Deutsche Telekom recently detailed the breakup terms AT&T agreed to following the deterioration of its planned acquisition of T-Mobile USA. Deutsche Telekom will receive $3 billion in cash and T-Mobile USA will benefit from fresh AWS spectrum as well as a new 7-year 3G roaming deal with AT&T. “As part of the break-up fee, T-Mobile USA will receive a large package of AWS mobile spectrum in 128 Cellular Market Areas (CMAs), including 12 of the top 20 markets (Los Angeles, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Washington, Boston, San Francisco, Phoenix, San Diego, Denver, Baltimore and Seattle),” Deutsche Telekom said in a statement. “The UMTS roaming agreement for the U.S. in T-Mobile USA’s favor has a term of over seven years and will allow the company to improve its footprint significantly among the U.S. population and offer its customers better broadband coverage for mobile communications services in the future.” The company also said that T-Mobile USA’s 3G network will grow from blanketing 230 million potential customers to covering 280 million people. Deutsche Telekom’s full press release follows below.

AT&T and Deutsche Telekom terminate agreement on the sale of T-Mobile USA

Dec 19, 2011

• Deutsche Telekom receives record high break-up fee
• AT&T will pay Deutsche Telekom USD 3 billion in cash
• T-Mobile USA will receive a large package of Advanced Wireless Solutions (AWS) spectrum and long-term national UMTS roaming agreement
• Deutsche Telekom’s guidance and planned dividend policy remain unchanged

U.S. telecommunications company AT&T Inc. and Deutsche Telekom have terminated the agreement on the sale of T-Mobile USA to AT&T. As a result, AT&T will pay Deutsche Telekom the break-up fee agreed in the contract signed by both companies dated March 20, 2011. This is one of the highest payments ever agreed between two companies for the termination of a purchase agreement. It includes a cash payment of USD 3 billion to Deutsche Telekom, which is expected to be made by the end of this year. In addition, it contains a large package of mobile communications spectrum and a long-term agreement on UMTS roaming within the U.S. for T-Mobile USA.

Both companies are in agreement that the broad opposition by the U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ) and the U.S. telecommunications regulator (FCC) is making it increasingly unlikely that the transaction will close. Both companies are of the opinion that important arguments in support of the transaction have been ignored, such as the significant improvement in high-speed mobile network coverage for the U.S. market, as well as the positive employment effects. In addition there was no indication that either authority would move away from it’s non-supportive stance in return for concessions from the parties in terms of the scope and structure of the transaction.

As part of the break-up fee, T-Mobile USA will receive a large package of AWS mobile spectrum in 128 Cellular Market Areas (CMAs), including 12 of the top 20 markets (Los Angeles, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Washington, Boston, San Francisco, Phoenix, San Diego, Denver, Baltimore and Seattle).

The UMTS roaming agreement for the U.S. in T-Mobile USA’s favor has a term of over seven years and will allow the company to improve its footprint significantly among the U.S. population and offer its customers better broadband coverage for mobile communications services in the future. Population coverage will increase from 230 million potential customers at present to 280 million. As a result of the agreement with AT&T, coverage will be extended to many regions of the U.S. in which T-Mobile USA previously had neither its own high-speed mobile communications network nor the associated roaming agreements.

The termination of the agreement means Deutsche Telekom will go back to reporting T-Mobile USA as continuing operations in future. Deutsche Telekom’s guidance for the 2011 financial year remains unchanged as a result of this development, with adjusted EBITDA of around EUR 19.1 billion expected. At EUR 6.5 billion, free cash flow is forecasted to remain at the prior-year level or increase slightly. The guidance includes the T-Mobile USA contribution based on the average exchange rate in 2010 of USD 1.33 per euro. The free cash flow forecast does not include the settlement payment of EUR 0.4 billion relating to PTC in Poland or the cash payment of USD 3 billion from the break-up fee to be paid by AT&T.

Deutsche Telekom’s dividend policy also remains unchanged. The annual dividend payments are subject to the necessary board resolutions and other legal requirements.

Even following the termination of the agreement with AT&T, Deutsche Telekom exepects to remain within the communicated ranges for certain financial performance indicators used to assess the financial performance of the company. These are as follows: The ratio of net debt to adjusted EBITDA of the Group is to be between 2 and 2.5, the equity ratio is to be between 25 percent and 35 percent, gearing (ratio of net debt to shareholders’ equity) between 0.8 and 1.2, and liquidity reserves is to cover maturities of at least the next 24 months.

The cash component of the break-up fee directly reduces Deutsche Telekom’s net debt, thereby by strengthening the financial performance indicators affecting the company’s rating.

Deutsche Telekom would like to express its gratitude to AT&T and to Randall Stephenson and his team for the positive cooperation over the past few months. Our working relationship was characterized by fairness and respect at all times.

Beginning on September 18th, AT&T will offer a new $25 GoPhone prepaid plan that will include 250 minutes and unlimited messaging. Starting on the same day, customers can opt to sign up for a new $10 international long distance plan that offers 250 minutes of calling to more than 50 countries. The minutes for both plans expire after 30 days. GoPhone customers will also be able to roam in Canada at a rate of $0.39 per minute. Text messages in Canada will cost $0.25 per message sent and $0.20 per message received. AT&T currently offers thirty different GoPhone devices ranging from basic handsets to more advanced Android or Windows Phone-powered smartphones. The plans do not require a contract and unsubsidized phone prices range from $19.99 on the low-end to $500 on the high-end.

Prepaid Calling Never Looked So Good: New $25 Monthly GoPhone Plan

AT&T Customers Can Also Choose New $10 International Long Distance Package GoPhone Roaming Now Available in Canada

Dallas, Texas, September 12, 2011

Key Facts:

• Starting September 18, GoPhone customers can choose a $25 monthly plan which includes 250 nationwide voice minutes and unlimited, nationwide messaging every 30 days.
• Also starting September 18, AT&T* will begin offering a $10 International Long Distance package for prepaid customers which includes 250 minutes to over 50 countries for 30 days.
• GoPhone roaming now available in Canada.

Customer Benefits

GoPhone options are better than ever. AT&T’s prepaid customers can enjoy unlimited nationwide messaging and 250 minutes of domestic calling for $25 per month starting September 18. Earlier this year, AT&T launched an unlimited talk, text, and web plan for $50 per month with no long-term commitment (data not included on smartphones).

Also on September 18, customers can purchase a new international long distance feature—250 minutes of international calls to over 50 countries—for only $10 a month.

With the new $10 international long distance feature, minutes can be used to call international landline numbers to all countries on AT&T’s designated list. Calls to mobile numbers are included in Canada and a number of additional countries.

For more information, please visit att.com/gophoneintLD starting September 13.

GoPhone Roaming in Canada

GoPhone customers can now enjoy service as they travel to popular areas in Canada such as Montreal, Niagara Falls and Vancouver. Pricing includes:

• Voice – $.39 per minute (no surcharges)
• Text – $.25 per message sent, $.20 per message received

Quotes

“We’re constantly exploring ways to add value to the GoPhone user experience,” said Judy Cavalieri, vice president, Voice and Prepaid Products, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets. “Being able to enhance roaming capabilities in Canada and offering affordable international long distance plans allow customers to enjoy the amenities of global travel with talk, messaging and data without ever having to worry about long-term commitments.”

GoPhone Portfolio

AT&T offers a broad selection of plans and handsets for prepaid customers. With options such as the LG Thrive™ — the first Android smartphone available for GoPhone users launched in April — AT&T is steadily adding to prepaid value. Quick messaging devices, feature phones and smartphones with no long-term contract, credit check, or deposit are available options of which customers may take advantage. Smartphones require a separate data package to access data/web services.

*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.

The $25 Monthly Plan includes 250 nationwide airtime minutes and unlimited domestic text, Instant Messaging, picture and video messages for a charge of $25 every 30 days.  Nationwide airtime over the 250 minutes will be charged at 10 cents per minute.  Unused airtime minutes do not rollover. Minutes included in this plan may not be used for International calls.

The International Long Distance Package includes 250 minutes of international long distance service to landline numbers in specific countries for 30 days. The list of countries and details about making calls to international landline and mobile numbers can be found at att.com/gophoneintLD. Countries and/or call destinations not included on the list will be charged at standard pay per use rates for international long distance. For details on pay per use charges go to att.com/gointl.

Verizon Wireless announced on Tuesday that it will offer the BlackBerry Torch 9850 on September 8th for $199.99 with a new two-year contract. The Torch 9850 offers a full 3.7-inch touchscreen display with an 800 x 480-pixel resolution, a 1.2GHz processor, support for global roaming in more than 200 countries, a 5-megapixel camera capable of recording 720p HD video and 16GB of storage. The Torch 9850 was first unveiled during a RIM event in Toronto on August 3rd where we published hands-on impressions of the phone. It is the best full-touchscreen smartphone RIM has sold and its browser is much improved, but the BlackBerry 7 operating still feels stale in comparison to Android, Windows Phone and iOS. Read on for the full press release from Verizon Wireless.

BlackBerry Torch 9850 to be Available on the Nation’s Most Reliable Network

BASKING RIDGE, N.J., Sept. 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Verizon Wireless today announced the new BlackBerry® Torch™ 9850 smartphone will be available online at www.verizonwireless.com on Sept. 8, and in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores on Sept. 15.

Watch videos, play games and stay productive on the largest display and highest resolution on a BlackBerry smartphone to date.  Powered by the new BlackBerry® 7 operating system, customers can enjoy the next generation BlackBerry browser with optimized zooming, panning and HTML 5 performance.  BlackBerry® Balance is now integrated, allowing secure access to business information while preventing it from being copied into, sent from or used by personal applications.  Customers can stay connected to their personal and business lives while in or out of the office.

Key features:

• 3G coverage on the nation’s most reliable network
• 3.7-inch high-resolution touchscreen display (800 x 480) with trackpad navigation
• 1.2 GHz processor
• Global Ready™ – Quad band with support for UMTS, HSPA, GSM, GPRS and EDGE allowing customers to enjoy wireless voice and data service in more than 200 countries, including more than 95 with 3G speeds
• 5-megapixel camera with flash and 720p HD video recording capabilities
• Wi-Fi b/g/n, GPS and Bluetooth® 2.1
• 16 GB microSD™ card pre-installed, with support for up to 32 GB microSD card

BlackBerry 7:

• Liquid Graphics™ technology combines a dedicated high-performance graphics processor with a blazingly fast CPU and stunning high-resolution display to deliver a responsive touch interface with incredibly fast and smooth graphics.
• Premium version of Documents To Go is now included at no additional cost, offering customers enhanced document editing features, as well as a native PDF document viewer.
• The newest release of BBM™ (BlackBerry Messenger) now extends the real-time BBM experience together with a range of apps including gaming and social networking.
• Updated Social Feeds app has been extended to capture updates from media, podcasts and more, all in one consolidated view.
• Universal search capability now supports voice-activated search, allowing customers to simply say what they want to find on their device or the Web.
• BlackBerry Balance administrator can remotely wipe business information from the device while leaving personal information intact.

Pricing and availability:

• BlackBerry Torch 9850 smartphone will be available for $199.99 with a new two-year customer agreement.
• Customers that purchase a BlackBerry Torch 9850 smartphone will need to subscribe to a Verizon Wireless Nationwide Talk plan beginning at $39.99 for monthly access and a smartphone data package starting at $30 monthly access for 2 GB of data.

For more information on Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to www.verizonwireless.com.

FedEx just buzzed by and dropped off Sprint’s latest QWERTY Android smartphones, the Motorola XPRT. The XPRT reminds us a lot of the DROID Pro on Verizon Wireless, but it feels just a bit cheaper, which likely explains the lower price tag. It lacks the polished finished of the DROID Pro and it feels much more plasticky. That said, the keyboard feels pretty stellar so far and we are already whizzing away while typing emails and other messages. The big selling point for the XPRT is that it also supports international roaming on GSM networks and it’s the first from Sprint to feature enterprise-class security — that means it should be attractive to corporate users. Under the hood, the XPRT is powered by a 1GHz processor and it runs Android 2.2 (Froyo) with MOTOBLUR painted on top. The phone’s 3.1-inch touchscreen display is large enough, but the 480 x 320 resolution definitely makes things look a bit pixelated. Other features include a 5-megapixel camera with dual-LED flash and support for Adobe Flash 10. We’ll be taking a deeper dive into the Motorola XPRT, which launched on June 5th for $129.99 with a contract, so stay tuned for our upcoming review. In the meantime, be sure to check out our gallery!

It’s more like a pre-prenuptial agreement, but you get the idea. T-Mobile’s parent company, Deutsche Telecom, has confirmed that it stands to receive a $6 billion settlement from AT&T should the companies’ proposed merger fall through. According to DT, a $3 billion cash payment would be made along with additional spectrum and a national roaming agreement. While the exact valuation of the spectrum and roaming agreement was not disclosed, Reuters appraises the two intangibles at close to $3 billion. Congress, the Federal Communications Commission and Department of Justice are all scrutinizing the proposed deal, which would make AT&T the largest wireless provider in the United States. There are sure to be plenty of twists and turns along the way, but once thing is certain: a large sum of money is going to be debited from AT&T’s coffers no matter the regulatory outcome.

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Sprint, which owns the majority stake of Clearwire, has agreed to pay the company at least $1 billion through 2012 for fees associated with the use of its 4G WiMAX network. Sprint and Clearwire entered arbitration late last year after Sprint argued that it shouldn’t have to pay a fee for 4G handsets that exist where Clearwire’s 4G WiMAX network isn’t available. Sprint charges its customers an extra $10 monthly for the option to run on 4G networks and Clearwire charges an estimated $4.46 per 4G-handset owner. According to the Associated Press, Sprint will pay Clearwire $300 million this year and $550 million in 2012. Sprint will also reportedly pay an additional $175 million in a prepaid agreement to use the 4G WiMAX network this year and in the future. Sprint’s CEO, Dan Hesse, told the AP that his company is pleased to have reached a settlement.

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Verizon Wireless has taken a beating over the years because its CDMA network is very prohibitive for international travelers. As such, the carrier has released some new resources in an effort to remind subscribers that they’re free to roam the world with their Verizon phones in hand — it might cost an arm, a leg and a few vital organs in some regions, but it can be done. According to the carrier’s new release, there are about 35 countries that use CDMA and have roaming agreements with Verizon. While that figure pales in comparison to the number of countries that support GSM phones, travelers will find that roaming charges for voice calling and even data usage in those countries can be surprisingly reasonable. Then, if you happen to have one of Verizon’s dual-mode world phones that support GSM, you can use the device while roaming in more than 200 countries around the world. You should probably make sure you take your entire Accounts Payable department out to lunch before submitting those expenses, though. Hit the break for Verizon Wireless’ full release and a quick video about international roaming.

PACK THE WIRELESS PHONE – VERIZON WIRELESS KEEPS TRAVELERS CONNECTED AND INFORMED AROUND THE GLOBE

New Verizon Wireless Video Shows How to Take the Guesswork Out Of Overseas Travel

BASKING RIDGE, N.J. – With travelers planning overseas getaways, Verizon Wireless advises customers that now is a good time to begin thinking about the wireless phone they will bring with them.  Want to make calls back home?  Want to stay connected via text messaging, email and get information daily on the web with a smartphone?  Track data usage? Verizon Wireless can help travelers do all that and more.

Verizon Wireless today posted “Tips for Traveling Overseas,” the second in a series of videos advising customers on how to manage their wireless lives. In the video, Verizon Wireless representatives describe how customers can prepare their wireless phones for international travel and how to manage their data usage outside of the U.S.

The video is available on the Verizon WirelessTV YouTube channel and in the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library.

Go Global With Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless offers a number of ways for customers to take their phones and their accounts overseas:

• Customers can make calls from any Verizon Wireless phone while visiting more than 40 countries worldwide, including popular travel destinations such as Mexico, Canada, China and India that use the same CDMA network technology as Verizon Wireless.
• Jetsetters with Verizon Wireless global phones or smartphones with a pre-installed and active global-capable SIM card can make calls, text and use data services in more than 205 countries. More than 125 countries offer 3G speeds.
• Customers arriving at most overseas destinations receive a free welcome text message from Verizon Wireless with helpful information for the country they are visiting, including dialing instructions (exit codes) from that country, and the toll free number to reach Verizon Wireless Global Technical Support.
• International travelers can manage roaming costs by being alerted via text message or e-mail when their Global Data Roaming charges exceed thresholds of $50, $200 and additional thresholds. Verizon Wireless Global Data Roaming Usage Alerts are automatically sent free of charge and do not count against customers’ messaging or data allowances.
• Travelers can call Verizon Wireless for assistance quickly and easily 24 hours a day by dialing + 1-908-559-4899 on GSM/UMTS networks. All calls are answered by Verizon Wireless representatives.

Verizon Wireless customers traveling outside of the U.S. should contact Verizon Wireless’ global customer support team at 1-800-922-0204 before embarking on their trip to ensure their phones have the right features for global usage.

Travelers who do not own a global-capable device can use the Global Travel Program, which allows customers temporary use of global-capable devices for the duration of their travels. Customers can keep their U.S. phone number and all global charges will be applied directly to their Verizon Wireless bills, without any daily rental fees.  For more information about Verizon Wireless global phone and customer service, visit www.verizonwireless.com/global.

More Information Available

Verizon Wireless offers a variety of ways for customers to manage their wireless lives. Additional video guides highlighting tools customers can use are available:

• “It’s Easy To Track Your Wireless Usage,” which highlights easy ways to check and monitor usage, can be viewed on YouTube or in the Multimedia Library.
• Customers can also visit Verizon Wireless Support to view “How To” videos with step-by-step directions on different aspects of account management.

For more information about Verizon Wireless, visit www.verizonwireless.com.

The Federal Communications Commission on Thursday voted in favor of a new set of rules that will force larger cellular carriers such as Verizon Wireless and AT&T to provide roaming access to their data networks at prices set by the FCC. The move will allow smaller regional carriers to take advantage of the large investments made by national carriers at a mere fraction of the cost of building out their own data networks. Immediately following the FCC’s vote, Verizon Wireless’ executive vice president of public affairs, policy and communications Tom Tauke issued a statement. “Today’s action represents a new level of unwarranted government intervention in the wireless marketplace,” Tauke said. “By forcing carriers that have invested in wireless infrastructure to make those networks available to competitors that avoid this investment, at a price ultimately determined by the FCC, today’s order discourages network investment in less profitable areas. That is directly contrary to the interests of rural America and the development of facilities-based competition and potential job creation. Therefore, it is a defeat for both consumers and the innovation fostered by true competition.” Hit the jump for Tauke’s full statement.

“The U.S. wireless communications marketplace is one of the most dynamic, competitive and innovative in the world.  Consumers have many choices in wireless products and services and expect that these services will be available wherever they go.  To meet these customer expectations, Verizon has entered into 40 data-roaming agreements with our competitors – big, small, urban and rural.  We have also formed an industry-leading spectrum-sharing partnership with rural carriers to expand the reach of 4G services in rural areas.

“Today’s action represents a new level of unwarranted government intervention in the wireless marketplace.  By forcing carriers that have invested in wireless infrastructure to make those networks available to competitors that avoid this investment, at a price ultimately determined by the FCC, today’s order discourages network investment in less profitable areas.  That is directly contrary to the interests of rural America and the development of facilities-based competition and potential job creation.  Therefore, it is a defeat for both consumers and the innovation fostered by true competition.

“We are also concerned that the FCC is taking this action even though it does not have the statutory authority to do so.  Consumers benefit from the deployment of wireless networks that have more capacity to offer new services, and Verizon is committed to working with policymakers to accomplish that goal.”

WIND Telecom SpA announced on Thursday that the shareholders of Russian mobile operator VimpelCom have voted to approve the acquisition of WIND Telecom for $6 billion. VimpelCom said regulators approved the acquisition as well. The deal covers all of WIND Telecom’s assets, which includes Orascom Telecom, a major WIND Mobile shareholder, and VimpelCom will add nine new markets including Pakistan, Bangladesh, Burundi, Italy and Canada to the eleven it already covers. When finalized, the purchase will make VimpelCom the world’s fifth largest mobile Teleco with more than 173 million subscribers. “This is great news for us. Our partner, Orascom, will be even larger and stronger as a financial partner. This gives us more leverage and increased scale with telecom network equipment manufacturers and more importantly, for devices including handsets and tablets,” said Anthony Lacavera, WIND Mobile’s chairman, adding that the purchase will give WIND more access to long distance roaming services. Lacavera said he would provide more information as new details on the acquisition emerge.

Thanks, Kelvin

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While the debate over domestic data limits — 2GB versus 5GB versus truly unlimited — continues, another, more controversial smartphone bandwidth topic is slowly coming to a boil: international data. For those of you who frequently venture out of the confines of these United States, you know what we’re talking about. If you haven’t yet made your way out of the country in the smartphone era, you’re in for a rude awakening. Exorbitant costs, pathetic data allowances, and little recourse… it wasn’t always as bad as it is now. But, like all things in the cellular industry these days, carriers seem to be charging more for less. Are you the kind of person who always has your passport and smartphone with you when you travel abroad? Are you sick of being raked over the coals? Read on for our thoughts.

There was a time, about one-year ago, when international smartphone data plans were reasonable. But those days are now a thing of nostalgia. Once upon said time, if you were an AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, or Verizon customer, you could exchange your $30 unlimited domestic data plan for a $65 unlimited international plan. The delta on your wireless bill was roughly $35 and while this did not give you the ability to talk on the phone while overseas (cheaply anyway), it did allow you to email, browse the Web, and conduct your business using your smartphone’s data channel both here and abroad. Now if you happen to be a government or multinational corporation — or work for one — you’ll be pleased to know that these very reasonable data plan offerings are still available to you! If you are, however, like most of the wireless companies’ revenue-generating customers, a plain old individual account holder, you’re screwed.

Let’s review the current international data offerings from the U.S.’s four major wireless providers, starting with Verizon Wireless: If you happen to be traveling to the United States’ nearest neighbors, Canada and Mexico, Verizon has two data plan offerings for you. There is a 75MB per month plan that costs $30 or a 200MB per month plan that costs $100. If you are traveling to the Caribbean or Europe, the data caps shrink to 25MB and 70MB, but still cost $30 and $100 respectively. Traveling to South America, Africa, or Asia? Verizon will let you use your device at the pay-per-use rate of $20.48 per MB. That’s per megabyte. The information about Verizon’s consumer global roaming rates can be found here.

Next up is AT&T: AT&T often touts its international prowess based on the fact that its network and phones utilize the more worldly GSM technology. But that is where the good news begins and ends. Ma’ Bell offers a 20MB monthly plan for $24.99, 50MB for $59.99, 100MB for $119.99, and 200MB for $199.99. Pay-per-use rates range from $15 per MB in Canada to $19.50 per MB nearly everywhere else. AT&T’s global roaming rates can be found here.

How about the cost-friendly T-Mobile? T-Mobile is a bit kinder to globetrotters… sort of. T-Mo offers BlackBerry customers an unlimited international email option (if you also have an unlimited domestic data plan) for an additional $20 per month. This does not, however, cover Web browsing, Twittering, Facebooking, etc. Only data sent through a BIS/BES connection. Data that does not travel through BIS/BES connection (that’s all data for non-BlackBerry users) is billed at $10 per megabyte in Canada and $15 per megabyte elsewhere. That information can be found here and here.

Sprint, surprisingly, has one plan (for two very specific devices) that seems to be the most reasonable. If you are a Sprint customer with an international BlackBerry (that’s the Tour 9630 or Bold 9650) you can purchase an unlimited international data plan for $69.99 per month. All other users are relegated to the pay-per-use model that varies depending on which country you’re visiting. Canada is listed at $2 per MB while Spain is listed at $16 per MB. We had to directly call Sprint to learn about the $70 BlackBerry plan (we couldn’t find it anywhere on the website), but the pay-per-use rates can be found here.

Again, all four major U.S. wireless carriers had an unlimited international data-plan offering for just $65 per month one year ago.

So if you’re a consumer or a small or medium business without a special, pre-negotiated wireless contract, those are your options. And aside from one attractive BlackBerry offering from one carrier, none of them are very good. What’s befuddling and maddening is why wireless companies continue to favor big businesses. Sure they travel more, but when did an enterprise electron traveling over a wire become so much cheaper than a consumer electron traveling over the very same wire? Today, T-Mobile published a press release touting an “80% discount” on international voice and data for “multinational corporations, government agencies and U.S. enterprises.” But my question is why? Why does the data used by a corporation, discounted at 80%, remain profitable while consumers pay an 80% premium? Are we subsidizing big businesses or are we just getting screwed? Those seem to be the only two options I can think of.

Wireless companies are scrambling to find a delicate data balance — for both domestic and international plans — that will bring ultimate profitability while inflicting a sustainable amount of consumer pain. I just wish one wireless company, nay, any wireless company, would take the high road and offer some legitimate, value-based choices. That would be great, and that would be a company I could stay loyal to.

While this isn’t the most comprehensive global-roaming agreement you will ever see, it’s a start. Via a short press release, the U.S.’s third largest wireless provider — Sprint — has announced a global-roaming deal that will allow its WiMAX customers to operate on the Digicel and Global Mobile networks in Jamaica and Taiwan respectively. Sprint users traveling to the aforementioned areas with WiMAX-enabled devices will be able to purchase an unlimited, 24-hour data pass for $14.99.

“Over the years, we’ve built a robust ecosystem of partners that dwarves any other 4G ecosystem available today and as the first U.S. wireless carrier to launch international 4G roaming we’ve clearly demonstrated our leadership,” said Todd Rowley, the company’s vice-president of 4G.

While $14.99 per day seems a bit steep, the pricing is actually quite reasonable. AT&T’s closest offering to a an unlimited international data-bucket is its 200MB monthly plan (daily or weekly plans are not available), which retails for $199.99 — 5 days of unlimited WiMAX data at $14.99 per day would cost just $74.95. Hit the jump for the full press release.

Sprint Becomes First National Wireless Carrier in U.S. to Offer International 4G Roaming

4G Customers Traveling Abroad to Select Areas in Jamaica and Taiwan Can Now Roam on 4G Networks Offered by Digicel and Global Mobile

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (BUSINESS WIRE), January 31, 2011 – Sprint (NYSE:S) today announced that customers traveling abroad now have roaming access to 4G networks offered by Digicel in Jamaica and Global Mobile in Taiwan. Select Sprint 4G devices that operate with the Sprint SmartViewSM Connection Manager will automatically detect the Digicel and Global Mobile networks, giving customers the option to connect and roam with an unlimited, 24-hour daypass for $14.99 excluding surcharges and taxes.

“Sprint has partnered with Digicel and Global Mobile to further enhance the global 4G ecosystem with services that empower travelers on the go,” said Todd Rowley, vice president-Sprint 4G. “Over the years, we’ve built a robust ecosystem of partners that dwarves any other 4G ecosystem available today and as the first U.S. wireless carrier to launch international 4G roaming we’ve clearly demonstrated our leadership.”

The Sprint SmartView Connection Manager allows users to create a high-speed Internet connection for their computer anywhere on the Sprint 3G or 4G networks and now on compatible international 4G networks with a 4G-enabled Mobile Broadband Device, such as the Sprint 3G/4G U600 USB Modem. Sprint customers traveling to Jamaica and Taiwan will be able to access the Digicel and Global Mobile 4G networks for mobile downloads, video-chat capabilities and turbo-charged Web browsing at 4G speeds.

“Digicel is proud to have the first and only 4G network in Jamaica,” said Mark Linehan, CEO, Digicel Jamaica. “We look forward to welcoming Sprint customers and are positive that they will delight in roaming with Jamaica’s fastest wireless broadband.”

“We are excited to be Sprint’s first 4G roaming partner in Asia and looking forward to extending this alliance to our partners around the world,” said Rosemary W. Ho, CEO of Global Mobile. “As the leading 4G broadband operator in Taiwan, Global Mobile is committed to bring the most innovative service such as carrier-grade VOIP and mobile TV to our customers. I want to welcome our international roaming customers to experience the same innovative quadruple play service offering enjoyed by our customers.”

Sprint 4G can be found in 71 markets1 across the United States, including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City, San Francisco and Washington, D.C.

Sprint is delivering the power of 4G as the majority shareholder of Clearwire, the independent company that is building the WiMAX network. For more information, visit www.sprint.com/4G.

Sixteen WiMAX operators from around the world convened in Taipei this week to draft an international roaming agreement for their 4G networks. The WiMAX Forum Global Operator Summit, as it is being called, had just shy of seventy representatives working on the deal. Global roaming is projected to be a $67 billion business by 2015.

“The WiMAX Forum Global Operator Summit was created to specifically address overcoming both business and consumer perceptions that data roaming is expensive, and to explore ways to help operators grow revenue,” said Ron Resnick, president of the WiMAX Forum. “WiMAX has an established ecosystem with nearly 600 deployments around the world. The opportunity for operators to offer their customers roaming is there, and it is an excellent way for operators to add another viable revenue stream and earn returns on their 4G network investments.”

Representatives from both Sprint Nextel and Clearwire attended the event. Full press release is after the break.

WiMAX™ Operators Gather to Draft Global Roaming Agreements

During the First WiMAX Forum Global Operator Summit in Taiwan, Operators Collaborated on Roaming Framework, Efforts

TAIPEI, Taiwan–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Sixteen WiMAX operators from across the globe gathered in Taipei this week to draft roaming agreements and bring consumers one step closer to true global roaming on 4G networks. The first WiMAX Forum Global Operator Summit served as an interactive working event for all service providers to gain a concrete understanding of the opportunity for roaming and how to build a best-in-class framework for execution.

Global roaming continues to be one of the biggest challenges and opportunities for operators in the near and long-term. According to Informa Telecoms & Media, global roaming revenues are expected to grow by 86 percent over the next five years to reach USD $67 billion in 2015.

“The WiMAX Forum Global Operator Summit was created to specifically address overcoming both business and consumer perceptions that data roaming is expensive, and to explore ways to help operators grow revenue,” said Ron Resnick, president and chairman of the WiMAX Forum. “WiMAX has an established ecosystem with nearly 600 deployments around the world. The opportunity for operators to offer their customers roaming is there, and it is an excellent way for operators to add another viable revenue stream and earn returns on their 4G network investments.”

Nearly 70 representatives attended working sessions and collaborated to overcome industry obstacles, including: Accton Wireless Broadband, Aicent, ADT-BV, Alepo, Apacewave, Aptilo, AT4 Wireless, Banglalion, BridgeWater Systems, BSNL, Bureau Veritas ADT, Clearwire, Elite Core – India, Encodex Telesystems, FarEasTone, Gemtek, Global Mobile, Greenpacket, ID-WIBB, Indochina Telecom, Intel, ITRI, KT Telecom, LG Electronics, Media Tek Inc., Mformation, Motorola, M-Skylink Telecom, Packet One International, Planet Online Laos, Samsung, Sprint, Syniverse, Tatung InfoComm Co. Ltd., TTC, UQ Communications, VeeTime, Wi-Tribe and YTL Communications.

The WiMAX Forum Operator Summit event team included representatives from Sprint Nextel, Packet One Networks and ITRI of Taiwan. Summit sponsors included: Aicent, Aptilo Networks, Gemtek, Global Mobile Corporation, Green Packet and Vee Telecom.

For more information on WiMAX Forum initiatives, please visit http://www.WiMAXForum.org.

Are you currently deciding whether you should get a new iPhone 4 from AT&T or wait a few weeks for the imminent Verizon iPhone launch? Do you need help determining which carrier provides the best cellular coverage in your most treaded areas? Do you just want extra fodder for the perpetual and infinitely ridiculous “my network is better than your network” argument that takes place on countless forums and blogs? Say hello to Coverage?, a new iOS app from Technomadia. The function of this great little app is quite simple; it allows users to quickly and easily view coverage maps for each of the four major U.S. carriers. Focus can be narrowed by carrier to 3G, 2G or roaming service, and multiple carriers can be viewed on the same map using simple toggle switches. The app uses Google Maps so it supports zooming and multitouch, and it really is quite useful for travelers and those who live in areas with fringe coverage. Coverage? costs $1.99 and is currently available in the App Store for the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. Hit the break for a video demo.

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Today, Sprint announced a new, 4G international-roaming agreement it signed with Jamaican carrier Digicel and Taiwanese carrier Global Mobile. The new agreement will allow select Sprint devices — currently the Sierra Wireless 250U and Sprint U600 — to operate on the aforementioned networks while traveling abroad.

“With these agreements, Sprint is kicking down the door to 4G international roaming and taking a first step toward allowing people to enjoy 4G service wherever they are around the globe,” said Matt Carter, Sprint’s 4G chief. “We’ve taken the 4G leadership position in the U.S. and are now proud to partner with visionaries Digicel and Global Mobile to solidify our international leadership role.”

Users who want to connect to the Digicel or Global Mobile network will have to do so utilizing Sprint’s SmartView Connection Manager software. The software will provide one-click activation, GPS services, Sprint Wi-Fi network locations, and custom enterprise configurations.

Unfortunately, the “pricing and launch details of the agreements are still to be determined.” Hit the jump for the full press release.

Sprint Inks International 4G Roaming Agreements With Digicel and Global Mobile to Establish Global Ecosystem

4G Customers Traveling Abroad Will Soon be Able to Roam on 4G Networks in Jamaica and Taiwan

OVERLAND PARK, Kan.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Sprint (NYSE:S) today announced that it has signed international 4G roaming agreements with Digicel in Jamaica and Global Mobile in Taiwan, leveraging the global ecosystem for 4G services to enable travelers on the go. Select Sprint devices that operate with the Sprint SmartViewSM Connection Manager will automatically detect the Digicel and Global Mobile networks, giving customers the option to connect and roam with an unlimited 24 hour Daypass. Pricing and launch details of the agreements are still to be determined.

“The response to our Digicel 4G broadband service – launched in August this year – has been phenomenal, and customers across the island are enjoying the benefits of Jamaica’s fastest wireless broadband”
“With these agreements, Sprint is kicking down the door to 4G international roaming and taking a first step toward allowing people to enjoy 4G service wherever they are around the globe,” said Matt Carter, president-Sprint 4G. “We’ve taken the 4G leadership position in the U.S. and are now proud to partner with visionaries Digicel and Global Mobile to solidify our international leadership role.”

The Sprint SmartView Connection Manager allows users to create a high-speed Internet connection for their computer anywhere on the Sprint 3G or 4G networks or on compatible international networks with a Mobile Broadband Device, such as the Sprint 3G/4G USB Modem 250U by Sierra Wireless or Sprint 3G/4G U600 USB Modem. Sprint customers traveling to Jamaica and Taiwan will be able to access the Digicel and Global Mobile 4G networks for mobile downloads, video chat capabilities and turbo-charged Web browsing at 4G speeds.

Sprint SmartView features:

• One-click activation for supported devices
• GPS features and services are available at the touch of a button for GPS-capable devices
• Easy connections to Sprint Wi-Fi networks around the globe, available on a pay-as-you-go basis
• Access to Sprint support services and tools via the Application section
• Enterprise custom configuration available – business customers, please contact your Sprint account manager for details

“The response to our Digicel 4G broadband service – launched in August this year – has been phenomenal, and customers across the island are enjoying the benefits of Jamaica’s fastest wireless broadband,” said Mark Linehan, CEO of Digicel Jamaica. “We are happy to welcome Sprint’s customers to Jamaica and trust they will enjoy the roaming experience delivered by Digicel’s mobile and broadband networks as much as they enjoy all that Jamaica has to offer.”

“We are honored to be a part of this global collaboration,” said Rosemary W. Ho, CEO of Global Mobile. “This agreement represents another major milestone in asserting Global Mobile as the leading 4G broadband operator in Taiwan. I want to welcome our international roaming customers to experience the same innovative quadruple play service offering enjoyed by our customers. I look forward to expanding this partnership to other operators around the world and to making ‘Worldwide Interoperability’ a reality.”

Sprint 4G can be found in 68 markets1 across the United States, including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City and Washington, D.C. Sprint 4G plans to light up several new major markets, including San Francisco and Denver, by the end of this month.

Sprint is delivering the power of 4G as the majority shareholder of Clearwire, the independent company that is building the WiMAX network. For more information, visit www.sprint.com/4G.

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It looks like Verizon is continuing to get their proverbial “ducks in a row” for the launch of the Motorola DROID 2 Global — an Android 2.2 handset with a 1.2GHz processor and international roaming capabilities. Earlier today, a version of Verizon’s VZ Navigator specific to the DROID 2 Global popped up in the Android market. We know the device will be available in both black and white and, judging by this latest bit of leaked information, the device should be hitting store shelves in the not too distant future. Anyone planning on picking one up?

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