certainly will. AT&T also said that it's got exclusivity on international 3G usage—Sprint/Verizon's EV-DO isn't as universal as AT&T's HSDPA—and the ability to use the BB in Japan and South Korea. [Gearlog]

AT&T and Other Telcos Thinking of Skype Combatant?

Brian Lam — Tue, 06 May 2008 19:30:51 EDT

Om writes about a report that AT&T and a group of major international telcos like British Telecom, Deutsche Telecom and NTT are thinking of making a free VoIP system. The reason for it is that voice is a "losing proposition" these days in the face of Skype and landline attrition. The system would eventually be moved to cellphones and would be launched in 2009. One problem: The report is so far mostly theory, even if the writer does have a good track record. [Om]

How to Cover Your Text Message Tracks

matt buchanan — Fri, 02 May 2008 19:30:00 EDT

It's Friday, so the mass of stupid and regrettable (and maybe criminal) text messages you wished you never sent is about explode exponentially, as it does every weekend. Google, as you know, keeps your embarrassing search history for "AZN Squirrels Pooping on Bananas" or "Iron Man upskirt" for 18 months. But how long do Verizon and AT&T hang on to your shameful SMSes? Thankfully, not long at all. Sprint hangs on to your textual diarrhea the longest, for about two weeks, while AT&T dumps them after 48 hours, according to Slate's Explainer. We hit up Verizon, who said a "couple days, tops." There are a couple catches, though.

While with the major carriers, for the most part, no one (not even the cops) can dredge up stuff from years ago since it's been long deleted, watch out if you're on an employer's carrier, like Skytel, which touts its messaging archival features. The other major catch is that even deleted messages can be recovered directly from your phone, just like deleted data from any other storage device, because of the way deletion works—it just marks the data as okay to be overwritten, so if it hasn't been replaced by new data, it's still recoverable. It's a bit easier to snag from SIM cards (which can hold up to 30 messages) than from the phone's internal memory 'cause there are dedicated gadgets for doing so.

Bottom line though, text messages are still probably the safest way to go about your business (dirty or otherwise) without worrying about getting snooped (much safer than IM or email, which are notoriously logged)—as long as you wipe them off your actual phone and make it past the two-day mark carrier-side. An anonymous prepaid phone works even better, obviously. [Slate]

Official AT&T Mobile TV Details

matt buchanan — Thu, 01 May 2008 00:36:33 EDT

Looks the leaked info was pretty much spot on. AT&T's Mobile TV service is debuting May 4 and it'll come in three tiers: Limited, Basic and Plus for $13, $15 and $30. It'll launch in 58 major markets (all the ones you expect). Besides the nine live broadcast channels, there's a bank of 150 time-shifted shows like the 30 Rock finale, plus Sony's movie channel, dubbed PIX—it'll have stuff like Memento and Kung Fu Hustle (have you ever seen a fist this big?). First phones to get in on the action are LG's Vu and Samsung Access. Hit the jump for all the dirty details.

AT&T MOBILE TV PREMIERES SUNDAY, MAY 4
AT&T to Deliver MediaFLO USA's FLO TV Service in 58 Markets on New AT&T-Exclusive Handsets Designed for Mobile TV Viewing; AT&T Introduces CNN Mobile Live, PIX and CNCRT, a Special Concert Channel

SAN ANTONIO, May 1, 2008 — We interrupt your scheduled programming with an important news bulletin: AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) and MediaFLO USA Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated (Nasdaq: QCOM), announced today the May 4 availability of the AT&T Mobile TV with FLO™ service. This powerful new mobile television service will provide around-the-clock access to some of today's most popular television programs — live and in color on the mobile phone.

To ensure an unmatched mobile television experience for consumers, AT&T is introducing two new exclusive handsets: the Vu from LG Electronics MobileComm U.S.A. Inc. (LG) and the Access from Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung).

* LG Vu: A sleek and stunning device, the Vu gives you a clear view of TV, Web, pictures or videos on its large interactive touch screen. It also lets you get the utmost in mobile entertainment with a music player, 2.0 megapixel camera and Bluetooth® capabilities. The LG Vu is available for $299.99 with a two-year service agreement and after a $100 mail-in rebate.
* Samsung Access: This stylish handset features a large landscape display, ideal for delivering a rich viewing experience and an internal antenna for exceptional reception. It's a great device for customers who are looking for advanced multimedia capabilities such as a camera, external stereo speakers, stereo Bluetooth, AT&T Music, CV, of course, AT&T Mobile TV. The Samsung Access is available for $199.99 with a two-year service agreement and after a $100 mail-in rebate.1

"AT&T Mobile TV is more than a new entertainment service — it is an experience that will significantly change and enhance our customers' mobile lifestyles," said Mark Collins, vice president of Consumer Data for AT&T's wireless unit. "With this in mind, it was imperative that we launch this revolutionary service on devices that were optimal for the best mobile viewing experience imaginable. We worked closely with LG and Samsung to deliver these two iconic handsets, which are designed with the specific needs of what will soon become our Mobile TV viewing audience."

AT&T Mobile TV proves that big things come in small packages. The service will offer unmatched TV-quality programming from leading news and entertainment brands: CBS Mobile, ESPN Mobile TV, FOX Mobile, NBC 2Go, NBC News 2Go, MTV Networks' COMEDY CENTRAL, MTV and Nickelodeon, as well as PIX and CNN Mobile Live, which are both AT&T-exclusive channels on MediaFLO USA's FLO TV™ service.

PIX, from Sony Pictures Television, offers a variety of contemporary films, including comedies, cult classics, action films and family favorites from the studio's vast library.

CNN Mobile Live provides users with access to 24 hours of breaking news with live streaming anchored coverage from CNN.com Live as well as CNN's most popular programs, including "American Morning," "Lou Dobbs Tonight," "CNN Election Center," "Larry King Live," "Anderson Cooper 360º," and "CNN International."

"Our research revealed that news and movies were the two most popular program categories consumers wanted to watch on their mobile phones. We have exceeded their expectations with AT&T Mobile TV," said Collins. "Together with MediaFLO USA, we are changing the picture of television-viewing by giving our customers an innovative way to stay connected to breaking news from CNN Mobile Live, an arsenal of movie favorites with PIX and a formidable lineup of other quality programming while on the go."

Additionally, for the next 60 days, the AT&T Mobile TV service will feature CNCRT, a special concert channel delivered by Control Room, a leading producer and distributor of world-class entertainment. Every day, for 24 hours, the CNCRT channel will air one of approximately 30 recently recorded concerts from major recording artists, such as Avril Lavigne, Chris Brown, Fall Out Boy, Jay Z, Sheryl Crow, Akon, Daughtry, Lenny Kravitz, Rage Against the Machine and more.

"With the authority of CNN, the cinematic variety of PIX and the star power of CNCRT, AT&T Mobile TV adds an exciting dimension to the FLO TV service," said Gina Lombardi, president of MediaFLO USA. "We are thrilled to be working with AT&T to provide consumers with such a powerful new mobile entertainment experience."

MediaFLO USA's award-winning FLO TV service features premium full-length, high-quality programming delivered to mobile phones over MediaFLO USA's own dedicated multicast network. Using an intuitive program guide, AT&T customers will be able to easily flip from one channel to the next on their mobile FLO-enabled phones to experience the best-quality mobile TV.

There are more than 150 simulcast and/or time-shifted programs, as well as live sports events, currently available for viewing. Below are examples of some of the entertaining TV programs and events that are scheduled to air the week of May 4:

* CBS Mobile: New episodes of "CSI," "CSI:NY" and "How I Met Your Mother"
* CNN Mobile Live: Live breaking news coverage, including real-time results from the Democratic and Republican primaries in North Carolina and Indiana on May 6.
* Comedy Central: New episodes of "The Daily Show with John Stewart" and "The Colbert Report"
* ESPN Mobile TV: Live game coverage as well as ESPN Mobile TV shows such as "ScoreCenter," "ReSET" and more
* FOX Mobile: New episodes of "Bones," "Back to You," and LIVE Big 12 College Baseball
* MTV: New episodes of "The Hills," "Real World: Hollywood" and "The Paper"
* NBC 2Go: LIVE NHL Stanley Cup Playoff and Final games and finale episode of NBC's "30 Rock" (Thurs., May 8)
* NBC News 2Go: LIVE coverage of the Indiana and North Carolina Democratic Primaries
* Nickelodeon: Episodes of "SpongeBob SquarePants" and "iCarly"
* PIX: "Memento," "In The Line of Fire," "Groundhog Day," "Kung Fu Hustle" and "Resident Evil"

AT&T Mobile TV will launch in 58 markets including Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, San Diego, Seattle and Washington, D.C. The service is a perfect complement to the wireless carrier's already impressive portfolio of wireless video offerings, including CV, which gives subscribers mobile access to thousands of on-demand video clips — including news, sports, entertainment, music and movie previews. With the addition of Mobile TV, AT&T customers now have even more choices in how they experience and enjoy video content from their phone. As with CV, AT&T Mobile TV will have the Parental Controls feature, which provides content filtering and purchase blocking on your phone so that you can restrict access to content that may be inappropriate for younger viewers.

Monthly access packages for AT&T Mobile TV begin at $15 a month for the Basic package, which includes unlimited access to Mobile TV, as well as access to the exclusive CNCRT channel for a limited time. AT&T also offers a Mobile TV Plus package for $30 a month, which includes unlimited Mobile TV, unlimited mobile Web browsing on MEdiaTM Net and unlimited CV mobile video. Customers can also subscribe to a limited basic package for $13 a month, which gives them access to four channels: CBS Mobile, FOX Mobile, NBC 2Go and NBC News 2Go. Because AT&T Mobile TV operates on MediaFLO USA's own dedicated multicast network, AT&T customers do not incur data or voice charges. Additionally, programming is subject to change, and sports programming is subject to blackout restrictions.

To learn more about AT&T Mobile TV, including service, programming and handset details, visit www.att.com/mobiletv beginning May 4.

[AT&T]

AT&T Giving Free Starbucks Wi-Fi to iPhone Users?

Jason Chen — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 20:01:56 EDT

Some Macrumors readers are reporting that AT&T's Starbucks and Barnes and Noble Wi-Fi hotspots are coughing up free internet access for iPhone users. When you hit up the wireless at these locations, you get directed to a special iPhone-formatted page that asks for your phone number. Once you punch that in, you're free to check email and Facebook at decent speeds. AT&T declined to comment, but didn't officially deny anything. [MacRumors]

AT&T's 3G iPhone Is $199 This Summer

Jason Chen — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 17:44:45 EDT

According to Fortune, AT&T's going to further subsidize the iPhone down as much as $200, making the final retail price a scant $199 with two-year-contract. The rumor is that the $200 bonus will only be available in AT&T stores, not in Apple stores, so people buying and exporting or using it with T-Mobile will be paying the higher price. Current first-gen iPhone users probably won't get this $200 subsidy when upgrading either, unless perhaps they renew for another 2 years.

If you're buying straight from Apple, it seems like their prices will still be $399 and $499 for the 8 and 16GB models. Fortune's source also says that the phone will have GPS and be 2.5mm thinner, not thicker as previously indicated. And you'll know when the new phone is coming—Apple will cut off shipments of the old phone in order to clear up inventory and give a subtle hint that you should wait before buying. [Fortune]

Update: It looks like Scott Moritz is the same guy who made predictions before that didn't come true. He comes from thestreet.com, who, via Jim Cramer, made the prediction that the iPhone would get 1.5 years of free service. The rumor sounds less credible to us now.

iPhone Data Plan for Deaf Now Available: $40 a Month

matt buchanan — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 15:47:54 EDT

The "near future" for the impending iPhone data plan for the deaf was apparently four months. Dubbed the Text Accessibility Plan for iPhone, it comes with unlimited text messaging, browsing and email. It's now available for new and current iPhone users for $40 a month, though you've gotta clear an eligibility application to get it. Full details below.

The iPhone is now even more accessible for Americans who are deaf or have a hearing or speech disability. Today, AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) announced a new Text Accessibility Plan (TAP) for iPhone, designed to give iPhone customers with disabilities the choice of unlimited text messaging, Web browsing and easy access to e-mail for $40 a month.
"Our Text Accessibility Plan allows customers who are deaf or have hearing or speech disabilities to literally tap out their communications on the go," said Carlton Hill, vice president of Product Management, Voice Products and Affiliate Marketing for AT&T's wireless unit. "Now with TAP for iPhone, users can tap, flick and pinch the innovative Multi-Touch touch screen for a completely new world of functionality."

This new plan is available to new and current iPhone users with qualifying disabilities through AT&T's National Center for Customers with Disabilities (NCCD). To qualify for the iPhone TAP, customers must complete an application for eligibility. The form is available for download at

During the iPhone activation process, customers sign up for a standard iPhone voice and data plan. After the iPhone is activated, customers can e-mail, fax or mail the eligibility form back to the NCCD to change their rate plan to the TAP for iPhone.

Current iPhone customers who qualify may also submit the NCCD application to request the TAP for iPhone. Customers can contact the AT&T NCCD with questions at 866-241-6568 for voice calls or 866-241-6567 for TTY calls.

AT&T offers TAP plans to qualifying customers for use with most handsets across AT&T's portfolio. The NCCD also helps AT&T customers with disabilities with a variety of applications that aid in wireless communications. These include Mobile Magnifier, which enables individuals who have low vision or are blind to zoom in on the screen and Mobile Speak, which reads aloud menu options.

[AT&T]

Azureus/Vuze Says AT&T Is Pulling a Comcast, Resetting Torrents

matt buchanan — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 17:06:28 EDT

A month after releasing its plugin that detects if your ISP is performing reset voodoo on your torrents, Azureus/Vuze is claiming AT&T hexes them with the same reset TCP packet curse as Comcast, despite AT&T's explicit statements otherwise. AT&T denies the accusation and points out a flaw in the plugin's method, that it can't tell the difference between naturally occurring TCP resets and artificial ones generated by an ISP. Azureus, while admitting the issue, still says AT&T is full it.

According to their data, "the results show a significant enough difference in the level of resets from one network operator to another, to warrant asking certain network operators to describe their network management practices," and AT&T, Cablevision and AOL are at the top of the heap. In our feature on ISP network management, while AT&T directly stated its "techniques don't include degrading or blocking traffic," they did decline to elaborate on what they did do.

While in Comcast's case, FCC Chairman Kevin Martin told a Senate committee they lied about throttling torrents only during periods of congestion and never issued a flat denial, AT&T's repeated, direct counters incline us to believe them. But we still agree with Azureus's goal, to push ISPs to be completely transparent about how they manage their network—we'll leave whether the FCC should mandate net neutrality up to the policy wonks. Besides, it's looking like the FCC is moving toward transparency regulations anyway, if not neutrality. [PC World]

Starbucks/AT&T Wi-Fi Launches May 1 for AT&T Customers (But Not the Rest of Us)

matt buchanan — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 12:29:00 EDT

AT&T officially began rolling out their Starbucks Wi-Fi hotspots today (and confirmed the first one spotted in the wild). AT&T broadband customers get free Wi-Fi at all 7,000 Starbucks starting May 1 but the rest of us have to wait as it's deployed on a market-by-market basis throughout the year. (Which means the spots for AT&T customers are probably running on T-Mo's boxes.) We tried to get a more clear timeline, at least for major markets, but they aren't elaborating right now. [AT&T]

SAN ANTONIO, Texas, and SEATTLE, Wash., April 25, 2008 — AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) and Starbucks (NASDAQ:SBUX) today announced the beginning of the rollout of AT&T Wi-FiSM service at company-operated Starbucks stores, kicking off a nationwide effort that will continue through 2008. At the 2008 AT&T Inc. Annual Meeting of Stockholders in San Antonio, chairman and chief executive officer Randall Stephenson announced that the companies have already started the deployment of AT&T Wi-Fi service at Starbucks locations in San Antonio, making it the first market to deliver the complete AT&T Wi-Fi experience in the U.S.
Also, as of May 1, qualifying AT&T high speed Internet and Wi-Fi customers will have complimentary Wi-Fi access at more than 7,000 Starbucks locations nationwide. For millions of AT&T customers, that means more speed in more places — and for free — is on its way.

"With the power of our Wi-Fi network, and through our partnership with Starbucks, we're strengthening our ability to meet the needs of today's mobile consumer virtually anywhere and everywhere," Stephenson said. "Expanding our reach across company-operated Starbucks locations nationwide helps us bridge the gap between our wired and wireless offerings and affirms AT&T's commitment to connect people with their worlds, everywhere they live and work."

"We continue to build on the experience we know our customers expect from us," said Chris Bruzzo, chief technology officer, Starbucks. "By partnering with AT&T as our U.S. Wi-Fi provider we aim to deliver a better value, greater convenience and seamless connectivity in a mobility centric world to our customers."

As of May 1, qualifying AT&T customers can connect to the Internet from Wi-Fi enabled company-operated Starbucks locations nationwide by simply selecting "ATTWiFi" after powering up their computers. Free AT&T Wi-Fi service is currently offered with AT&T's three higher-speed residential broadband packages, all small business broadband packages and with all AT&T U-verseSM offerings with high speed Internet service.

For other customers, AT&T Wi-Fi service will reach company-operated Starbucks locations on a market-by-market basis throughout the year. The experience will include a mix of free and paid connection options for both frequent and occasional Wi-Fi users and qualifying Starbucks customers. Once AT&T Wi-Fi service is available, customers will be able to shop and surf both Starbucks' and AT&T's respective home pages for products and services.

The initiative brings together two of the most recognizable global brands to create a powerful and convenient online experience for consumers and business customers. The San Antonio launch delivers on the companies' joint commitment to begin the rollout of AT&T Wi-Fi service this spring.

GPS-enabled Blackberry Pearl 8110 Arrives on AT&T

Adrian Covert — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 19:36:31 EDT

If the lack of GPS on the AT&T Blackberry Pearl was the one thing holding you back, today is your lucky day. The GPS-capable 8110 is now available through AT&T. Unfortunately, the $150 handset sacrifices Wi-Fi in favor of navigaton. [AT&T via IntoMobile]

Comcast Entering the Wireless Biz to Take on Verizon and AT&T

matt buchanan — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 16:59:10 EDT

GigaOm is reporting that Comcast has created its own wireless division and is bringing the pieces together to jump into the wireless biz to offer quadruple play bundle competition (TV, landline, internet, wireless) against Verizon and AT&T. Speculation is that they could buddy up with a WiMax deal, or flat-out buy Sprint (more likely) or T-Mobile (less likely). Usually more competition is more better, but not sure what'll come out of this Pandora's box. I'm sure the FCC will love it though. Update: A tipster tells us that the wireless move will be under their Fancast brand, which is currently the name of their online video site. Smart, avoids the negative Comcast connotations. [GigaOM]

AT&T: The Internet Will Explode in 2010

matt buchanan — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 12:30:00 EDT

South Park already showed us how to fix the internet, but what really struck me was Randy's speech at the end—he totally sounded like an AT&T or Comcast executive when he said, "It's easy for us to think we can just use up all the internet we want but...it could one day be gone forever." Actually, that's exactly what AT&T's VP for Legislative Affairs Jim Cicconi said at the Westerminister eForum: "We are going to be butting up against the physical capacity of the internet by 2010." Update: AT&T's saying now that Cicconi was mis-quoted, and the doomy prediction was from a study. What he actually said was, "In three years' time 20 typical households here in London will generate more traffic than the entire Internet did back in 1995."

And it's because you assholes are using it too much. Cicconi argued that the "unprecedented new wave of broadband traffic" currently flooding the tubes will increase to 50 times what it is now by 2015, with video making up 80 percent of all internet traffic by 2010. So yeah, you really can only use the internet for porn twice a day, max, or it could one day be gone forever.

Of course, this was all just a lead up to poo on government-enforced net neutrality, the overt argument being that only the ISPs know how to manage the internet, with the subtext that only traffic management can save it: "I don't think government intervention is the right way to do this kind of thing. I don't think government can anticipate these kinds of technical problems. Right now, I think Net neutrality is a solution in search of a problem."

But can you really trust someone who doesn't believe in the giant Linksys router? [Cnet via Valleywag]

AT&T Mobile TV Launch Date, Channels and Pricing

matt buchanan — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 12:08:04 EDT

Boy Genius has some more details about AT&T's imminent mobile TV service, adding to what AT&T Mobility CEO Ralph de la Vega told us earlier. It's going to launch May 4, and there will be three packages: Limited ($13/month), Basic ($15) and Plus ($30). It's the exact same as what Verizon VCast offers, price and channel-wise, except that AT&T has CNN and Plus tosses in an "exclusive" Sony pictures channel. Full listings below.

•Limited Four channels: Fox Mobile, CBS Mobile, NBC, and NBC News
•Basic Nine channels: Fox Mobile, CBS Mobile, NBC, NBC News, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, CNN Mobile and ESPN
•Plus Same nine channels, plus Sony Pictures

Unless there's some other sweetness to Plus we haven't heard about, that means the Sony channel costs you 15 bucks a month. Verizon's $25 top tier V Pack also throws in unlimited airtime, browsing and email—hopefully that's a part of AT&T's Plus package. [BGR]

Mobile Term Madness: LTE, WiMax, EV-DO and More Explained

matt buchanan — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 14:00:00 EDT

We've been talking a lot about emerging mobile tech lately, tossing around crazy acronyms and words like WiMax, LTE, 3G, ~~G-Spot~~, EDGE and whatnot. A lot of you probably already know this stuff cold, but in case you don't, here's the quick and dirty guide to what you need to know.

GSM is the most widely used mobile standard—210 countries—and by AT&T and T-Mobile in the US. What's groovy about GSM is that any device that'll take a SIM card—"subscriber identity module" is a chip that identifies you to the network and allows you to get on—can get you on a local network. Hence the market for "unlocked" phones that aren't tied to any carrier, which you can just pop an AT&T or T-Mobile SIM card in. It's also AT&T's response to Verizon's open initiative: GSM networks are technically already open.

CDMA is a competing voice-and-data standard that is smaller in distribution—but highly prevalent in Korea, Japan, South America and the US, on the networks of Verizon Wireless and Sprint (including MVNOs such as Helio and Virgin Mobile). CDMA is actually more efficient in terms of the way it uses channels, but it doesn't have GSM's "open" advantage of SIM card swapping. (This is why you can't take your iPhone to Verizon.)

2G refers to any second-generation networks—like CDMA and GSM/GPRS—that are digital, and not analog (which would be 1G). It's mostly for voice, but there's some slow data, too. (Remember WAP?)

2.5G are data upgrades to 2G networks that allow for faster data transfer. EDGE is the best known, used by T-Mobile and AT&T (and the bane of iPhone owners everywhere) and a transitional tech to 3G. Still pretty pokey, topping out at 200kbps downstream real world. Verizon and Sprint have a 2.5G technology called 1XRTT.

3G Now we're talkin'. Third generation is what we finally call "mobile broadband," with the potential for early DSL-like speeds. In the US, this involves two standards: the CDMA-based EV-DO for Verizon and Sprint, and HSPA for AT&T (running now) and T-Mobile (coming this year). Japan, parts of Asia and Europe also make use of W-CDMA. Despite the name, it's actually a GSM technology developed by NTT DoCoMo. For Americans this doesn't matter and only confuses things, so forgetaboutit.

HSPA High-Speed Packet Access is the umbrella term for two complementary GSM technologies, HSDPA and HSUPA, with the D and U standing for "downlink" and "uplink" respectively. Currently HSDPA can pull down info at speeds up to 14.4Mbps, but in the US it's more like 3.6, and only under amazing conditions. AT&T plans to hit 7.2 later this year. HSUPA is an add-on to HSDPA, rolling out in the US this year, which can transmit data at up to 5.7 Mbps, up from 384Kbps.

EV-DO is CDMA's 3G data service, used by Sprint and Verizon. There are different revisions, called Revs. The latest, Rev. A, is capable of 3.1Mbps downstream and 1.8Mbps up in ideal conditions. Though its specs are not as hot as HSPA, it is the most robust and widespread 3G network currently in the US.

4G is the near future of wireless data, with download speeds equivalent to or faster than most US broadband networks.

WiMax is 4G ultra-high-speed mobile broadband developed by Intel, Motorola and Samsung. In the US, Sprint is the only carrier planning to deploy it nationwide. WiMax promises incredible long range and connectivity on par with what you can get at home—think of it as Wi-Fi on 'roids. It was supposed to roll out hard this year, but Sprint has been having a lot of internal problems, necessitating cash injections from partners like Intel. Consequently, you probably won't see WiMax till '09 or '10.

LTE Long-Term Evolution is the other major 4G ultra-high-speed mobile data dealio. It's a GSM-based technology, and quickly emerging as the dominant next-gen standard, in part thanks to WiMax's stupor and Verizon's adoption of it. Though Verizon and AT&T have competing formats currently (CDMA and GSM respectively), both pledge to roll out LTE in the US. Verizon will do this as an overlay to its current network, meaning both CDMA phones and new LTE devices will work throughout the footprint. You'll start seeing LTE in the US in 2010 with mass coverage by 2012.

We skipped over some acronyms, and sped past others, but this should be all you really need to know to navigate Giz's mobile device coverage, so do yourself a favor and bookmark it.

Do you want Giz Explains to clear up any areas of overwhelming confusion? If so, fire a message to our Tips line with the subject "Giz Explains," and we'll see what we can do.

Rumor Smashed: LG Voyager NOT Coming to Sprint or AT&T

Adrian Covert — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 12:50:00 EDT

Earlier this week, we posted a rumor about the possibility of the LG Voyager coming to Sprint and AT&T. We finally got in touch with LG reps, who told us the rumor is false, false, false. They say they have no intention of bringing the Voyager to Sprint, AT&T or any other carrier and don't know how the rumor started. [LG Voyager on Giz]

LG Voyager Coming to Sprint and AT&T?

Adrian Covert — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 19:08:49 EDT

According to Korean news outlet Electronic Times, an LG offical has been quoted on record as saying the LG Voyager will be coming to AT&T and Sprint sometime this year. The phone has sold 1.1 million units as a Verizon exclusive with its touchscreen front and flip-open keyboard. IntoMobile questions the success the Voyager would have against the iPhone on AT&T's network, as the two phones are in direct competition against each other. Going to Sprint would also put the Voyager in a cat fight against the recently launched Samsung Instinct. We have yet to hear officially from LG on the matter, so for now, we'll file this under rumor. [Electronic Times via Into Mobile]

Will Your ISP F You In the A? Bandwidth Hogs Beware

matt buchanan — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 12:45:00 EDT

As the amount of bandwidth we devour has skyrocketed, so has ISPs' need to police our appetites, even as they offer more bandwidth to whet it. We talked to the biggest ISPs around to get their official positions on traffic management and content filtering to see what's in store for your pipes. Here's where you find out which ISPs may screw you, and which ones swear to Giz they won't. Update: We've got new responses from AT&T and Speakeasy.

The scariest scenario is invasive "packet filtering," where companies look at what you're downloading and punish you for perceived misconduct. Comcast was the poster child for BitTorrent throttling before getting cozy with it to avoid an FCC smackdown, and AT&T infamously broached the idea of filtering its entire network for copyrighted content. Beyond packet filtering, there are two potentially more widespread ways big ISPs can try to bring down the Torrent mad: "Caps," already used by local ISPs such as BendBroadband and Sunflower, are set amounts you can download each month. Anything over that, like cellphone plans, means overage penalties. "Throttling" is the ability of the ISP to, any given moment, put the brakes on your connection when you're being too much of a resource hog. Here's where the ISPs stand on the tactics above and your pipes.

AT&T

We have said consistently that AT&T will not allow itself to become a policeman or enforcement agent on the Internet. We have also made clear that there is nothing inherently wrong with P2P applications like BitTorrent, which are advanced, and legal, technologies that are used and welcomed on our network... We do not block or degrade any P2P application to manage network congestion. At the same time, we feel that any company involved with the Internet should be concerned about illegal activity, whether it is identity theft or intellectual property theft, and should be prepared to cooperate in legal means of addressing such problems while protecting fully the privacy of our customers.

Content filtering somewhat touchy, but there are indications they're backing off the idea after the huge outcry. When we pressed AT&T on the issue of throttling down overzealous pipe users, the company declined to comment. Hopefully that just means it is still deliberating the issue.

Update: AT&T wrote in with an additional statement: "We can't give you details on our specific network management techniques to handle times of high-volume" citing similar reasons as Time Warner, "but those techniques don't include degrading or blocking traffic."

Comcast:
Here's the statement we got pre-BT chumminess, though we now know that Comcast is moving to a more management style that'll temporarly slow all traffic, whether it's cracked copies of Final Cut Pro from your favorite P2P or YouTube, to a drip during congestion:

We have a responsibility to provide all of our customers with a good Internet experience and we use the latest technologies to manage our network so that they can continue to enjoy these applications. During periods of heavy peer-to-peer congestion, which can degrade the experience for all customers, we use several network management technologies that, when necessary, enable us to delay—not block—some peer-to-peer traffic.

When we pressed about filtering, we got:

Comcast is not currently using or testing any filtering technologies. We agree that copyright owners have a right to protect their content. We work well with them under existing law and will continue to work with content owners to find solutions to help support their efforts around piracy. We cannot speculate on what AT&T is doing or how its technology works.

Time Warner
We talked to Alex Dudley, Time Warner's PR VP. In addition to referring to us to TWC's acceptable use policy, he told us that "we both reserve the right to manage our network and try and explain to our customers and others that it's important that we manage the network." As to how the system works, he says, "We haven't been pro-active in talking about what we may or may not be doing because it's proprietary" and to stave off "another ISP go[ing] in and market[ing] against that." Content filtering "is not something we've discussed in detail here" but Time Warner "supports AT&T's right ot manage their network anyway they see fit."

Verizon
This was most the straight up: "We don't manage our network by throttling, slowing or curbing service, either on DSL or FiOS." In reference to content filtering, we weren't given a new statement, but referred to earlier remarks by public affairs VP Tom Tauke that it is "reluctant to get into the business of examining content that flows across our networks," the most pro-active stance against content filtering. However, it's still no fan of the government stepping in: "These are decisions best made by network engineers and operators—not policymakers."

Speakeasy
They got back to us after we went to press, but here's what they had to say on network management: "Our position on this is that [we] attempt to manage our network to account for peak usage so that we do not need to throttle bandwidth of customers pending applications in order to keep our pipes unclogged." And on content filtering: "Speakeasy does not currently do any content filtering, and at this time we have no plans to filter content."

The Takeaway
Since BitTorrent became a rallying point for net neutrality advocates (and caught the attention of the FCC) ISPs have made a show of stepping back from P2P hampering to shield themselves from both nerd backlash and FCC Chairman Kevin Martin's steely gaze. Verizon and AT&T, for instance, both pointed me toward their corporation-friendly "P4P" file-sharing development initiatives for more effective downloading (at an unknown cost), and Comcast has touted its R&D with BitTorrent.

All of that's a pretty effective smokescreen for moving to more hardcore capping and throttling, allowing them to cry "We treat all traffic equally, neutrally even!" while nuking all of your traffic without prejudice. Most people downloading the hugest amounts are probably not paying for all that content. And note that everyone except Verizon left themselves plenty of hedge space on the issue. Time Warner says it doesn't talk about it because it's afraid others will use it in marketing; well, Verizon is kinda sorta using their total lack of filtering as an underground marketing thing already, which is especially effective when coupled with FiOS's insane speeds.

Even with ever-higher speeds, bandwidth will remain an issue for ISPs as they try to cram more and more HD content down pipes you're using to download movies, swap music and other increasingly bandwidth-intensive applications. So more management is going to go hand and hand with more bandwidth, make no mistake.

But it doesn't have to be a bad thing, if they're smart about it. They make a genuine movement to smarter protocols and management techniques that don't hose anyone's broadband (like that P4P stuff, if it's really open), but instead help everyone squeeze every last bit out of it as efficiently as possible. We can only hope.

AT&T Ex-Chief Comes to Motorola, Probably Ax in Hand

Jesus Diaz — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 03:53:17 EDT

David W. Dorman, the former CEO of AT&T who tore the company down to its core business, has been named Chairman of Motorola. It's a non-executive position, but knowing the state of the beleaguered company (I've always wanted to write "beleaguered") and what he did at AT&T, he may bring a large, razor-sharp ax with him.

Dorman took over as CEO of AT&T from Mike Armstrong—who remained Chairman of the company. He then re-organized AT&T into four divisions. One of them was AT&T Wireless, which became Cingular (and lately, AT&T again.) Another one was AT&T Broadband, which was later sold to Comcast (his pal Armstrong left AT&T to become CEO of Comcast then.) Given that story, it will be interesting to see what influence he has in the current survival race at Motorola. [CNN Money —thanks Andy]

Mossberg Takes Back 3G iPhone in 60 Days Quote

matt buchanan — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 13:42:00 EDT

The Walt Mossberg clip that made the rounds this weekend, proclaiming the 3G iPhone a mere 53 days away? He just backpedaled on it, swearing he has no better idea than we do. And if he did, he'd give himself scoop: "If I knew when this date was, why would I announce it in the middle of a sentence at the Finnish embassy, rather than report it in the Wall Street Journal?" Guess that chat with Steve straightened everything out, though is it really something he can take back? [Silicon Alley Insider]

AT&T to Use 700MHz Spectrum for High-Speed 4G LTE Network

matt buchanan — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 18:05:59 EDT

The mandatory period of silence for 700MHz auction participants is over, so AT&T is revealing what's up their sleeve for the prem-o slice of spectrum on a conference call. AT&T Mobility CEO Ralph de la Vega said that it'll give them more flexibility and bandwidth to handle surging demand for mobile broadband now and later; better coverage (like in buildings, thanks to the spectrum's sweet properties); and an "easier path to 4G technology," that being LTE (which Verizon is also in on). They'll primarily be using 700MHz for their LTE network, and since it's GSM based, 4G devices will be able to work in 2G and 3G areas.

So, when's that awesomeness going to happen? Ralph says they "don't need the [new] spectrum tomorrow or even next year" because HSPA (their current 3G standard) has "a lot of headroom." They're going to roll out 4G "when the consumers demand it" (um, I want it now) and when the gear shows up to support it. Feb. 2009 is when the spectrum is clear for use, and beyond that "I think you'll begin to see commercial deployment in select locations." Good news: It's going to be cheaper per megabyte of data. Bad news: You won't really see widespread commercial deployment until 2012. But! They're planning on doubling their 3G speed to 7.2 Mbps downstream in the next year.

Won't comment on WiMax, which presumably, theoretically, maybe will be rolled out sooner than AT&T's 4G network.

He's kind of pooing on the C block which Verizon bought because it's stuck with open access rules—hampered with more regulations, etc. The C block chunk they bought from Aloha earlier wasn't subject to open access rules, and the B block slices they bought to fill in the gaps during the auction wasn't either. Om Malik asks if Ralph's referring to open access rules. Ralph replies that's "exactly correct." He also calls the regulations on the C block "excessive" which gives AT&T flexibility that "other" C block winner won't have.

A dude from the NY Times asks if the open rules kept them from bidding on the C block. Ralph says, "Our strategy in the auction was to complement the spectrum we had already acquired" from Aloha and "we accomplished exactly that." He dodges a follow-up trying to pin down whether they would've bid on the C block if there had been no rules placed on it.

On open access: "I think it's difficult to define what 'open access' is" but AT&T is all about choice, and their networks will be open for applications and development. "It's all about giving customers' choices." Reiterates that you can use any GSM handset "today" while some people are "just talking about it." *Makes dirty eyes at Verizon*

And we're done.

Video: AT&T's Mobile TV Service In Action

Adrian Covert — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 21:28:01 EDT

The new LG VU is the first handset to support AT&T's new Mobile TV offering and we got a quick video of the service in action at CTIA. The best part is that Mobile TV on the VU is all run from the touchscreen; from the channel up/down to the on-screen guide. The video quality looks pretty good as well. But you really have to pay attention where and how hard you're pushing on the screen because it will not recognize the button action if you don't press down just right. But all things considered, the interface is quick, snappy and well presented. [Giz@CTIA]

WiMax Competitor LTE Runs Wii Online Multiplayer So Fast It Seems Local

matt buchanan — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 18:30:00 EDT

WiMax isn't the only the live 4G game in town. Alcatel-Lucent is running an arguably much sexier demo of LTE (long-term evolution), the high-speed 4G network that Verizon and AT&T are going to deploy. Besides streaming video to a wall of TVs with over 100Mbps of throughput, they have two Wiis hooked up, one on Wi-Fi and one on LTE, battling each other in an online Mario Strikers Charged match. It's totally lag-free, as frenzied and butter smooth as Striker gets. Full-fledged online gaming anywhere is so close it hurts.

AT&T Surface Retail Demo: Buying a Cellphone Finally Doesn't Suck

matt buchanan — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 17:16:29 EDT

AT&T just ran us through a demo of what shopping with Microsoft's Surface at their stores is gonna be like. It's wayyy better than dealing with an embittered, ill-informed retail drone. You can dynamically check out coverage, smoothly zooming in and out for a fantastically detailed view of where you might get 3G, for instance. You can throw a phone on there and mess around with its features, or even better, slap two on the table and compare them head-to-head, feature-to-feature. Of course, it'll also sell you more shit, like the whole range of device accessories, or ringtones and media.