http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/03/technology/att-to-woo-and-fight-justice-department-on-antitrust-lawsuit.html

At&t goes live with LTE in five cities

1. First and foremost which is the hardest decision….which operating system do I want to go with? Do I want to go with a chosen leader for ease of use like the Apple iPad? Do I want to have the freedom to add widgets withing Android Honeycomb? Or are you still addicted to your BlackBerry (in an Apple and Android World) that you want to continue the legacy with a BlackBerryPlaybook? This isn’t the easiest of decisions. The last quarter of this year we will see an influx of Tablet makers and this is one decision that cannot be judged by price and specs. Is it for social networking, remote access to your server, or just looking for an easy way to access your company mail on the go.

2. Next…this decision doesn’t get much easier. Which screen size should I choose? They typically range from the small 7 inch screen to the large 13.3 inch screen. Remember, that bigger isn’t always better or more expensive. Unlike desktop monitors, tablet monitors are meant to be small and handy to carry anywhere. Choose a screen that you are comfortable with, but remember sometimes the bigger they are the shorter the battery life will be! 

3. What kind of performance are you looking for? Single core processor? Dual core processor or does it even matter? With a world of tablets coming to the table performance doesn’t always = price. The best “bang for your buck” might be in the middle of the road so avoid the most expensive tablets (unless you have money to burn) and check the consumer reviews of the models you have in your sights.

4. Are you looking for expandability? Determining what type of ports might actually determine which operating system you choose. Typical ports include Type I and II PC card slots, SD card reader, USB ports, VGA port, docking connector, microphone jack, and headphone jack, but Apple limits you to only the microphone jack so expandability is what your looking for than an Android tablet might be what your looking for. Take into account what you might be doing on this tablet in a year to make a better informed decision.  5. Battery life is more important than you may think! Here is a great Wiki that shows a complete comparison of the available models out there with their run times. Once you find a style and OS of your future tablet, make sure it meets your demands for battery life.

The Mobilewiseguy will help guide you with all the different choices and features so contact me.

While this is great news for both companies, it’s an awful idea for consumers – and I desperately hope the US antitrust authorities rake this merger over the coals.

An AT&T/T-Mobile merger at least makes more sense than the silly T-Mobile/Sprint idea which was being bandied about. Both carriers use the same technologies: GSM, HSPA+ and LTE. While they’re on different frequency bands, radios which use all of the relevant bands are becoming easier to build.

The merger neatly solves T-Mobile’s long-term problem of not having enough spectrum for LTE, the 4G technology which will soon be a global standard. It gives T-Mobile’s struggling parent, Deutsche Telekom, a gigantic cash infusion. And it lets AT&T once again position itself as the number-one carrier against Verizon Wireless, which leapfrogged AT&T technologically this year with Verizon’s 4G LTE launch.

AT&T is ahead of T-Mobile on building LTE. T-Mobile is far ahead of AT&T on building HSPA+, a intermediate 4G technology that fits right between the carriers’ existing 3G networks and LTE. Together, they could have a smooth and powerful nationwide network.

Posted with WordPress for BlackBerry.

I only can take a short video with my Blackberry Bold 9700 and send the video through MMS to YouTube. The video is sent as a multimedia message to YouTube and the anyone can see your video on YouTube. After the video is uploaded to Youtube it can be link to websites and or Blogs.

The issue I have is that a MMS video is only 30 seconds and the quality is not as good as normal videos that can be taken with the Blackberry Bold 9700. A normal video can be hours long as long as you have room on your media card.

I have a few other ways to upload longer and better quality videos to YouTube. First is after taking a good quality video with the phone take my media card and use the SD adapter to upload the video from my laptop to YouTube.

Secondly is my Motorola Backflip an Android device let’s me upload videos taken with it directly to YouTube without the 30 second restriction. I am sure it has something to do with Google owning Android mobile operating system and Youtube. My first test was a 5 minute video I took waiting for the draw bridge to open. I realized later more than 2 minutes took way too long to upload directly from the cell phone.

Then I remembered using an application on my Blackberry Bold 9000. It is called Qik, this application allow you to stream the video live and the video can be an hour or more. I stopped using Qik only because it is not supported on my Blackberry Bold 9700. Qik works on many devices Android, iPhones, Windows Mobile and some models of the Blackberry.

Qik is the easiest way to put videos on the web.

Check out some videos on my Qik website.

Posted with WordPress for BlackBerry.

Now about two weeks ago when I tried to use Pandora I was getting an error
(Critical tunnel failure). It would not sign me in to the Pandora application.
So I deleted Pandora and re installed it, that didn’t work. Next I wiped my Blackberry clean, which puts it back to factory settings and erases all of the content, applications, settings and contacts.
I then reinstalled all my previous contents. That did not work also, I then
decided to download another music radio application to use in the mean time so I downloaded Slacker Radio. Slacker worked for a day then prompt me to re-input my user name and password. I did but Slacker gave me an error saying it was wrong. I then had to reset the password and it would work for a few minutes, then prompt me to re-enter the user name and password again and again. 

Now I am of the opinion  it was something in the Blackberry software that was causing Pandora and Slacker not to work.

I did some research on the web and came to the conclusion that it was my APN setting. The setting was still set on  AT&T  which was (wap.cingular).

I put a call into T-Mobile tech support who then transferred me to RIM support and after explaining the problem and stating it was an unlocked Blackberry from AT&T the tech from RIM then told me the APN setting for T-mobile is wap.voicestream.com.

Now Pandora and Slacker is working properly and the fix was simple. The APN
setting is under options, advanced options then TCP/IP. The T-Mobile setting
does not have a user name or password so un-check that box. At&t had
wap@cingular.com and the password was blanked out.

Posted with WordPress for BlackBerry.

The Truth about Cell Phones and the National Do Not Call Registry.

I put this quick post below after seeing that email.

Reminder, all cell phone numbers are being released to telemarketing companies this month and you and will start to receive these sales calls. YOU WILL BE CHARGED FOR THESE CALLS to prevent these calls, call the following number:

THE DO NOT CALL LIST: 1-888-382-1222

Posted with WordPress for BlackBerry.

The first thing I notice after registering and logging in was my data usage that shown for the day but I did see text that I sent. The text was not shown but I saw unlimited picture messaging so I clicked the chat button on T-Mobile’s site to get a better explanation of the plan.
After the conversation I emailed the whole transcript to myself and it is copied below.

You have been connected to _Cavin H._Cavin H:
Hi Curtis , welcome to T-Mobile live Chat. I’m
Cavin and I will be happy to assist you. Please give me a moment to review your question._
Cavin H: I can see where this can be a concern for you, I know you want to make sure that you are not charged for anything extra._
Cavin H: I will be more than happy to look into this for you.
Curtis Matthews: ok_
Cavin H: One moment please._Cavin H: I am still researching this, please allow me 2-3 more minutes.
Curtis Matthews: ok_
Cavin H: Thank you._
Cavin H: It is unlimited text messaging.
Curtis Matthews: Are you sure_
Cavin H: Let me double check.
Curtis Matthews: Online under my account it says unlimited picture messages_
Cavin H: I do see that._
Cavin H: It does not include text, sorry about that.Curtis Matthews: So I do not have text but I have unlimited picture messages?_
Cavin H: Correct.
Curtis Matthews: So I can not text or do I get charged?_
Cavin H: You will get charged.
Curtis Matthews: What will I be charged?_
Cavin H: $0.20 per message.
Curtis Matthews: Why then can I not see the usage online if I sent text_
Cavin H: Because it hasn’t shown that there have been any sent to this point.
Curtis Matthews: I did send a couple about 5 hours ago._
Cavin H: It hasn’t shown up on the system, yet.
Curtis Matthews: But all the data usage shows now. So what you are telling me is that I will see the text usage tomorrow for text?_
Cavin H: More than likely.
Curtis Matthews: Can you check to see for sure._
Cavin H: Unfortuantely, we can only check, when it shows up on our end.Curtis Matthews: So instead of sending a text if I send the message as a MMS I will not get billed?_
Cavin H: Correct.
Curtis Matthews: That does not make sense but ok._
Cavin H: It is an odd little plan.Curtis Matthews: Very odd
Curtis Matthews: So I can block text and only use MMS?_
Cavin H: No, we can only block text and mms.
Curtis Matthews: So if I send someone a MMS and they reply y text I get charged unless they reply as a MMS. But you can send a MMS without a picture or any attachment._
Cavin H: You would have to send a mms from a picture on the phone.
Curtis Matthews: No I can just select MMS from my Blackberry and it gives me the option of attaching pictures, music or a voice note._
Cavin H: Then you can.
Curtis Matthews: ok thanks_
Cavin H: Not a problem._
Cavin H: Is there anything else we can assist you with today?
Curtis Matthews: no thanks_
Cavin H: Thank you for contacting T-Mobile Chat, have a great evening!

Blackberry Products

Wireless internet cards – also called laptop cards, wireless modems and PC cards – are devices that attach to your computer to give you access to the internet over a wireless carrier’s cellular network. Most wireless internet cards now support 3G data speeds, and are convenient if you want to access the internet wirelessly anywhere, anytime, without a Wi-Fi hotspot or a wired connection.

My laptop has Wi-Fi. Do I need a laptop card?

No, but a wireless internet card and data plan from your wireless carrier will let you access the internet at high speeds from anywhere in the country where your carrier provides coverage – indoors, outdoors, or even on the road. With Wi-Fi you need to be within range of a Wi-Fi hot spot (usually 20-30 feet) to get connectivity to the internet.

How much does this kind of connection cost per month?

To use a wireless internet card, you will need a data plan subscription from a wireless carrier. Most carriers’ standard data plan offers 5 GB (or gigabytes) of data use per month for about $60 per month. This information is intended as a guide and actual usage and rates may vary.

So the standard data plan includes up to 5 GB of data – how much is that?

5 GB is the equivalent of 5,120 MB (or megabytes) of data. Using general assumptions, 5 GB per month lets you send or receive 150,000 emails with no attachments or 50,000 emails with a five page Microsoft Word document attached to each. Surfing the internet, you could visit 30,000 typical web pages per month if you aren’t downloading files. A song download is about 1 MB per song (or 5,000 songs per month). Short internet video clips are about 3 MB, but downloading a 2-hour movie will use about 1.5 GB (that’s only 3 movies per month). We recommend downloading large files when you are connected to the Internet via Wi-Fi or Ethernet, which doesn’t use your 3G data allowance at all. In short, 5 GB is a lot of data for most users. This information is intended as a guide and actual usage and rates may vary.

Can I share my card between multiple laptops?

Your data service will only work with your wireless internet card. You can easily move your card from one computer to another, but it can only be plugged into one computer at a time. Multiple computers can access the internet through a single laptop card if the card is used to power a 3G Wi-Fi router, provided that all PCs are in range of the router’s hot spot. Another alternative is a MiFi, now available with certain carriers. A MiFi has a built-in wireless internet card and allows up to 5 devices to connect simultaneously to the internet via Wi-Fi. Think of it as a mobile hotspot you can control.

Do wireless internet cards work on Macs as well as PCs?

Yes. Most of our wireless internet cards work on both Macs and PCs. Just make sure to choose a card that’s compatible with your laptop.

How do I know which wireless internet card to choose?

Wireless internet cards are distinguished by how they connect to your computer. Some connect via USB, and this may be the best option for you if you are unsure what type of card is compatible with your laptop. Also, there are several 2-in-1 cards available now that come with an Express-to-PCMCIA adaptor, thus allowing the card to be used in either an Express slot or a PCMCIA slot.

Wireless data cards, MiFi and more information on remote access to the internet.

T-Mobile is scheduled to launch the Nokia 5230 Nuron on March 17, 2010. The Nokia 5230 Nuron is a stylish and affordable 3G touch screen phone that keeps customers connected and entertained with access to downloadable music, games, apps and more through the Nokia Ovi Store.

As Verizon Wireless (NYSE:VZ, NYSE:VOD) and AT&T (NYSE:T) argue on TV whose network is fastest and most ubiquitous, independent performance testing firm Root Wireless has put their claims to the test, mapping out the performance metrics of all of the big four’s 3G networks in seven major metro markets. The findings were surprising. Though AT&T has taken a huge public relations hit for poor coverage and capacity on its high-speed packet access (HSPA) network, Root found that it’s network performed best in almost every single category from average download speed to level of connection failure (See TelephonyOnline’s related analysis of AT&T and Verizon’s networks). Root’s complete market data can be seen after the break.

ADD A LINE TO YOUR FAMILY PLAN

All four operators, however, had their strengths and weaknesses. Sprint (NYSE:S) has the highest coverage networks on the books: typically 90% of its footprint receives receives signals of 50% or greater of full strength. But Root found that Sprint also had the highest data connection failure rate, as high as 15% in Seattle, while the rest of the operators kept their failure rates well below 5%. So while Sprint 3G customers are getting more bars consistently, they’re much less likely to actually complete a data session.

Though T-Mobile (NYSE:DT) was the last to deploy its 3G network, it has managed to build up coverage quite quickly. In five of the seven markets Root tested, T-Mobile’s 3G build out is comparable to its three competitors’. Only in Seattle and San Francisco does it significantly lag the others–surprising considering T-Mobile USA is headquartered in Seattle. Also, though T-Mobile’s HSPA network is much newer than AT&T’s–Cingular was the first operator in the world to deploy HSPA–it’s still much slower than AT&T’s. In several markets AT&T’s average download speeds were as much as double that of T-Mobile’s.

While AT&T seemed to run away with the prize in most of the performance categories, there was one area where weaknesses in its network design were evident. While AT&T had high signal strength in much of its metro footprint, that signal strength tended to fall off rather rapidly outside of those hotzones. In most markets, 30% to 50% of AT&T’s footprint received half-strength signals or worse, which in part explains many of the lack of coverage and capacity complaints AT&T has received from many of its iPhone customers. And that’s that’s to say nothing of Verizon’s most damaging argument: AT&T doesn’t offer 3G service to 25% of population.

Apple iPhone 3GS – 16 GB – Black

Here are Root’s market-by-market results:

CHICAGO

Network Technology: 3G vs 2.5G
Verizon: 98% runs 3G infrastructure
AT&T: 98%
Sprint: 97%
T-Mobile: 96%

Signal Strength

Verizon:
Percentage of network operating at 75% of full strength or better: 22% of network mapped
50 – 75%: 36%
25 – 50%: 37%
25% or less: 5%

AT&T:
75% or better: 34%
50 – 75%: 16%
25 – 50%: 44%
25% or less: 5%

Sprint:
75% or better: 69%
50 – 75%: 24%
25 – 50%: 5%
25% or less: 2%

T-Mobile:
75% or better: 51%
50 – 75%: 18%
25 – 50%: 27%
25% or less: 4%

Data Speeds: Average Download/Upload speeds

Verizon: 259k/138k
AT&T: 359k/94k
Sprint: 236k/72k
T-Mobile: 167k/106k

Connectivity: Chance of data connection failure

Verizon: 2%
AT&T: 2%
Sprint: 11%
T-Mobile: 4%
DALLAS

Network Technology: 3G vs 2.5G

Verizon: 97% runs 3G infrastructure
AT&T: 99%
Sprint: 98%
T-Mobile: 96%

Signal Strength

Verizon:
75% of full strength or better: 16% of network mapped
50 – 75%: 39%
25 – 50%: 41%
25% or less: 4%

AT&T:
75% or better: 54%
50 – 75%: 17%
25 – 50%: 27%
25% or less: 2%

Sprint:
75% or better: 61%
50 – 75%: 30%
25 – 50%: 7%
25% or less: 2%

T-Mobile:
75% or better: 44%
50 – 75%: 18%
25 – 50%: 35%
25% or less: 3%

Data Speeds

Verizon’s average download/upload speeds: 208k/121k
AT&T: 428k/97k
Sprint: 204k/69k
T-Mobile: 266k/161k

Connectivity

Chance of data connection failure:

Verizon: 2%
AT&T: 1%
Sprint: 11%
T-Mobile: 4%

LOS ANGELES/ORANGE COUNTY

Network Technology: 3G vs 2.5G

Verizon: 97% runs 3G infrastructure
AT&T: 99.99 %
Sprint: 89%
T-Mobile: 93%

Signal Strength

Verizon: Percentage of network operating at:

75% of full strength or better: 21% of network mapped
50 – 75%: 36%
25 – 50%: 33%
25% or less: 10%

AT&T:

75% or better: 33%
50 – 75%: 18%
25 – 50%: 42%
25% or less: 7%

Sprint:

75% or better: 66%
50 – 75%: 26%
25 – 50%: 5%
25% or less: 3%

T-Mobile:

75% or better: 42%
50 – 75%: 20%
25 – 50%: 35%
25% or less: 3%

Data Speeds

Verizon’s average download/upload speeds: 241k/115k
AT&T: 350k/93k
Sprint: 207k/67k
T-Mobile: 188k/119k

Connectivity

Chance of data connection failure:

Verizon: 3%
AT&T: 2%
Sprint: 12%
T-Mobile: 4%

NEW YORK CITY

Network Technology: 3G vs 2.5G

Verizon: 97% runs 3G infrastructure
AT&T: 99%
Sprint: 98%
T-Mobile: 96%

Signal Strength

Verizon: Percentage of network operating at:

75% of full strength or better: 37% of network mapped
50 – 75%: 38%
25 – 50%: 21%
25% or less: 4%

AT&T:

75% or better: 71%
50 – 75%: 16%
25 – 50%: 12%
25% or less: 1%

Sprint:

75% or better: 83%
50 – 75%: 12%
25 – 50%: 4%
25% or less: 1%

T-Mobile:

75% or better: 62%
50 – 75%: 17%
25 – 50%: 20%
25% or less: 1%

Data Speeds

Verizon’s average download/upload speeds: 201k/103k
AT&T: 246k/131k
Sprint: 176k/59k
T-Mobile: 198k/119k

Connectivity

Chance of data connection failure:

Verizon: 2%
AT&T: 1%
Sprint: 12%
T-Mobile: 5%

SEATTLE/TACOMA

Network Technology: 3G vs 2.5G

Verizon: 94% runs 3G infrastructure
AT&T: 98%
Sprint: 93%
T-Mobile: 65%

Signal Strength

Verizon: Percentage of network operating at:

75% of full strength or better: 22% of network mapped
50 – 75%: 33%
25 – 50%: 31%
25% or less: 14%

AT&T:

75% or better: 46%
50 – 75%: 19%
25 – 50%: 31%
25% or less: 4%

Sprint:

75% or better: 60%
50 – 75%: 30%
25 – 50%: 7%
25% or less: 3%

T-Mobile:

75% or better: 42%
50 – 75%: 20%
25 – 50%: 33%
25% or less: 5%

Data Speeds

Verizon’s average download/upload speeds: 195k/103k
AT&T: 350k/126k
Sprint: 205k/68k
T-Mobile: 251k/148k

Connectivity

Chance of data connection failure:

Verizon: 3%
AT&T: 3%
Sprint: 15%
T-Mobile: 3%

SAN FRANCISCO BAY REGION

Network Technology: 3G vs 2.5G

Verizon: 96% runs 3G infrastructure
AT&T: 93%
Sprint: 91%
T-Mobile: 68%

Signal Strength

Verizon: Percentage of network operating at:

75% of full strength or better: 30% of network mapped
50 – 75%: 32%
25 – 50%: 31%
25% or less: 6%

AT&T:

75% or better: 33%
50 – 75%: 18%
25 – 50%: 40%
25% or less: 9%

Sprint:

75% or better: 68%
50 – 75%: 23%
25 – 50%: 5%
25% or less: 3%

T-Mobile:

75% or better: 38%
50 – 75%: 18%
25 – 50%: 39%
25% or less: 5%

Data Speeds

Verizon’s average download/upload speeds: 259k/138k
AT&T: 359k/94k
Sprint: 236k/72k
T-Mobile: 167k/106k

Connectivity

Chance of data connection failure:

Verizon: 2%
AT&T: 2%
Sprint: 11%
T-Mobile: 4%

WASHINGTON, DC

Network Technology: 3G vs 2.5G

Verizon: 97% runs 3G infrastructure
AT&T: 99%
Sprint: 91%
T-Mobile: 82%

Signal Strength

Verizon: Percentage of network operating at:

75% of full strength or better: 17% of network mapped
50 – 75%: 30%
25 – 50%: 39%
25% or less: 14%

AT&T:

75% or better: 46%
50 – 75%: 17%
25 – 50%: 32%
25% or less: 5%

Sprint:

75% or better: 63%
50 – 75%: 26%
25 – 50%: 7%
25% or less: 3%

T-Mobile:

75% or better: 35%
50 – 75%: 19%
25 – 50%: 41%
25% or less: 5%

Data Speeds

Verizon’s average download/upload speeds: 204k/119k
AT&T: 308k/135k
Sprint: 192k/60k
T-Mobile: 201k/116k

Connectivity

Chance of data connection failure:

Verizon: 2%
AT&T: 2%
Sprint: 12%
T-Mobile: 2%

Check out exclusive web offers from T-Mobile.com!