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AT&T Working On “Everything Plan” Tethering Included

Aviv — Thu, 07 May 2009 02:21:51 +0000

I’ve recently heard that AT&T has plans to release an “everything plan” to combat Sprint’s efforts with the Palm Pre. They are hoping to have details hashed out before the Pre is released. But from pricing plans all the way down to data usage, I get the feeling that things are still pretty disorganized over there.

Here’s what I was able to get:

• AT&T is working on an “everything plan” to directly compete with Sprint’s offerings
• Tethering should be a predominant feature and be included in this
• Can’t release it before iPhone 3.0
• Can’t release it without new plans (as previously explained)
• Once this is released, tethering will be an optional add-on for most AT&T subscribers
• Data caps still a major concern

When we first started hearing about iPhone tethering, we were a little shocked by the lack of an unlimited plan. Especially for potential power users and extensive travelers. Seems like they are trying to address this, plug any holes and have an answer for all competition from any and every angle.

Note: AppleInsider’s latest reports about Carbon Fiber patent-thingies or whatever is complete bullshit. Apple applies for an incredibly vast amount of conceptual approaches towards rethinking existing technology. Most end up gathering dust… Stay classy AI.

AT&T Set to Deploy 14+ Mbps HSPA Speeds In 3rd Quarter of 2009

Aviv — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 23:50:46 +0000

AT&T has been internally testing HSPA and HSPA+ cellular network speeds in their labs. Currently reaching peaks of up to 7.2 Mbps, it is being reported that these speeds may possibly double before AT&T officially rolls out the wireless enhancements.

We know that AT&T has been testing wireless speeds both in their internal labs, and in some areas of Chicago for some time now. What we don’t know is exactly which technologies are being used in these network tests. AT&T’s 3G cellular network (which the iPhone runs on), has typical download speeds of 700 Kbps—1.7 Mbps, and typical upload speeds of 500 Kbps—1.2 Mbps. As you can see, a jump from 1.7 Mbps all the way up to the tested 7.2 Mbps, or even the rumored 20.0+ Mbps speeds would be substantial.

Since Apple and AT&T first launched the iPhone 3G, both companies have been slapped with various lawsuits surrounding the instability of the AT&T network, coupled with poor performance from the actual device when running on the network. While it may seem like they do, AT&T does not plan on remaining stagnant with their network while continuing to defend 3G speeds. They intend on utilizing current technology they have been developing and testing (upgrading their current HSPA networks to HSPA+) to enhance their network speeds before making the full plunge into 4G, which we expect sometime prior to 2011.

“In response to accelerated next-generation rollout schedules by Sprint Nextel Corp. and Verizon Wireless, AT&T Mobility spokesman Mark Siegel said the carrier has plenty of room for upgrades before making the switch to LTE (4G Wireless networks). “We have some real advantages with our (GSM-based) technology path,” Siegel said. “We still have plenty of room left to increase speeds” before moving to LTE (4G),” a report at RCRWireless explains.

AT&T, like Verizon Wireless and T-Mobile are building out their future 4G networks with “LTE Technology” (Long Term Evolution) at their core. LTE is the next step in a natural progression into future mobile networks. It allows for the most compatibility between networks and interoperability between devices, as well as being backwards compatible with current technologies like GSM and HSPA. Various testing under different scenarios has already delivered speeds of up to 100 Mbps downlink and 50 Mbps uplink. It’s important to note that these speeds are being delivered under extremely controlled environmental testing and not real-life scenarios where the results would likely vary greatly.

Perhaps most interesting for Apple watchers and iPhone enthusiasts, is what may happen with the next iteration of Apple’s iPhone when it’s released. If Apple waits for these AT&T network upgrades before unveiling a new device, then end users may see dramatic increases in performance. After publicly confirming the development of iPhone tethering back in November 2008, AT&T mobility CEO Ralph de la Vega has said that AT&T will indeed be deploying network speeds of up to 20Mbps “sometime in 2009.”

Unfortunately, the “sometime in 2009″ most likely means around late September based on what we’ve been hearing. This leaves Apple’s iPhone up in the air when it comes to certain bandwidth hogging features like iPhone tethering (using your iPhone as a wireless modem) and video conferencing. This doesn’t mean that video conferencing couldn’t be made available over Wi-fi first, but tethering, as is available for Blackberry owners today, would have no reason to be unveiled without these enhancements to AT&T’s networks being rolled out first. This leads us to believe that iPhone tethering won’t be coming for quite some time, most likely towards the end of 2009.

If the iPhone gets some attention around June of this year, per the regular refresh cycle, the hardware should be ready and willing to support future AT&T network enhancements. Perhaps any iPhone announcements being readied by Apple will be made later in the year after AT&T unveils the enhanced speeds, or maybe AT&T will have these network upgrades ready sooner than the “end of the summer” time-frame we keep hearing. Either way, any reports of AT&T working on increased network speeds and stability should be taken with warm reception. The sooner the industry, and AT&T especially, can move away from current 3G networks, the better for the mobile market as a whole.

Apple Market Data: Mac and iPod On the Rise, iPhone Sales Slow

Aviv — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 21:33:07 +0000

Reports regarding Apple’s overall sales have been making the rounds today. Morgan Stanley is issuing reports that iPhone sales have dropped significantly in the 4th quarter, while Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster reports healthy rises in nearly everything but the iPhone.

According to a new survey published by Morgan Stanley, Apple sold 1.75 million iPhone in the United States last quarter alone. Compared to Morgan Stanley’s 3rd quarter numbers, which reflect 2.3 million iPhones being sold, this is a 24% drop in units actually being moved. Morgan Stanely reiterates that sales of Apple’s iPhone dropped sharply during the Christmas quarter, when compared to sales of the September quarter when the device was originally released.

In a parallel report, long time Apple analyst Gene Munster (based on data from from market research firm NPD) told clients that Apple’s Mac and iPod product lines saw a nearly 10% rise in sales in the 4th quarter. When compared to the previous November quarter, both product families seemed to bounce back for healthier than expected sales.

What this means is that Apple really needs to begin diversifying its iPhone line. By lowering the price of the current 8GB iPhone 3G, making way for some new high-end features in more expensive models and continuing their push with global positioning, the iPhone would most likely bounce back from sluggish sales. In this economy, Apple should be making the current models cheaper, while adding on to the top-line of the iPhone product family. The early adopters like us will continue to shell out full price for more advanced features and hardware, and by reducing the cost to consumers, the bottom line benefits in turn.

AT&T Playing Around With iPhone MMS Possibility, Wireless Network “Caching”

Aviv — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 16:12:39 +0000

AT&T is playing around with some “wireless network caching” methods that may trickle down into how iPhone users experience sending multimedia messages. The surprising thing, it’s not new technology.

We first started hearing about something similar about a week ago, however remained hesitant to report it until we learned anything substantial. After a few emails back and forth and some genuinely curious phone calls, we’ve been able to get a grasp of how AT&T may offer true MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service) for iPhone users. “It would involve sending each other links, instead of images. Person A sends a link of an image that has been compressed and “cached” (for lack of a better word), to Person B, who can then view the image in a browser.” Given the current functionality in Apple’s Mobile Safari browser, this definitely seems plausible. Currently, it is possible to save images in Mobile Safari by simply holding a particular image down for about two seconds and selecting “Save Image.” So we know the functionality is there.

The problem with sending full images from iPhone to iPhone is the lack of native support to viewing images. Users have to visit external web pages and write down lengthy passwords to view simple images that were sent by others. Without copy-and-paste, this is nearly impossible, and has become a rather large burden iPhone owners try and avoid.

With “network caching”, it seems that AT&T would just be automating what is happening now, only without passwords and all the nonsense in between. Essentially, after you take a photo with your iPhone, you will be able to send it through to another user as simply as sending an SMS message. They will receive a link, instead of a picture, and they can then view and save that image.

After doing some research and corroborating with a few people on what this could potentially mean, from a core usability and computer science efficiency standpoint, a proposition dated back to 2005, titled “Network Cache Model for Wireless Proxy Caching” may be applicable.

We propose a wireless network cache model to facilitate the cooperative proxy caching in wireless base stations A self-configured and adaptive virtual proxy graph (VPG) is used to achieve efficient data search, data cache and date replication Based on demand, the aggregate effect of data caching, searching and replicating actions by individual proxies automatically distributes cached web documents closer to the interested mobile clients Our performance study demonstrates that the proposed individual-based wireless proxy caching scheme outperforms existing caching schemes in terms of different performance metrics

The image would expire after 48 hours or so from the network’s “cache”, and thus would only remain on the original iPhone’s hard drive (the one that took the photo). Expiration and deleting of the cached images on AT&T’s servers, which may reside on their wireless network, would free up unnecessary stress through the entire process.

Why this functionality is still lacking from the iPhone is undoubtedly aggravating. Along with other fundamental features like copy-and-paste, it seems like Apple and AT&T may be trying to reinvent the wheel over and over again. Even though this does leave us rather frustrated while waiting for simple features, if the user experience ends up being as fluid as we’d like to imagine, it may be worth it.

iPhone Tethering: AT&T May Shock Us All and Charge $10

Aviv — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 23:42:06 +0000

AT&T may shock and surprise most of us as well as their competitors and charge much less than initially expected for an iPhone tethering plan. Additionally, sources report that there is much buzz surrounding iPhone tethering internally at AT&T.

An iPhone tethering plan has been in the works for some time now. We know for a fact that Apple and AT&T have been working on a tethering plan, and we know that AT&T has been extremely cautious when dealing with more pressure being put on their 3G cellular network.

When MacBlogz first got word of some initial tethering details, the price of the entire plan seemed a little high, although not surprising. Specifically, the $30 price-point and 5GB data cap did not go over well with most people. These two points were what most people, as well as us have been concerned about the most.

• Will be +$30/month, new iPhone plans may be rolled out with tethering rolled in.
• 5GB Data Cap (just like Blackberry users) – AT&T will automatically turn off your tethering connection if you use too much bandwidth. Of note, the 5GB cap might get sliced for all users, not just iPhone users, in order to accommodate all new tethering plan customers (bandwidth demand).

Without having to contact my colleagues at AT&T, they got a hold of me to share some more information about the plan. To start things off, it did not show up this week, and a launch date has not been set. Recent reports about degradation to AT&T’s 2G service have nothing to do with AT&T clearing up bandwidth space for their 3G network. In regards to what may seem like a slow down of their 2G network, it should kick up faster than before. “Think of it as cleaning up a messy room,” they explained.

The biggest piece of information we learned was that AT&T is playing around with a $10 price-point. This made my eyes light up and I asked them how they could get away with charging a third of what was initially reported, here’s the response I got. “iPhone tethering is primarily an AT&T offering, but it involves Apple at least wanting or allowing the service, which they do. If it doesn’t function as expected, I know of a few people who may lose their jobs,” my colleague explained. “While you may think it’s as easy as streamlining our Blackberry tethering service over to the iPhone, it’s not. Connection may be tied into iTunes, and Apple is incredibly controlling when it comes to this space.”

If AT&T did charge around $10 for independent iPhone tethering, it’s sure to be a hit. Even those on the fence with purchasing or adding this to their cell phone account may do it out of curiosity. $10 per month is much different than $30 per month. As for an expected launch date, nothing has been even internally discussed yet with his department, but we were informed that people are buzzing about iPhone tethering all over AT&T, so it may be sooner rather than later. I’d be surprised if it wasn’t made available before the end of first quarter in 2009.

Contract Free iPhones Sell for up to $1,263 in France

Aviv — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 18:36:33 +0000

French retailer FNAC has begun offering contract free iPhones with an extremely hefty price-tag.

As Macnn explains, 8GB contract free iPhones will be selling for €799 ($1,123), and 16GB models will be priced at €899 ($1,263). Our iPhone carrier worldmap has details about nearly every iPhone carrier and their rates around the world.

Apple was just recently forced to end iPhone exclusivity in France. And it seems like the country is able to demand more out of the arrangement than most.

Previous reports have covered why Apple and primarily AT&T have yet to offer up a similar deal here in the states. Even though some may consider the contract free iPhone’s price-tag too outrageous to consider, many would appreciate the no strings attached payment.

via Cult of Mac and Apple Insider

AT&T Dumping 8GB Refurb iPhones for $99, Making Way for 32GB Model?

Aviv — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 22:59:18 +0000

AT&T has decided to start offering 8GB refurbished iPhones for $99. The rather unexpected move raises notions that a 32GB iPhone may be offered at the upcoming Macworld Expo.

MacBlogz has previously received an unconfirmed tip pointing to the release of a 32GB iPhone at the upcoming Macworld conference in January. “That rumored red iPhone… It’s not happening. The only iPhone news I know for certain is that it’s getting bumped to 32GB in January,” the tipster explained.

AT&T’s move to start offering refurbished 8GB iPhones falls in line with previous speculation about Apple diversifying its iPhone family.

In order to sell a less-expensive iPhone, priced (let’s say) at $99, Apple would need to introduce a new model with less storage. The current models would get bumped in specs, and a cheaper iPhone would be introduced and outfitted with less storage than its bigger brothers. The current 8GB iPhone would have absolutely no place in this line up, and will probably be discontinued. At the same time, for Apple to increase or double the iPhone’s storage, they would need to either raise the price, or increase the iPod touch’s storage capacity as well, in order to avoid significant cannibalization, or confusion among consumers.

Theoretically, the iPhone family would have a diverse selection of products, just like the current iPod line-up. Perhaps not as many models or choices in color, but the storage capacity and features will be spread across the products, lowest to highest, priced accordingly. In what initially might seem to conflict, Friedman Billings Ramsey analyst Craig Berger has reported today that “Apple has cut its calendar Q4 iPhone production plans significantly more than originally estimated.” Chances are Apple is cutting production (on current iPhone models) to level out with industry demand. Although extremely difficult, the company must have the ability to foresee downturns in the industry, and mobile market.

Apple has announced that this is their last year at the Macworld expo, and that CEO Steve Jobs will not be giving the keynote speech. Instead, Senior VP of Worldwide Product Marketing, Phill Schiller, will be delivering the speech. While the unconfirmed tip remains from an anonymous source, a relatively standard storage boost may entirely be something that Schiller announces at Macworld. The news may be seen as a standard storage boost, and not something Jobs is needed for to unveil.

The price drop, if even for a refurbished iPhone, is still substantial. A recent report covering Apple and AT&T’s future outlook on distribution may shed some light on the aggressive pricing we’re seeing from all angles. In addition to the new refurbs offered by AT&T, Walmart is selling the iPhone with a standard rollback discount of $2, and Best Buy is offering up new models with solid $10 discounts through December 31st.

Walmart Confirms Selling the iPhone for $197, Sales Begin Dec.28th

Aviv — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 17:35:06 +0000

Walmart has publicly confirmed that they will begin selling the iPhone on Sunday, December 28th. While the timing may be a little awkward (right after the holidays), the addition of Walmart’s enormous distribution chain is sure to add value to Apple’s iPhone sales.

There were many rumors floating around about the iPhone being sold at Walmart. The Boy Genius Report first brought attention to the story, and the date they first anticipated has turned out correct. However, speculation that Apple would start selling a $99 iPhone (through Walmart) was completely unfounded, and regardless of what a few accurate sources said, the industry ran with it.

Even though additional established sources came out and said the $99 pricepoint seemed unlikely, people still had high hopes that it might happen. Leading up to the public confirmation, we also had a leaked memo, and some premature advertising that was spotted as well.

Walmart’s press release: The retailer will offer the black 8 GB iPhone 3G model with the every day price of $197 and the 16 GB black or white model for $297, with a new two-year service agreement from AT&T or qualified upgrade. As America’s price leader, Walmart’s price match policy also allows stores to match the price of any local competitor’s advertised store price on the same item within the same promotional period.

“We are delighted to bring customers this ground-breaking mobile technology,” said Gary Severson, senior vice president, Entertainment, Walmart. “Our electronics associates have been preparing for many weeks for the arrival of iPhone 3G. We are excited to now help new customers learn more about the features and services that make the iPhone unique.”

Walmart will add nearly 2,500+ distribution centers where consumers can purchase Apple’s iPhone. Even though we’ve reported about Apple and AT&T butting heads a little bit with the iPhone’s future distribution, it would’ve been very difficult to ignore the significance of so many new locations. Perhaps we’ll start seeing Macs at Walmart sometime in 2009.

AT&T Buys Unicel: iPhone Finally Confirmed Heading to Vermont

Aviv — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 23:57:33 +0000

A recent acquisition of telecom company Unicel by AT&T has opened the doors for many of the company’s services to be offered in the state of Vermont. Included in the deal will be Apple’s iPhone, which for the first time will be available to Vermont residents come mid-January.

Up until now AT&T has not offered many of its services in the state of Vermont because they did not own a sufficient spectrum on which to provide their services to consumers. An official number has been kept under wraps, but a similar deal back in early 2007 valued Unicel at $2.67 billion when Verizon acquired a large majority of the company.

“AT&T will acquire Unicel licenses and customers in the greater Burlington, Rutland and Montpelier areas as well as Unicel subscribers in upstate New York, Washington and a cellular license in Kentucky, AT&T spokesman Glen Schwartz said. In total, he said AT&T will acquire 133,000 customers in the four states,” the Rutland Herald explained back in early 2007.

Today AT&T cleared a final regulatory hurdle which allows them to roll out their telecom services into new sectors in the NorthEast. Additionally, the new acquisition opens up nearly 75 new employment opportunities for the area. Vermont residents itching for official coverage while using the iPhone will soon be in luck. Even though it won’t be available for the holidays, the sector is simply too small for AT&T to rush into deployment. AT&T is expected to be converting only a small percentage of physical locations into official AT&T stores.

AT&T’s No Contract iPhone, Possible Prepaid Plan Details

Aviv — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 12:48:26 +0000

Back in July when Apple and AT&T released the iPhone 3G, they also promised everyone a “no-contract” – “no-strings-attached” iPhone. While the no-contract iPhone hasn’t been released yet, some confirmed “go phone” plans have been unveiled.

The plans are aimed at being less confusing to customers. However, they end up being more complex, with more overages and deductions than before.

AT&T is rolling out trial runs of these plans in Texas and the Northeast first. If they go over well, they’ll be adopted quickly across the country where AT&T thinks GoPhones are in high demand. Since a prepaid iPhone is not yet available from AT&T, they have not officially declared these plans in regards to the iPhone. However, our sources at AT&T are able to confirm the legitimacy of this information, along with some of what we can expect from the prepaid iPhone plans.

When asking specifically about AT&T’s plans with targeting the prepaid iPhone market, we were assured that those interested in saving money should not turn to these plans. We specifically got excited about a cheap prepaid iPhone plan with a possibly less expensive tethering plan. Say, something that totaled around $70/month. However, the chances are that after activation fees and data usage, you’ll end up spending more money. Plus with the unsubsidized iPhone costing at least $599, this isn’t AT&T’s first choice for new customers. Those without the necessary credit to sign up for a contract with AT&T, will inevitably be forced into cell phone bills that are harder to manage.

• Data rates will be extremely expensive. There may be NO data package available for prepaid iPhone plans. Instead, AT&T will enforce a strict 1¢ per kb access rate.
• Of note, there used to be five prepaid plans, there are now four. This may be cut down even less for iPhone customers giving them only two or three options.
• Don’t be surprised if every single plan in the above image is increased by $10-$15 specifically for iPhone users. $50+ for an introductory plan is more fitting with top tier plans peaking over $100.
• It hasn’t been confirmed if tethering options even will be available with prepaid plans.
• $25 activation fee for mid-level to high-level plans.

We expect AT&T to offer a no-contract iPhone once things settle down within the first quarter of 2009. The specifics about Apple and AT&T’s iPhone revenue sharing plan has remained a secret, but with AT&T subsidizing the phones after purchasing them from Apple, and Apple spreading revenue over an iPhone user’s two year contract, prepaid customers are not high on both company’s priority list.

phonenews.com was able to confirm the trial plans with AT&T.