AT&T
AT&T admits to hobbling 4G phones
Mobile broadband fiends who hopped on the Motorola Atrix and HTC Inspire from AT&T experienced a rude shock. Although the phones are able to pull in data at speeds exceeding AT&T's 3G devices, their upload capabilities are less than stellar. AT&T apparently admits that it simply hasn't enabled HSUPA service on the phones, and is in "testing and preparations" to activate the service. Full article.
AT&T: T-Mobile 3G phones will need to be replaced
AT&T recently indicated that if it buys T-Mobile USA, those T-Mobile subscribers with "3G" phones must replace their phone to keep the wireless broadband service working. Full article.
AT&T Localizing Smartphone Ads
AT&T plans on reaching out and touching some of its customers with localized ads sent to smartphones in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and San Francisco will get "Shopalerts by AT&T." whenever they are near a store. Full article.
Next Smartphone evolution: Credit Cards
There are even more ways that your smartphone could soon become your credit card. AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile recently formed a partnership for a mobile payments network that will launch next year. Google's Android phone system will be updated with technology that will allow users to pay with an embedded chip that contains credit information. Another chip company, called "Bling," allows users to pay with the chip that is sent to them. Full article.
Verizon to get iPhone
AT&T will lose its exclusive marketing on an iconic smartphone next year when Apple releases a type of iPhone that Verizon wireless is reported to begin selling early next year. Meanwhile, AT&T is diversifying its phone offerings to make a loss of exclusivity less damaging. Full article.
Supriya Jindal gives Pollock Elementary new technology
First Lady Supriya Jindal visited Pollock Elementary to present the first grade classes with a new interactive whiteboard. The board can connect to the internet, act as a notebook, and even as a game board. The money for the boards came from the Supriya Jindal foundation for Louisiana's Children and AT&T. Ten other high achieving schools in Louisiana will get the boards as well. Full Article.
AT&T iPhone users not satisfied
About a fourth of AT&T iPhone users would rather switch than stay, if given the chance. Investment Bank Credit Suisse says 23 percent of iPhone users want to sign with Verizon, but most would wait until their present contract expired. Right now, AT&T is the only iPhone cell phone service provider. Full article.
The FCC's Crusade to Keep the Internet Free
No more free Internet? Open-Internet advocates say cable-television-like tiered services and virtual toll booths would violate Net Neutrality. Ever since a federal court ruling gutted his power to regulate Internet service providers, the FCC chairman has struggled to regain authority over carriers like AT&T Verizon, and Comcast by proposing new rules and holding closed-door talks with industry players. Full Article.
PSC Probes Complaints About AT&T
LA regulators will investigate complaints about AT&T’s service. LA Public Service Commissioner Campbell indicated that the probe is the first step toward possibly fining AT&T for poor service. Full Article.
