Gizmodo: cellular networks

Analog Cellular Networks Closing Down Next Week

Haroon Malik — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 15:10:00 EST

We previously told you analog cellular networks were soon to be terminated. Well, now it is happening, with many of the major US mobile operators, including AT&T and Verizon set to put a stop to their analog networks this Monday. You might want to upgrade your burglar alarm. [Washington Post]

Verizon, AT&T Respect Your SMS Privacy

Haroon Malik — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 13:20:00 EST

Verizon and AT&T have both gone on record saying they do not record SMS communications. The privacy debate is one that, understandably, gets emotions stirred, but you can all rest a little easy knowing the official stances of two of the major cellular networks.

Erica Sevilla, a Verizon spokeswoman, said:

I think people can feel comfortable we're not storing information that can later be used against them. Unless you have something stored on your phone or on a recipients' phone, it does not stay on our network for a long period.

AT&T said they do not store SMS messages beyond 72 hours, which are only kept for delivery purposes. In both cases, once deleted from the system, there is no conceivable way to check your text message communications short of physically going through your phone.

You may want to breathe a collective sigh of relief, but Rebecca Jeschke, spokeswoman for the San Francisco-based Electronic Frontier Foundation, seems to think otherwise:

"We trust so much of our communications and thoughts, even, to these third parties who are capturing this information and storing it in various ways. It's time for us to think about it."

Gosh, we just want our private willy jokes remaining private. After all, it's not fair everyone knowing about Mark's miniscule member. [AP]

AT&T's SIM-Only Option Loosens the Shackles

Haroon Malik — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 21:15:00 EST

AT&T has begun to offer a new SIM-only service via their online store. For $25~~$5 ($10, minus a $5 online discount)~~, new customers are able purchase a SIM card on the AT&T network, without receiving a new handset. It appears you are then free to use the SIM card with unlocked handsets and AT&T locked cellphones. ~~Unfortunately, the two year contract still stands, with the exception of the pre-paid options.~~ UPDATE: Two year contract does not stand and there is no early termination fee. AT&T has told us the price is $25 or less, according to promotions. And this has been around for years, so this is not news.

It is a nice touch, for that we salute you, AT&T. However, it is possible to get a shitty new phone for free with a two year contract, and then prostitute your SIM card around as you please. So, you know, it is a positive symbolic move at best, but we're still wanting more freeness. [AT&T via BGR]