Sprint’s already been very vocal about its opposition to AT&T’s planned purchase of T-Mobile from Deutsche Telekom, but on Tuesday the carrier officially asked the Federal Communications Commission to step in and block the purchase. In its 377-page filing, Sprint argued that the acquisition would make AT&T the nation’s largest carrier with a total of 118 million subscribers and a 43% grip on the postpaid market. The carrier added that Verizon and AT&T would earn 78% of all wireless revenues and the “Twin Bell” duopoly would have an 82% grasp of the postpaid market, making it difficult for other carriers such as Sprint to compete. AT&T, meanwhile, has argued that the acquisition will create jobs, will not stifle competition, and will help deliver high-speed wireless broadband to 97% of U.S. residents.

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T-Mobile on Monday introduced several new postpaid and prepaid plans headlined by a variety of throttled unlimited options that cater to a wide range of data-hungry smartphone users. The new individual unlimited plans start at $59.99 for unlimited nationwide voice calling and unlimited text messaging, and then become incrementally more expensive when unlimited data is added. Users can opt for unlimited data with 200MB of “high-speed” data for an extra $10 each month for a total of $69.99, 2GB of high-speed data for a total of $79.99, 5GB of high-speed data for $89.99, or 10GB of high-speed data for $119.99 each month. Once the high-speed data ceiling on one of the aforementioned plans is reached in a single month, data speeds will be reduced significantly — or “throttled” — until a new billing period begins. T-Mobile revamped several other postpaid plans and added two new prepaid options as well, and the details can be found in the press release below or on the carrier’s site.

T-Mobile’s New Unlimited Rate Plans Make Data Even More Affordable for Families on America’s Largest 4G Network

New T-Mobile plans feature unlimited data with no overages

BELLEVUE, Wash. — May 23, 2011 — T-Mobile USA, Inc. today announced a new suite of family and individual plans that expand on the exceptional value and consumer choice the company provides to make data affordable for families on America’s Largest 4G Network^™.

The plans, available for new and existing customers, offer single-line and multiline options with a range of price points for talk or unlimited talk, unlimited text and unlimited data — with no data overages —  offering 200 MB, 2 GB, 5 GB or 10 GB of high-speed data. Each of the plans also includes unlimited nationwide T-Mobile to T-Mobile calling, and unlimited nights and weekends. T-Mobile also continues to offer one of the industry’s most affordable entry-level unlimited data plans, starting at just $10 for 200 MB of high-speed data per billing month.

Beating the competition, T-Mobile’s $139.99 unlimited family plan with unlimited talk, unlimited text and unlimited data with 2 GB of high-speed data offers a savings of more than $350 per person, per year on a two-line annual plan, compared with similar smartphones plans from AT&T, Verizon and Sprint.¹

“Our new rate plans powered by America’s Largest 4G Network put us in an excellent position to capitalize on the 80 percent of wireless customers in America who want smartphones,” said Cole Brodman, chief marketing officer, T-Mobile USA. “We’re providing customers with the 4G coverage they need, an exciting portfolio of 4G smartphones, and the value and flexibility to meet the diverse desires of their entire family.”

T-Mobile’s family plans are also more flexible than ever, allowing customers to select different data options and add-a-line features to meet the needs of first-time smartphone consumers, data-hungry young adults and text-centric teens all in one customized package.

The new family and individual plans are available now. To find the T-Mobile plan that best fits their needs, customers can visit http://www.t-mobile.com.

The first-quarter financial figures for Verizon Wireless were not all that surprising. The nation’s largest wireless carrier was widely expected to post strong quarterly results, and it did. Verizon Wireless saw its churn rate fall year-over-year to 1.01 for postpaid customers and 1.33 overall. The company’s data revenues were up 22.3% from the same period last year, fueled by 1.8 million net additions, 2.2 million new iPhone activations, 260,000 HTC ThunderBolt activations, and 32% of retail postpaid customers using smartphones. Verizon Wireless now has 104 million total connections on its network, which represents a 6.1% increase year-over-year. If you are interested in reading the entire Verizon Communications release, it is waiting for you after the break.

Update: Although not included in the Q1 press release, the company’s conference call presentation indicates that 2.2 million iPhone 4s were activated during the three month period. Title updated to reflect this new information.

Verizon Reports Strong Start to 2011 as Wireless, FiOS and Strategic Services Continue to Generate Profitable Growth

First-Quarter Performance Affirms 2011 Revenue and Earnings Guidance

1Q HIGHLIGHTS

Consolidated
· 51 cents in diluted earnings per share (EPS), compared with EPS of 16 cents and adjusted EPS (non-GAAP) of 48 cents in 1Q 2010.

Wireless
· 6.3 percent year-over-year increase in service revenues in 1Q 2011; data revenues up 22.3 percent; 25.8 percent operating income margin and 43.7 percent Segment EBITDA margin on service revenues (non-GAAP).
· 1.8 million net additions, excluding acquisitions and adjustments, includes 906,000 retail postpaid net customer additions; continued low retail postpaid churn of 1.01 percent.
· 104.0 million total connections, includes 88.4 million retail customers.

Wireline
· 207,000 net FiOS Internet and 192,000 net FiOS TV additions; 4.3 million total FiOS Internet connections and 3.7 million total FiOS TV connections.
· 10.5 percent year-over-year increase in consumer ARPU; FiOS consumer retail revenues now represent approximately 54 percent of total consumer revenues.
· 12.8 percent increase in strategic enterprise revenues, which now represent approximately 46 percent of total global enterprise revenues.

NEW YORK — Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) today reported strong first-quarter 2011 earnings, as industry leader Verizon Wireless continued to effectively balance customer growth and profitability, while growth in FiOS and strategic enterprise services contributed to another quarter of improvement in wireline margins.

Verizon reported 51 cents in EPS in first-quarter 2011, compared with first-quarter 2010 earnings of 16 cents per share. There are no adjustments to first-quarter 2011 earnings results. Adjusted first-quarter 2010 earnings, excluding the impact of divestitures and non-operational charges (non-GAAP), were 48 cents per share.

On Track to Meet Revenue and Earnings Objectives

“In the first quarter, Verizon Wireless solidified its industry leadership with results that once again showed sustainable, profitable growth,” said Verizon Chairman and CEO Ivan Seidenberg. “We are executing on our business plans and building momentum, and we are on track to meet both our revenue and earnings objectives for the year.”

Seidenberg added, “Wireline EBITDA margins expanded for the fourth consecutive quarter, driven by continued strength in FiOS revenues and disciplined cost management. Our strategic acquisition of Terremark, which closed earlier this month, improves our ability to provide integrated, enterprise-class cloud solutions and accelerate growth.”

Consolidated Revenue Growth Accelerates

On a consolidated basis, Verizon’s total operating revenues were $27.0 billion in first-quarter 2011, an increase of 0.3 percent compared with first-quarter 2010. Last year’s results included revenues from operations that have since been divested.

On a comparable basis (non-GAAP), first-quarter 2011 total operating revenues increased 5.3 percent compared with first-quarter 2010 — up from growth of 2.3 percent on the same basis comparing fourth-quarter 2010 with fourth-quarter 2009. Approximately 77 percent of first-quarter 2011 revenues were generated by higher-growth wireless, FiOS and strategic enterprise services, compared with approximately 72 percent of comparable first-quarter 2010 revenues.

As previously stated, Verizon is targeting comparable top-line revenue growth rates in the range of 4 percent to 8 percent for full-year 2011. The company is also targeting EPS growth of 5 percent to 8 percent in 2011, over a comparable adjusted base of $2.08 per share in 2010.

Verizon continues to expect 2011 capital spending to be essentially flat, compared with the 2010 investment of $16.5 billion. In first-quarter 2011, Verizon’s capital expenditures totaled $4.4 billion, compared with $3.4 billion in first-quarter 2010, as the company aggressively invested in growth opportunities, including the deployment of Verizon’s nationwide 4G LTE (fourth-generation, Long-Term Evolution) wireless broadband network. With 4G LTE deployment well under way, Verizon’s capitalized interest will be lower in 2011, resulting in higher interest expense of about $150 million for each quarter this year.

Cash flow from operations totaled $5.0 billion in first-quarter 2011, down from $7.1 billion in first-quarter 2010. Operating cash flow from higher net income in first-quarter 2011 was offset by the launch of the iPhone and satisfaction of Verizon’s full-year 2011 pension funding obligation of $392 million. In addition, the first half of last year included cash flows from since-divested properties.

Verizon said its cash flow outlook for 2011 remains strong, and there is no change regarding the anticipated 2012 timing of a Verizon Wireless dividend to its parent companies.

The effective income tax rate attributable to Verizon for the first quarter was 30 percent. For full-year 2011, Verizon anticipates an effective tax rate to be in a range consistent with the past three quarters, post the Frontier and Alltel divestitures.
Verizon Wireless Delivers Strong Operational and Financial Results

Verizon Wireless delivered strong growth in revenues, retail customers and other connections; increased retail postpaid ARPU (average monthly service revenue per user) and smartphone penetration; and delivered a strong EBITDA margin. In the first quarter of 2011:

Wireless Financial Highlights
· Service revenues in the quarter totaled $14.3 billion, up 6.3 percent year over year. Data revenues were $5.5 billion, up $1.0 billion or 22.3 percent year over year, and represent 38.1 percent of all service revenues. Total revenues were $16.9 billion, up 10.2 percent year over year.
· Retail postpaid ARPU grew 2.2 percent over first-quarter 2010, to $53.52. Retail postpaid data ARPU increased to $20.51, up 17.3 percent year over year. Retail service ARPU also grew 2.2 percent, to $51.88.
· Wireless operating income margin was 25.8 percent. Segment EBITDA margin on service revenues (non-GAAP) was 43.7 percent.

Wireless Operational Highlights
· Verizon Wireless added 1.8 million total connections, including 906,000 retail postpaid customers, and 897,000 wholesale and other connections. These additions exclude acquisitions and adjustments.
· At the end of the first quarter, the company had 104.0 million total connections, an increase of 6.1 percent year over year, including 88.4 million retail customers and 15.6 million wholesale and other connections.
· At the end of the first quarter, 32 percent of Verizon Wireless’ retail postpaid customer phone base were smartphones, up from 28 percent at the end of fourth-quarter 2010.
· Retail postpaid churn remained low at 1.01 percent, and total retail churn was 1.33 percent. Both improved year over year.
· Following the launch of its 4G LTE mobile broadband network in 38 markets in December 2010, the company so far has named more than 100 additional markets where 4G LTE is being rolled out. By year-end, Verizon Wireless’ 4G LTE network, the fastest and most advanced 4G LTE network in the U.S., is expected to be available in more than 175 markets, covering a population of more than 185 million people throughout the country.
· The company introduced three 4G LTE devices: the ThunderBolt by HTC, the first 4G LTE smartphone; the Verizon USB551L, a modem made by Novatel Wireless; and a Samsung 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot.
· Demand was strong for new LTE devices — as well as for Apple’s iPhone 4, which produced the most successful first-day sales in Verizon Wireless history when it was introduced in February to existing customers.
· Verizon Wireless continued to invest in its 3G network, the nation’s largest and most reliable 3G network.
· The company announced plans to open the Verizon Wireless Application Innovation Center in San Francisco later this year, where developers, engineers and others can work together on innovative applications that will run on the company’s 3G and 4G networks.

Continued Wireline Margin Expansion and FiOS Growth

Verizon’s Wireline segment delivered continued margin expansion and growth in FiOS customers and revenues, as well as accelerated growth in revenues for strategic enterprise services. In the first quarter of 2011:

Wireline Financial Highlights
· Segment EBITDA margin (non-GAAP) was 23.6 percent, compared with 21.1 percent in first-quarter 2010. This was Wireline’s fourth consecutive quarter of sequential margin expansion.
· First-quarter 2011 operating revenues were $10.1 billion, a decline of 2.2 percent compared with first-quarter 2010. This is an improvement from a decline of 2.8 percent comparing fourth-quarter 2010 to fourth-quarter 2009. First-quarter 2011 total operating expenses were $9.9 billion, a decline of 3.9 percent compared with first-quarter 2010.
· Revenues for Verizon’s FiOS fiber-optic services to consumer retail customers generated approximately 54 percent of consumer wireline revenues in first-quarter 2011, compared with approximately 45 percent in first-quarter 2010.
· Consumer revenues grew 1.9 percent compared with first-quarter 2010. Consumer ARPU for wireline services was $90.55 in first-quarter 2011, up 10.5 percent compared with first-quarter 2010. ARPU for FiOS customers continues to be more than $146.
· Global enterprise revenues totaled $3.8 billion in the quarter, up 1.0 percent compared with first-quarter 2010. Sales of strategic enterprise services — such as security and IT solutions, as well as strategic networking — increased 12.8 percent compared with first-quarter 2010, and accelerated from a growth rate of 8.0 percent comparing fourth-quarter 2010 with fourth-quarter 2009. Strategic services now represent approximately 46 percent of global enterprise revenues.

Wireline Operational Highlights
· Verizon added 207,000 net new FiOS Internet connections and 192,000 net new FiOS TV connections in first-quarter 2011. Verizon had 4.3 million FiOS Internet and 3.7 million FiOS TV connections at the end of the quarter.
· FiOS Internet penetration (subscribers as a percentage of potential subscribers) was 33.1 percent by the end of the first quarter, with the product available for sale to 13.0 million premises. This compares with 29.0 percent and 12.0 million, respectively, at the end of first-quarter 2010. FiOS TV penetration was 29.1 percent by the end of first-quarter 2011, with the product available for sale to 12.6 million premises. This compares with 25.4 percent and 11.5 million, respectively, at the end of first-quarter 2010.
· Broadband connections totaled 8.5 million at the end of first-quarter 2011, a 3.0 percent year-over-year increase. FiOS Internet connections more than offset a decrease in DSL-based HSI connections, leading to a net increase of 98,000 broadband connections from fourth-quarter 2010. These are the most broadband net additions since second-quarter 2009. Total voice connections, which measures FiOS Digital Voice connections in addition to traditional switched access lines, declined 8.2 percent to 25.5 million — the smallest year-over-year decline since first-quarter 2008.
· During the quarter, Verizon moved decisively to accelerate its “everything-as-a-service” enterprise cloud strategy by announcing its acquisition of cloud and managed IT infrastructure leader Terremark Worldwide, which closed in April.
· Verizon continued to deploy secure IT and communications solutions that enable better business outcomes for multinational enterprise, medium-sized and government customers. These included a new cloud-based unified communications service, an enhanced set of Enterprise Identity Management offerings, and delivery of SAP’s Customer Relationship Management service through Verizon’s flagship cloud offering, Computing as a Service. In addition, Verizon completed new agreements during the quarter with a range of multinational corporations, including Delphi Automotive.
· Verizon expanded its global network infrastructure, continuing to broaden its global scope and capabilities. The company installed 38 additional Private IP edge routers for a total of 852 edge routers in 238 sites throughout 63 countries; activated the first 100GE (gigabit Ethernet) transmission trunk between routers on Verizon’s backbone network; implemented Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6) on its public IP backbone in Europe and the Asia-Pacific regions; and activated 7,021 miles of the Europe India Gateway submarine cable system, which connects the United Kingdom, the Middle East, Africa and Asia.
· The Wireline workforce totaled 92,000 at the end of first-quarter 2011, a year-over-year decline of 16,000 (adjusted for divested operations), primarily as a result of incentive offers that led to voluntary separations.

Via a press release today, AT&T announced that it will be offering two, Android-based LG handsets in both the prepaid and postpaid variety. The postpaid Phoenix and prepaid Thrive both sport a 600MHz processor, 3.2-inch touchscreen display, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, aGPS, 3.2 megapixel rear-facing camera, microSD card slot, and 7.2Mbps HSDPA radio. Both smartphones, which run Froyo (Android 2.2) will be available on April 17th with the Phoenix retailing for $49.99 with a signed two-year agreement and the Thrive retailing for $179.99 contract-free. Prepaid customs that purchase a Thrive must sign-up for one of three new, prepaid data-plan offerings also announced: $25 for 500MB, $15 for 100MB, or $5 for 10MB. The full press release is after the break.

AT&T and LG Launch First Smartphone for GoPhone

LG Thrive™ and its post-paid version, LG Phoenix™ available on April 17 from LG Mobile Phones. Both Android 2.2 Devices Available In AT&T Stores Nationwide

Dallas, Texas, April 12, 2011

Key Facts

• AT&T* will begin selling LG Thrive™ and LG Phoenix™ on April 17.
• LG Thrive™ is AT&T’s first prepaid smartphone. GoPhone customers can choose from new data packages with no long-term commitment required.
• Both smartphones will be available for purchase nationwide at AT&T company-owned retail stores and in select national retail locations.
• Both feature a 3.2 inch color full-touch display, Android™ 2.2 platform, Exchange email support, unlimited Wi-Fi usage on the entire national AT&T Wi-Fi Hot Spot network and a 3.2-megapixel camera.

Android Portfolio

AT&T is a pioneer in smartphones and devices, and expects to widen its portfolio in 2011. In January, AT&T committed to a robust Android portfolio, including more than 12 new Android devices this year. Delivering users on-the-go access to the growing Android Market™, LG Thrive™ will be the first Android smartphone available for GoPhone customers.

LG Thrive™ Data Packages and Voice Plans

In addition to providing access to applications and contacts, AT&T is introducing a new prepaid data package with the LG Thrive, offering 500 MB of data for $25. Each of the following options are available to customers who choose the Smartphone $0.10/min Plan or Smartphone $2/day Unlimited Talk and Text Plan. Prepaid customers who choose a smartphone like the LG Thrive must choose a data package in order to use data services.

• NEW: $25 FOR 500MB
• $5 for 10MB (previously $4.99 for 1MB)
• $15 for 100MB (previously $19.99)

The above data packages include unlimited Wi-Fi usage at thousands of AT&T Wi-Fi hotspots from your smartphone.

AT&T is also adding value to data pay-per-use pricing for non-smartphone customers with five times the data for the same price. The new pricing is $0.01 per 5kb (previously $0.01 per kb).

LG Thrive ™ and LG Phoenix™

LG Thrive™ boasts the latest Android features, including robust HTML browsing, integrated synching of Google ™ account features, Facebook® and Twitter apps for social networking, flexible personalization with up to seven customizable home screens, and unlimited Wi-Fi usage at thousands of AT&T Wi-Fi hotspots nationwide, included as part of the smartphone data plan required with either device.** LG Phoenix™ offers similar features to its prepaid counterpart as well as Mobile Hotspot and data tethering support which allows the sharing of the phone’s mobile broadband connection with other devices.***

Key Specifications

• Android 2.2 platform
• HSDPA 7.2 3G data speeds
• 600MHz application processor
• 3.2” 320 x 480 262k color full-touch display
• Wi-Fi/aGPS capable
• 160MB User Memory w/ microSD storage (up to 32GB)
• 2GB microSD card installed
• 3.2MP Auto-focus camera
• Stereo Bluetooth
• Quad-band GSM / Tri-band 3G (world capable)
• 1500 mAh long-life battery
• Text/Picture and Video Messaging support
• POP3/IMAP/Gmail/EAS email support

On April 17, AT&T will begin selling LG Thrive™, in silver for $179.99. To use data services on the Thrive™, a GoPhone smartphone plan and data package are required.

The LG Phoenix™ will be available on the same day in dark blue for $49.99 and requires a two-year agreement.

Both devices will be sold in company-owned retail stores and in select national retail locations.

Learn more about the LG Thrive™ and LG Phoenix™ at www.att.com/mobilephones-news.

Quotes

“We are excited to add LG Thrive™, the first smartphone for GoPhone, to AT&T’s growing Android portfolio,” said Judy Cavalieri, vice president, Voice and Prepaid Products, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets. “Thrive brings more choice and more value to our GoPhone customers by delivering the benefits of a smartphone, balanced with functionality and affordability.”

“The range of smartphones available at LG and AT&T is a tribute to our consumers,” said Tim O’Brien, vice president for marketing for LG Mobile Phones. “LG Thrive optimizes data capabilities and value with a fully customizable experience. We look to continue our history of AT&T firsts.”

*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

** Restrictions apply. See www.attwifi.com for details and locations.

*** Mobile Hotspots and Tethering require a DataPro 4 GB Plan. Devices connected to your Mobile Hotspot or by tethering use data from your DataPro 4 GB Plan. An overage rate of $10 per each 1 GB provided, applies if you exceed the included monthly data allowance. Performance may vary depending on the number of devices connected and other factors. If you do not use a password, others will be able to use your Mobile Hotspot connection. For more details on Data Plans, go to att.com/dataplans.

**** Prices may vary at independent retailers.

LG Phoenix: Limited time only. Qualified customers only. Subscriber must live & have a mailing addr. within AT&T’s owned wireless network coverage area. Requires two year contract and new activation, and an eligible voice plan and eligible smartphone data plan starting at $15 a month. $36 activation fee. Early Termination Fee: Up to $325. Sales tax calculated based on price of unactivated equipment.

Mobile Broadband Coverage not available in all areas.

Price and Availability****

Via a quick press release, AT&T has announced two, new postpaid data plans available to its tablet users. The new offerings closely match the prepaid options currently being offered, with a slight twist. “The new plans can be added to customers’ existing monthly wireless statements, offering the simplicity of a single monthly bill,” writes AT&T. Postpaid customers will be billed at an overage rate of $10 per gigabyte — prepaid customers have to buy an additional 2GB allotment when they exceed their quota ($12.50 per gigabyte). The company is also offering some incentive to jump on the postpaid bandwagon, “For a limited time, customers who activate a new postpaid $25/2 GB plan will receive the first month free.” Both the postpaid and prepaid options are on a month-to-month basis, no contract required. Hit the jump for the full press release.

AT&T INTRODUCES NEW MONTHLY BILLING OPTION FOR TABLETS

Customers Get First Month Free When Activating New Postpaid Plan

DALLAS, MARCH 3, 2011 — AT&T today introduced convenient new postpaid billing options for tablets.  Beginning today, customers can choose between AT&T’s existing prepaid billing options or the new postpaid plans.  The new plans can be added to customers’ existing monthly wireless statements, offering the simplicity of a single monthly bill.  For a limited time, customers who activate a new postpaid $25/2 GB plan will receive the first month free^[1].

The new postpaid billing option will be available across AT&T retail locations, as well as att.com, Best Buy, Fry’s, select Nexcom locations, and Walmart stores nationwide.

“Tablets offer the convenience of mobile broadband virtually anywhere and our new billing options give customers the flexibility to choose how they prefer to be billed,” said David Christopher, chief marketing officer, AT&T Mobility & Consumer Markets.

Customers may choose from the following options:

• Postpaid:  $14.99 for 250 MB or $25 for 2 GB.  Customers on the 2 GB plan who exceed their monthly data allotment will be charged $10 per 1 GB of overage.  Charges will appear on customers’ monthly wireless statements.
• Prepaid:  $14.99 for 250 MB or $25 for 2 GB.  Customers on the 2 GB plan who exceed their monthly data allotment may choose to purchase an additional 2 GB for $25.  Charges will appear on customers’ credit card statements.

Both options are month-to-month and do not require a long-term commitment.

For the complete array of AT&T offerings, visit www.att.com.

[1] Mobile broadband not available in all areas. Plan is for 30 days. Service free for new postpaid activations for first 30 days or the first 2GB of usage, whichever comes first. Offer available for DataConnect Personal for Tablets 2GB Plan only. Subsequent thirty day periods to be billed by AT&T Mobility at $25 for 2GB usage. To avoid subsequent charges, service must be cancelled prior to 30 days after activation of the plan, or prior to usage in excess of 2GB within the first 30 days after activation of the Plan. Usage in excess of 2GB during the first 30 days and in each subsequent thirty day period to be billed at $10 per each additional GB. Unused data does not rollover to the next 30 day period. Offer not available for on-tablet activation. DataConnect Personal for Tablets Plans are for compatible tablets only. Plans are not suitable for corporate email or intranet systems. Credit check required. No term commitment or termination fees apply. Plan automatically renews every 30 days, unless you cancel service prior to the start of the 30 day renewal. Service may be cancelled at any time by calling 1-800-331-0500 or seeing store representative. Limited time offer.

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

Just one day after we scooped fresh product shots of Virgin Mobile USA’s first mobile broadband device, the Novatel Wireless MC760, the company has announced the availability of its contract-free Broadband2Go service. Touted as a 3G nationwide wireless Internet service, the MVNO’s new offering is sure to pique the interest of infrequent travelers and light mobile broadband users who simply can’t justify a $60 per month service for sporadic usage. Out of the gate, the pricing structure is a bit different than we had believed back when we first broke news of the coming broadband offering. Users will be able to purchase Broadband2Go Top-Up cards in the following denominations:

• $10 — 100MB usable for 10 days
• $20 — 250MB usable for 30 days
• $40 — 600MB usable for 30 days
• $60 — 1GB usable for 30 days

On the surface these options appear to be a bit pricey but again, postpaid options from other carriers can cost $720 per year or more. For users who only need mobile broadband access a few months out of each year, spending a total of $60, $120 or even $180 for Top-Up cards that will get them through a full year translates into massive savings.

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Sprint’s Boost Mobile will launch a new “Monthly Unlimited” plan that includes unlimited minutes, unlimited text messaging, wireless Web and PTT services for $50 per month. The new low cost plan severely undercuts pretty much every competitive unlimited offering and is expected to snag consumers who are looking for a low cost alternative. Even though it runs on the slower iDEN network, the extremely low price point should definitely be attractive to budget minded consumers who use their phones primarily for voice and texting. The new plan is expected to be available starting January 22nd and will launch with new phones including a candy bar and a rumored but not yet confirmed unnamed smartphone. Our only request? Please Boost Mobile ad team – and we can’t stress this enough – leave Mickey Avalon out of the new commercials…

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