Mozilla said on Wednesday that RC1 of its Firefox 4 build has received a “very warm welcome,” and that since there aren’t any known issues, IT and Marketing have given the go-ahead to launch the final build on March 22nd. Firefox 4 will meet stiff competition from IE 9 and Chrome 10 when it launches, but it provides an updated user interface that Mozilla says is both sleeker and easier to use. Firefox 4 also lets users synchronize settings, passwords, bookmarks, history and open tabs with other devices, and it allows users to drag and drop open tabs into groups that can be named and arranged. Lastly, there’s a new and improved way to manage Firefox add-ons. While March 22nd is the current launch date, Mozilla does warn that there is the potential for a delay. “If at any time we discover issues that would block final release, we would issue an RC2 as soon as possible, reset the ship date, and communicate to everyone,” said Damon Sicore, Mozilla’s senior director of platform engineering. To get a look at what’s to come on the 22nd, you may want to give RC1 a whirl.

[Via Life Hacker]

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Last month, we told you about Bell Mobility’s plans to charge a $10 premium for access to the highest speeds on its HSPA+ network. This month, it looks like that report is becoming a reality. BGR has obtained a memo that indicates that Bell will launch the Novatel Wireless U547 data stick — capable of 42Mbps speeds — on November 23rd. The memo boasts that the U547 will be able to achieve real-world downlinks ranging from  7Mbps to 14Mbps in select markets; at launch, Toronto will be the only market with 43Mbps HSPA+ coverage. The new data stick will retail for $199.95; the memo did not indicate if there would be subsidized pricing.

Like all good things, the new, higher speeds will not come free of charge. Bell will be taxing U547 users an extra $10 per month to access the face-melting speeds, but said users are not required to purchase the add-on; the device will still operate at 21Mbps without it.

There you have it. Let us know what you think.

Thanks, B!

We just received an internal Rogers document highlighting the carrier’s upcoming handsets and promotions. The document covers Q4 2010 through the beginning of February, and there are definitely a few choice revelations to be found.

Devices on the way to Rogers include the BlackBerry 9780, Samsung Galaxy Tab, Samsung Focus and the Dell Streak. There’s also tons of info on the new Data Sharing option that allows users to share a data allowance between multiple devices such as Rocketsticks or tablets.

Other interesting tidbits:

•The BlackBerry Bold 9780 is listed at $149.99 on contract.
•The Nokia N8 is listed at $79.99 on contract.
•The Samsung Focus is listed at $199.99 on contract.
•The Dell Streak is listed at $149.99 on contract.
•Oddly, the Vivaz Pro is eligible for the $10 unlimited data plan typically not available for smartphones.
•Internal rumors at Rogers suggest that the Galaxy Tab may launch at $299.99 with a 2-year agreement and $199.99 with a 3-year contract. This info is not confirmed in the roadmap we received.

Hit the jump for a slew of images, including four summary slides at the end that lay out all the pricing and details you can handle. Our source did mention, however, that not all pricing has been finalized.

Additional reporting by Zach Epstein

Listen up T-Mobile tetherers, we’ve just been sent in some intel that indicates America’s fourth largest carrier will begin to offer/charge for tethering on November 3rd. The Tethering and Wi-Fi Sharing Add-On, which will have a monthly cost of $14.99, will allow customers to use their smartphones as a tethered modem or Wi-Fi hotspot. Starting on 11/3, in order to legally share your device’s internet connection on T-Mobile, you’ll need: a 3G or HSPA+ capable device, an unlimited web plan of $19.95 or higher, and the $14.99 tethering add-on. The offering will be available to both postpaid and Flex Pay customers who meet the above requirements. Hit the jump to check out the full memo and let us know what you think.

Thanks, K!

Tethering and Wi-Fi Sharing Add-On Feature Launches November 3

Overview
On November 3, T-Mobile will launch a tethering and Wi-Fi sharing add-on feature.  This feature will allow customers to use their phone as a modem, enabling them to connect a computer or Wi-Fi capable device to the Web using our 3G or HSPA+ network.

By adding this add-on feature, which will cost $14.99/month, customers will gain access to the Web when they are on the go and wherever T-Mobile has coverage.  Although most customers will use their laptop to access our network through their device, they will also be able to connect using any Wi-Fi capable device, like gaming devices, non-T-Mobile tablets like the iPad, and music players. Customers can make the phone-as-modem connection using a USB cable, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi sharing.

Requirements

• Customers must have a 3G or HSPA+ compatible device to utilize the Tethering/Wi-Fi sharing feature.
• Customers must have an Unlimited Web feature with an MRC of $19.95 or higher.
• Customers must add the $14.99 Tethering/Wi-Fi add-on feature.
• This is a separate add-on feature and in addition to the Unlimited Web feature.
• Available for postpaid and FlexPay customers. Note: FlexPay customers will need to change their Unlimited Web feature in order for the new tethering add-on feature to work.

Right fitting
Tethering/Wi-Fi sharing will be ideal for customers who:

• Need occasional access to the Web using a PC or other device.
• Want a connection to the Web on-the-go, wherever T-Mobile has coverage.
• Don’t see the need or want the expense of a complete mobile broadband experience, like T-Mobile’s webConnect.  Note: customers who intend to use their laptops to access the Web frequently, or use a high amount of data, should consider a webConnect plan.

Additional Details

• Customers who purchase a T-Mobile mobile broadband product like the upcoming Galaxy Tab should activate with a webConnect plan to ensure the best experience.
• The set-up process will be determined by the type of device customers own and will be different for every manufacturer.
• The data accumulated while tethering will count towards customers’ 5GB data speed reduction threshold limit.
• Because T-Mobile Terms & Conditions have not permitted tethering in the past, those customers who have configured their device for tethering will receive a message on their handset advising them they will need to add the new add-on feature to continue using their device as a modem.

Action

• Be aware dealers can begin selling the Tetherng/Wi-Fi add-on feature beginning November 3.
• Review the Grab & Go for additional information.
• Beginning November 3, refer to policy pages: T-MobileNews > In-Store Polices and Procedures

Today, prepaid cellular provider MetroPCS launched a new add-on to its cellular plans titled Mas Mexico. Mas Mexico provides “unlimited voice and text messaging plan to connect MetroPCS customers with friends and family in Mexico for $5 per month—taxes and regulatory fees included.” The new calling feature applies to landlines only, but users can text message all the mobile devices they would like. Hit the bounce for the full press release.

[Via PhoneScoop]

MetroPCS Unveils ‘Mas Mexico’ Service

Mas Mexico is an unlimited voice and text messaging add-on offering connecting MetroPCS customers with friends and family in Mexico for $5 per month–taxes and fees included.

Dallas — MetroPCS Communications, Inc. today announced the launch of Mas Mexico, an unlimited voice and text messaging plan to connect MetroPCS customers with friends and family in Mexico for $5 per month—taxes and regulatory fees included. This new calling feature enables MetroPCS customers to call the landlines of their loved ones in Mexico for a low monthly fee without the constraints of annual contracts. Along with unlimited calling, Mas Mexico also provides unlimited text messages to mobile phones in Mexico at no extra cost.

The Mas Mexico calling feature is an add-on to MetroPCS’ Wireless for All(SM) service plans introduced earlier this year. With the unlimited, no annual contract service, MetroPCS provides predictable, affordable and flexible service plans for consumers with no hidden costs or charges. Mas Mexico joins the Unlimited International Calling family of affordable features which connects people to more than 100 countries worldwide.

“MetroPCS is committed to finding innovative ways to deliver unparalleled value to our customers, and Mas Mexico meets the growing needs of consumers who are looking for an affordable way to stay connected,” said Roger Linquist, president, CEO and chairman of the board of MetroPCS. “The mobile phone is an integral part of our customers’ lives and a vital way for them to maintain the important relationships with family and friends they don’t see often. Mas Mexico helps bridge those long distances by providing a valuable feature at a low price.”

Mas Mexico details:

* Available to new and existing customers with tax and regulatory fee-inclusive (tax inclusive) rate plans of $50 and above. * Available on Family Plans with tax-inclusive rate plans of $50 and above (prior to discount). * Existing subscribers with tax-exclusive plans must convert to a tax-inclusive plan before purchasing the feature. * Available at all MetroPCS retail stores and participating authorized dealers. * Limited-time offer ends December 31, 2010.

For more information on the Mas Mexico calling feature, please visit MetroPCS’ Website at www.metropcs.com. For the latest updates on services and promotions, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MetroPCS.

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Fringers, start your updating. The Israeli mobile comms company has just announced the release of a new version of its popular application that brings Last.fm streaming and friend-monitoring to the fring app. Users can now enjoy custom streaming radio stations while chatting with friends without ever having to leave the fring application. All of your favorite types of Last.fm stations are available and Love/Ban functions are supported as well. Sweet! For the time being, Last.fm via fring is not available on the platform that needs it most – the iPhone – but hopefully we’ll see an update soon. Since S60 allows third-party applications to be minimized, Mobbler can easily be used to stream Last.fm while a user is chatting in fring. With the iPhone on the other hand, where the Last.fm app cannot be sent to the background while the user is fringing (yes, we know Backgrounder can remedy this on jailbroken iPhones), the addition of of Last.fm streaming would certainly be welcome. Hit the jump for a very peculiar video that sums up the latest version of fring nicely.

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