Images of an unannounced Android smartphone from HTC have been published online ahead of a possible announcement at the Mobile World Congress trade show later this month. The nameless device features a design similar to Verizon Wireless’s DROID Incredible line of phones, leading phoneArena.com to speculate that it could hit the market as the DROID Incredible 3. The smartphone is running Android 4.0.1 Ice Cream Sandwich along with Sense 4.0 — just like the HTC Ville — and other notable specs include a dual-core 1.2GHz processor, 1GB of RAM, an 8-megapixel camera and 4G LTE connectivity. Given the timing of the leak, we may see HTC introduce the phone alongside the ultra-thin HTC Ville and the flagship quad-core HTC Edge at MWC in late February. A few more images of the phone follow below.

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Apple’s iPhone is the most profitable product offered by the most valuable company in the world. With only three iPhone models in its lineup, the Cupertino-based technology giant shipped more smartphones last quarter than any other vendor in the world. Carriers that sell Apple’s sought-after smartphone enjoy huge activation figures each quarter as a result, but activations and unit sales don’t necessarily paint a complete picture. In fact, according to some industry watchers, carriers hate the iPhone. Read on for more.

Wireless carriers trip over themselves to offer Apple’s iPhone, especially in the United States. Sprint wanted the handset so badly it was willing to guarantee Apple $15.5 billion over four years for the privilege of selling its sleek smartphone, and it certainly didn’t help matters much in the fourth quarter when Sprint posted a $1.3 billion loss. T-Mobile is still sour over failed negotiations with Apple, and the carrier has resorted to offering up free microSIM cards to iPhone users willing to come aboard and forgo 3G data speeds.

“A logical conclusion is that the iPhone is not good for wireless carriers,” Nomura Securities analyst Mike McCormack told CNNMoney. “When we look at the direct and indirect economics that Apple has managed to extract from the carriers, the carrier-level value destruction is quite evident.” The site notes that Verizon Wireless’s EBITDA service margin has dropped from an average of 46.4% per quarter to 42.2% since the carrier added the iPhone to its lineup one year ago.

But the iPhone is a necessary evil for carriers that some expect to pay off in the long run. Sprint on Wednesday reported its best quarter in more than six years for net subscriber additions thanks to the 720,000 new postpaid subscribers who came to the carrier for the iPhone. Some analysts also believe carriers will eventually raise their price points on the iPhone; despite the handset’s high cost to Apple’s partners, the iPhone 4S currently starts at $199 on contract to the end user while the iPhone 4 is available for $99 and the iPhone 3GS is free on contract from AT&T.

Regardless of what the iPhone is doing to carriers’ bottom lines, it remains the best-selling smartphone in the world and it likely will for some time. Apple is expected to launch a completely redesigned iPhone later this year that will reportedly feature a unibody aluminum case, a 4-inch display and 4G LTE connectivity.

Verizon Wireless on Tuesday finally confirmed launch details for the latest addition to its popular DROID family of Android smartphones, the Motorola DROID 4. The sleek QWERTY slider will become available later this week on February 10th for $199.99 on contract, as BGR reported earlier on Tuesday. The DROID 4 features a dual-core 1.2GHz processor and is being billed as the “thinnest and most powerful 4G QWERTY smartphone.” Other highlights include Android 2.3.5 Gingerbread, an 8-megapixel camera, a 4-inch qHD display and the promise of an upgrade to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. The DROID 4 is essentially an updated version of the DROID RAZR, with its QWERTY keyboard seen as only notable difference between the two devices. This makes the DROID 4 the third iteration of the device in as many months, following the recent release of the DROID RAZR Maxx. Verizon Wireless’s press release follows below.

DROID 4 BY MOTOROLA READY TO WORK AND PLAY ON THE VERIZON WIRELESS 4G LTE NETWORK

Power, Speed and Reliability Get the Job Done

BASKING RIDGE, N.J. – The award winning DROID 4 by Motorola will be available to handle even the most demanding lifestyles starting Feb. 10 in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores and online at www.verizonwireless.com.  Introduced at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the DROID 4 is the thinnest and most powerful 4G QWERTY smartphone measuring at less than half an inch thin.   DROID 4 not only features a dual-core 1.2 GHz processor, but also a five-row QWERTY keyboard with a PC-like layout and edge-lit keys for fast, precise typing, even in the dark.  Powered by America’s fastest, most reliable 4G network, DROID 4 customers will have access to 4G LTE coverage in 195 markets covering more than 200 million people.

Additional features

• Verizon Wireless 4G LTE – Customers can expect fast download speeds of 5 to 12 megabits per second (Mbps) and upload speeds of 2 to 5 Mbps in 4G LTE Mobile Broadband coverage areas
• Android^™ 2.3.5 Gingerbread, to be upgraded to Android^™ 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich
• 4.0-inch qHD display with scratch and scrape resistant glass
• Government-grade encryption (FIPS 140-2) for email, calendar and contacts; preloaded with Citrix^® Receiver^™ for Android (available in webtop) for desktop virtualization and access
• 8-megapixel camera with 1080p HD video capture
• Front-facing camera for video chat
• 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot supporting up to eight Wi-Fi-enabled devices

Business Ready

DROID 4 is designed to help customers get more done.  Business professionals can impress their audience by presenting to a conference room full of potential customers in a snap by plugging the DROID 4 into an HDTV and presenting directly from the phone.  Professionals can also combine the DROID 4 with the Lapdock 500 and its 14-inch display to create a full-featured mobile office.  They can download documents, make edits using Lapdock’s full keyboard and email the updated documents to colleagues or customers.  The Lapdock even features a built-in webcam so customers can attend virtual meetings and manage their business face-to-face.

The Smart Actions app on the DROID 4 helps automate everyday tasks and optimizes battery efficiency by letting customers create rules, such as automatically setting the phone to vibrate during work hours or dimming the display at a specific battery level.

Business professionals can leave their laptops behind and use the MotoCast^™ app to remotely stream documents, videos, music and pictures from their work or home computers to their handset.  The remote access of MotoCast eliminates the need to store documents on the handset as everything is stored on their office laptop.

Pricing and availability

·         DROID 4 by Motorola will be available on Feb. 10 in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores and online at www.verizonwireless.com for $199.99 with a new two-year customer agreement.

·         The Lapdock 500 is available in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores and online for $299.97.

·         Customers that purchase a DROID 4 will need to subscribe to a Verizon Wireless Nationwide Talk plan beginning at $39.99 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. Follow @VZWnews on Twitter for the latest news on Verizon Wireless.

Vantiv, a provider of mobile payment solutions, announced a new point-of-sale product on Friday that it will be rolling out in partnership with Verizon Wireless. The product, which is currently in field testing, includes custom tailored applications and an Android-based point-of-sale solution for accepting payments. The applications will be available in Verizon’s Private Application Store for Business. “Merchants and consumers are seeking greater mobility, control and timely access to data,” said Bill Weingart, Chief Product Officer of Vantiv. “We’ve teamed with Verizon to combine our payment and security expertise with Verizon’s ability to tailor development of mobile technologies to address those needs.” Verizon Wireless is also a member of ISIS, an initiative in which it has partnered with AT&T and T-Mobile to provide customers with NFC-based mobile payment options. Vantiv’s full press release follows after the break.

 Vantiv Introduces Next Generation Mobile Payment Solution

Teams with Verizon to Develop and Deliver More Flexibility and Opportunity for Merchants to Grow Their Businesses

CINCINNATI, Jan. 31, 2012  — Vantiv, LLC (formerly Fifth Third Processing Solutions, LLC), a leading integrated payment processor, today announced that its customers will be the first to use an innovative point-of-sale device and system that will help merchants more effectively conduct business.

Vantiv is conducting a field trial of a new mobile payment solution developed in collaboration with Verizon. The new solution is architected on the Android operating system and features end-to-end, secure point-of-sale payment capabilities and business applications using Verizon’s Private Application Store for Business. As a result, Vantiv customers can tailor point-of-sale applications to meet their needs while taking advantage of remote device management.

Whether service professionals are meeting with customers at home or sales associates are interacting with visitors at a retail location, the new Vantiv solution is part of Vantiv’s overall strategy to address customers’ growing mobile payment needs.

“Merchants and consumers are seeking greater mobility, control and timely access to data,” said Bill Weingart, Chief Product Officer, Vantiv. “We’ve teamed with Verizon to combine our payment and security expertise with Verizon’s ability to tailor development of mobile technologies to address those needs.”

The Vantiv mobile payment solution serves merchants who require mobility, convenience and security and addresses many business needs through a value-added suite of applications including accounting, payroll, workforce management, loyalty, inventory and customer relationship management (CRM). Having complete business control in a packaged, intuitive and flexible platform is a significant differentiator in the realm of tablets, and allows merchants to conduct data enriched customer interactions and transactions, anytime and anywhere.

JKrete Supply in Mason, Ohio is among the first Vantiv customers to participate in the field trial.

“This technology gives me more flexibility and makes it easier to serve my customers,” said Jay Rhoden, Owner, JKrete Supply. “Having the option of being mobile takes my business to a whole different level. I have everything I need at my fingertips. I can sell my products anywhere I go at any time. Vantiv tailored this product to meet my needs; it is clear they listened to customer demand.”

“Verizon, through our Private Application Store for Business, is leading the charge to work with innovative companies to develop industry-specific mobile solutions,” said Chandan Sharma, Vice President and Global Managing Director of Verizon’s financial services practice. “The ability to customize enterprise tablets and applications has been characterized as a potential ‘game changer,’ and we look forward to working with Vantiv and its customers to advance the playing field for mobile commerce.”

The capabilities were featured in a Tab Times article “The 10 most important tablet trends, products, and stories at CES 2012.”

For more information on Vantiv and to view more information on the Vantiv mobile payment solution visit us at www.vantiv.com .

Verizon Wireless on Thursday announced that it has received the top spot in J.D. Power and Associates’ 2012 Wireless Customer Care Full Service Study Volume 1. The carrier received a score of 762 out of 1,000, which was 10 index points above the industry average of 752. Virgin Mobile took the top spot in non-contract providers with an overall score of 735. J.D. Power also found that 38% of full-service customers who resolved technical issues online used an online chat service. Those who used the online chat services were also the most satisfied  (749 satisfaction points) as opposed to those who relied on a carrier’s website (734 points), emailed the carrier (721 points) or searched forums (664 points). Interestingly, owners of 4G devices were more likely to contact their carrier than owners of devices not capable of running on 4G networks. J.D. Power based its study on responses from 9,098 wireless customers in the United States. The non-contract study surveyed 2,840 wireless subscribers. J.D. Power and Associates’s full press release follows after the break.

UPDATE: An AT&T spokesperson contacted BGR via email with the following statemnt in response to J.D. Power’s study: “AT&T was again named No. 1 in walk-in customer service by J.D. Power as part of its 2012 Wireless Customer Care Survey – Volume 1, and third overall. We remain dedicated to continuous improvement so we can deliver the industry’s best products and services with exceptional customer care.”

2012 U.S. Wireless Customer Care Performance Studies – Volume 1 

J.D. Power and Associates Reports:
Owners of 4G-Enabled Phones Are Far More Likely to Contact Their Wireless Provider for Customer Service than Are Owners of Less Technologically Advanced Devices 

Verizon Wireless Ranks Highest in Wireless Customer Care Performance among Full-Service Providers, While Virgin Mobile Ranks Highest among Non-Contract Customers

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif: 2 February 2012 — Wireless customers who own a 4G-enabled device contact their provider for customer service considerably more frequently than do owners of less technologically advanced devices, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2012 U.S. Wireless Customer Care Performance Full-Service Study^SM—Volume 1 and the 2012 U.S. Wireless Customer Care Performance Non-Contract Study^SM—Volume 1, both released today.

Now in their 10th year, the semiannual studies provide a detailed report card on how well wireless carriers provide service to their customers via three contact methods: telephone calls with customer service representatives (CSR) and/or automated response systems (ARS); visits to a retail wireless store; and via the Web. The studies measure satisfaction and processing issues in each contact method, such as problem-resolution efficiency and hold-time duration.

Among customers who currently own a 4G (4^th Generation)-enabled device—which uses a faster, more efficient network—60 percent report having contacted their current wireless service provider during the past six-month period. In comparison, only 47 percent of a non-4G smartphone and 35 percent of traditional/feature phone owners contacted their provider for support.

Owners of a 4G-enabled device have a much greater propensity to contact their carrier due to network-related problems (18%) than do owners of a traditional phone that uses less advanced networks (11%). One of the main factors contributing to the higher contact rate among owners of 4G-enabled devices may be that higher network speeds are available only in limited areas, while slower 3G technology is offered in more areas of the country.

“It’s not unexpected that customers who use new technology or services would be more likely to contact their carrier with questions or problems, particularly with the 4G network rollout that began in 2011,” said Kirk Parsons, senior director of wireless services at J.D. Power and Associates. “What is important to understand is that investment is needed in support services to not only handle the increase in customer interactions, but also to provide service representatives with the necessary training and information across all contact channels in order to offer a timely and superior service experience. In fact, it takes approximately five minutes more per contact, on average, to resolve issues pertaining to 4G-enabled devices, compared with issue resolution times for traditional phones.”

According to Parsons, creating a superior customer experience leads to a higher propensity for customers to spend more on services and a lower likelihood they will switch providers in the future. This is especially true among customers who own a 4G-enabled device, as they report spending $36 more per month and are more likely to say they “definitely will recommend” their current carrier than are customers who own a traditional mobile phone.

Verizon Wireless ranks highest in wireless customer care performance among full-service providers with an overall score of 762 on a 1,000-point scale. Verizon Wireless performs particularly well in phone contacts that originate in the ARS channel and are then transferred to a live service representative, and in phone calls made directly to a CSR.

Virgin Mobile ranks highest in overall customer care satisfaction among non-contract service providers with an overall score of 735. Virgin Mobile performs particularly well in phone contacts that originate in the ARS channel and are then transferred to a live service representative, and in phone calls made directly to a CSR.

The study also finds several key wireless customer care patterns:

• More than one-third (38%) of full-service wireless customers who resolved their issue via the online channel say they used their carrier’s online chat function for customer service, an increase of two percentage points from July 2011. In addition, satisfaction is higher among customers who use the online chat function (749) than among customers who research information on their carrier’s website (734); email their carrier directly (721); or utilize online user forums (664).
• Satisfaction averages 100 points higher (733) among non-contract customers who are initially addressed by a representative with the experience and understanding needed to resolve their issue, compared with customers who are transferred or referred to another representative (633).
• Approximately 40 percent of smartphone customers who contacted their carrier with a problem did so because they had a device malfunction or were experiencing repair-related issues.

The 2012 Wireless Customer Care Full Service Study—Volume 1 is based on responses from 9,098 wireless customers. The 2012 Wireless Customer Care Non-Contract Study—Volume 1 is based on responses from 2,840 wireless customers. Both studies are based on the experiences of current customers who contacted their carrier’s customer care department within the past six months. The study was fielded from July through December 2011.

For more information on customer satisfaction with wireless service, wireless retail sales, cell phone handsets, customer care, prepaid wireless service and business wireless service, please visit JDPower.com.

 

Verizon on Tuesday reported its fourth quarter 2011 results. The company noted record revenue growth during the quarter, which it said was fueled by strong demand for wireless service. Revenue for the year totaled $110.9 billion, up 4% from 2010. Its quarterly revenue of $28.4 billion was up 7.7% from the same time period last year. Verizon Wireless, a joint venture between Verizon Communications and Vodafone, reported the highest number of retail net additions in three years driven by smartphone sales. Revenues tipped at $18.3 billion during the quarter, up 13% from the same period last year. Data revenues was up even higher year over year, at $6.3 billion, up 19.2% ($1 billion) from the same period one year prior. ARPU grew 2.6% to $53.14. Verizon also reported $0.85 EPS, down from $0.90 EPS in 2010. The carrier added a total of 1 million total net connections during the fourth quarter and 1.5 million retail customers, including 1.2 million retail postpaid customers. Postpaid churn was 0.94% for the quarter. Verizon’s full press release follows after the break.

Verizon Reports Record Revenue Growth in 4Q, Fueled by Strong Demand for Wireless, FiOS and Strategic Services

Verizon Generates Strong Cash Flows, 18.2 Percent Shareholder Returns in 2011; 4Q Earnings Impacted by Non-Cash Pension Items

 4Q 2011 HIGHLIGHTS

Consolidated

·         7.7 percent year-over-year quarterly revenue growth in 4Q, a company record.

·         A loss of 71 cents in diluted earnings per share (EPS), impacted by non-cash pension items, compared with earnings of 93 cents per share in 4Q 2010.

·         52 cents per share in adjusted EPS (non-GAAP), which excludes $1.23 per share in non-operational items, compared with 54 cents in adjusted EPS in 4Q 2010.

 

Wireless

·         $18.3 billion in total 4Q revenues, up 13.0 percent year over year; data revenues of $6.3 billion, up 19.2 percent, representing 41.6 percent of service revenues; $15.1 billion in service revenues, up 6.4 percent.

·         1.5 million retail net additions (excluding acquisitions and adjustments), largest increase in three years, includes 1.2 million retail postpaid net customer additions; 108.7 million total connections, includes 92.2 million retail customers.

·         2.6 percent growth in retail service ARPU over 4Q 2010; retail postpaid data ARPU up 14.3 percent.

·         23.7 percent operating income margin; 42.2 percent Segment EBITDA margin on service revenues (non-GAAP).

 

Wireline

·         201,000 FiOS Internet and 194,000 FiOS Video net additions, with increased sales penetration for both products; net increase of 98,000 broadband connections from 3Q 2011.

·         8.5 percent year-over-year increase in consumer ARPU; FiOS ARPU was more than $148 per month.

·         14.7 percent increase in strategic services revenues, representing 51 percent of global enterprise revenues.

·         3.0 percent operating income margin; 23.8 percent Segment EBITDA margin (non-GAAP), compared with 23.5 percent in 4Q 2010 and 21.4 percent in 3Q 2011.

 

NEW YORK – Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ) posted the highest year-over-year quarterly revenue growth in the company’s 11-year history in fourth-quarter 2011, fueled by continued strong demand for Verizon Wireless services and handsets, FiOS fiber-optic services, and strategic business products and services.

 

‘Great Momentum for 2012’

 

“Verizon finished 2011 very strong, both in terms of revenue growth and by delivering an 18.2 percent total return to our shareholders for the full year, and the company has great momentum for 2012,” said Lowell McAdam, Verizon chairman, president and chief executive officer.  “Verizon Wireless produced particularly strong growth in the fourth quarter.  While that diluted wireless margins in the short term, it is good news for revenue and margin growth over the long term, particularly given our leadership in the rapidly developing 4G LTE ecosystem.”

 

McAdam added: “Wireline margins recovered from third-quarter pressures, and we expect wireline margin expansion in 2012.  With recent strategic moves and our investments in FiOS, LTE, and global IP and cloud-based strategic services, Verizon has set the stage for accelerated growth across our business units, and we look to continue to build significant value for shareholders in 2012.”

 

Verizon’s total shareholder return is a combination of stock-price appreciation and dividend payments.  Regarding recent strategic moves, Verizon last month strengthened its ability to provide fully integrated solutions by creating Verizon Enterprise Solutions, a sales and marketing organization, to harness all of Verizon’s solutions for business and government customers globally.  In addition, Verizon Wireless announced agreements to purchase AWS (Advanced Wireless Spectrum) licenses, an important step toward meeting customers’ needs for wireless data and broadband services.

 

4Q and Full-Year Earnings Results

 

Due primarily to the impact of previously announced non-cash pension items, Verizon reported a loss of 71 cents in EPS in fourth-quarter 2011, compared with earnings of 93 cents per share in fourth-quarter 2010.

 

Adjusted fourth-quarter 2011 earnings (non-GAAP) of 52 cents per share exclude $1.20 per share, or $3.4 billion after-tax, due to the actuarial valuation of Verizon’s benefit plans, and 3 cents per share for the early extinguishment of debt.  This annual valuation adjustment, resulting from changes in actuarial assumptions, is in accordance with a Verizon accounting policy adopted last year.  Comparable adjusted fourth-quarter 2010 earnings were 54 cents per share, excluding the impact of non-operational items, the largest of which was a gain from benefit-plan valuation of 44 cents per share.

 

On an annual basis, Verizon reported 85 cents in 2011 EPS, compared with 90 cents per share in 2010.  Adjusted annual EPS (non-GAAP) was $2.15 in 2011, compared with $2.08 on a comparable basis (non-GAAP, excluding results from divested businesses) in 2010.

 

Consolidated Revenue Growth, Strong Cash Flows

 

In fourth-quarter 2011, Verizon’s total operating revenues were $28.4 billion on a consolidated basis, an increase of 7.7 percent compared with fourth-quarter 2010.  For full-year 2011, revenues totaled $110.9 billion, a 4.0 percent increase compared with 2010, when results included revenues from operations that have since been divested.  On a comparable basis (non-GAAP), Verizon’s 2011 full-year revenues increased 6.2 percent compared with 2010.

 

Consolidated EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) totaled $29.4 billion in 2011.  On an adjusted basis (non-GAAP), EBITDA increased by more than $950 million in 2011 compared with 2010.

 

Cash flow from operating activities totaled $29.8 billion in 2011, and capital expenditures totaled $16.2 billion.  Free cash flow (non-GAAP, cash flow from operations less capex) was more than $13.5 billion in 2011.  From this total, Verizon returned $5.6 billion in quarterly dividends to shareholders in 2011, as the company’s Board of Directors approved a fifth consecutive year of dividend increases.

 

Verizon Wireless Delivers Strong Customer and Revenue Growth

 

In fourth-quarter 2011, Verizon Wireless delivered the highest number of retail net additions in three years and strong growth in revenues, driven by increased smartphone penetration and increased retail postpaid ARPU (average monthly service revenue per user).

 

Wireless Financial Highlights

·         Total revenues were $18.3 billion in fourth-quarter 2011, up 13.0 percent year over year.  Data revenues were $6.3 billion, up more than $1.0 billion or 19.2 percent year over year, and represented 41.6 percent of all service revenues.  Service revenues were $15.1 billion, up 6.4 percent year over year.  For full-year 2011, total revenues were $70.2 billion, up 10.6 percent over full-year 2010, and service revenues were $59.2 billion in 2011, up 6.3 percent year over year.

·         Retail service ARPU grew 2.6 percent over fourth-quarter 2010, to $53.14.  Retail postpaid ARPU grew 2.5 percent, to $54.80.  Retail postpaid data ARPU increased to $22.76, up 14.3 percent year over year.

·         In fourth-quarter 2011, wireless operating income margin was 23.7 percent, and wireless generated $6.4 billion of EBITDA.  Segment EBITDA margin on service revenues (non-GAAP) was 42.2 percent, down 530 basis points from fourth-quarter 2010.  For full-year 2011, operating income margin was 26.4 percent, down 310 basis points from full-year 2010; Segment EBITDA margin was 44.8 percent, down 210 basis points.

 

Wireless Operational Highlights

·         Verizon Wireless added 1.0 million total net connections in fourth-quarter 2011.  The company added 1.5 million retail customers, including 1.2 million retail postpaid customers.  While the wholesale channel grew during the fourth quarter, a loss of telematics customers resulted in a net decrease of 490,000 wholesale and other connections in the quarter.  These totals exclude acquisitions and adjustments.

·         At year-end 2011, the company had 108.7 million total connections, a 6.3 percent increase year over year, consisting of 92.2 million retail connections and 16.5 million wholesale and other connections.

·         At year-end 2011, smartphones accounted for 44 percent of the Verizon Wireless retail postpaid customer phone base, up from 39 percent at the end of third-quarter 2011.

·         Retail postpaid churn was 0.94 percent in fourth-quarter 2011, an improvement of 7 basis points year over year.  Total retail churn was 1.23 percent, an improvement of 14 basis points year over year.

·         Verizon Wireless continued to roll out its 4G LTE mobile broadband network, the largest 4G LTE network in the U.S.  As of Monday (Jan. 23), Verizon Wireless 4G LTE service was available to more than 200 million people in 195 markets across the U.S.

·         Verizon Wireless introduced six new 4G LTE devices in fourth-quarter 2011: the Droid Razr by Motorola; the Samsung Stratosphere; the HTC Rezound; the Galaxy Nexus by Samsung; and Droid Xyboard tablets in 10.1-inch and 8-inch form factors.  Earlier this month, the company announced that six additional 4G LTE devices would be available in the coming weeks, including two mobile hotspots, now called Jetpacks, from ZTE and Novatel; three smartphones – the Droid 4 and Droid Razr Maxx from Motorola, and the Spectrum from LG, which launched last week; and the Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7.

·         In December, Verizon Wireless announced agreements to purchase AWS licenses from SpectrumCo – a joint venture of Comcast, Time Warner and Bright House Networks – and from Cox TMI Wireless.  The spectrum licenses under the two agreements cover 93 percent of the U.S. population, and the purchases are subject to regulatory approval.

·         Verizon Wireless’ 4G LTE network was ranked No. 1 on PC World’s 100 Best Products of 2011 list.  In October, RootMetrics ranked Verizon Wireless tops for network performance in Boston and 21 other cities nationwide; in November, Verizon Wireless won the RootMetrics RootScore award for data performance in 36 markets.

 

FiOS, Strategic Services Contribute to Revenue Growth

 

In fourth-quarter 2011, revenues and customers continued to increase for FiOS services, and sales of strategic services to business customers remained strong.  Segment EBITDA margins (non-GAAP) also increased both sequentially and year over year.

 

Wireline Financial Highlights

·         Fourth-quarter 2011 operating revenues were $10.1 billion, a decline of 1.5 percent compared with fourth-quarter 2010.  Consumer revenues grew 1.3 percent compared with fourth-quarter 2010.

·         In fourth-quarter 2011, wireline operating income was $300 million, up 18.6 percent from fourth-quarter 2010.  Segment EBITDA (non-GAAP) was $2.4 billion in fourth-quarter 2011, flat compared with fourth-quarter 2010 and an increase of $243 million from third-quarter 2011, when the Segment EBITDA was impacted by storm-related repair costs and a two-week strike.  Operating income margin was 3.0 percent in fourth-quarter 2011.  Segment EBITDA margin (non-GAAP) was 23.8 percent, compared with 23.5 percent in fourth-quarter 2010 and 21.4 percent in third-quarter 2011.

·         Consumer ARPU for wireline services was $96.43 in fourth-quarter 2011, up 8.5 percent compared with fourth-quarter 2010.  ARPU for FiOS customers totaled more than $148 in fourth-quarter 2011, rising approximately $2 year over year.  FiOS services to consumer retail customers represented 61 percent of consumer wireline revenues in fourth-quarter 2011.

·         Global enterprise revenues totaled $3.9 billion in the quarter, up 1.3 percent compared with fourth-quarter 2010.  Sales of strategic services – including Terremark cloud services, security and IT solutions, and strategic networking – increased 14.7 percent compared with fourth-quarter 2010 and represented 51 percent of global enterprise revenues in fourth-quarter 2011.

 

Wireline Operational Highlights

·         Verizon added 201,000 net new FiOS Internet connections and 194,000 net new FiOS Video connections in fourth-quarter 2011.  Verizon had a total of 4.8 million FiOS Internet and 4.2 million FiOS Video connections at year-end.

·         FiOS penetration (subscribers as a percentage of potential subscribers) continued to increase.  FiOS Internet penetration was 35.5 percent at year-end 2011, compared with 31.9 percent at year-end 2010.  In the same periods, FiOS Video penetration was 31.5 percent, compared with 28.0 percent, respectively.  The FiOS network passed 16.5 million premises at year-end 2011, up more than 900,000 from year-end 2010.

·         Broadband connections totaled 8.7 million at year-end 2011, a 3.3 percent year-over-year increase.  FiOS Internet connections more than offset a decrease in DSL-based HSI connections, resulting in a net increase of 98,000 broadband connections from third-quarter 2011.  Total voice connections, which measures FiOS Digital Voice connections in addition to traditional switched access lines, declined 7.2 percent to 24.1 million – the smallest year-over-year decline since first-quarter 2006.

·         Verizon continued to enhance its global portfolio of secure IT and advanced communications platforms and industry-focused solutions.  In fourth-quarter 2011, this included an expansion of the company’s Voice-over-IP service within the Asia-Pacific region and the rollout of an automated healthcare fraud-detection platform for private health insurers and government agencies.

·         Multinational corporations, leading businesses and government agencies – including Accenture plc; Chrysler Group LLC; the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; GXS Inc.; MagnaCare Holdings Inc.; Tyson Foods Inc.; Consolidated Edison Company of New York Inc.; and Orange and Rockland Utilities Inc., a Con Edison subsidiary – completed new agreements or expanded their relationships with Verizon for a range of advanced communications and information technology solutions.  Verizon also announced that it had been named a prime contractor under the U.S. General Services Administration’s CONNECTIONS II contract to provide professional and managed services and custom networking solutions at federal facilities.

·         Verizon continued to broaden the scope and capabilities of its network infrastructure.  In fourth-quarter 2011, the company completed deployment of its next-generation 100 gigabit-per-second network route between New York City and Chicago and kicked off seven additional routes in the U.S.; expanded the Ethernet footprint to an additional 80 nodes supporting 23 areas in the Eastern part of the U.S.; expanded the global Private IP network into six additional countries in Africa and two more countries in the Middle East; and activated the first phase of the Europe India Gateway (EIG) submarine cable connecting Europe to the Middle East and Africa with 40G high-speed connections.

Your prayers have been answered if you’ve been looking for a 4G LTE without having to empty out your wallet. Verizon’s first 4G LTE phone, the HTC ThunderBolt, is now free with a two-year contract through January 26th. The ThunnderBolt was first announced last year during the 2011 Consumer Electronics Show and it’s a bit slower than the high-end smartphones on the market today. It offers a 1 GHz Snapdragon chip instead of the dual-core 1.4GHz processor that’s included in top-of-the-line Android devices. However, it’s also equipped with an 8-megapixel camera, a 4.3-inch display with an 800 x 480-pixel resolution and more. With Mobile World Congress right around the corner it’s tough to commit to a two-year contract with a year-old smartphone, but users on a budget might be happy to forgo the bells and whistles in an effort to save a little cash.

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The BlackBerry Curve 9370 and the LG Spectrum are now available from Verizon Wireless. The LG Spectrum was unveiled during the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas last week. It runs Android Gingerbread, has a sharp 4.5-inch True HD IPS display, a dual-core 1.5GHz processor, an 8-megapixel camera capable of recording 1080p video and support for Verizon’s 4G LTE network. The Spectrum is priced at $199.99 with a new two-year Verizon contract. Also joining Verizon’s smartphone lineup on Thursday is RIM’s BlackBerry Curve 9370. The Curve 9370 is the slimmest Curve ever and offers GPS and Wi-Fi support, a 5-megapixel cameras and runs RIM’s BlackBerry 7 operating system. The new Curve is priced at $99.99 with a new two-year contract after a $50 mail-in rebate.

Verizon Wireless is kicking off 2012 by flipping the LTE switch in five new markets and expanding in three current markets. On Thursday, January 19th, the company will turn on its 4G LTE network in Glens Falls and Utica, NY; Lawton, OK; and Brownsville and McAllen, TX. Verizon will also be expanding its network in Atlanta, Houston and Spokane. “As we enter 2012, Verizon’s 4G LTE network remains the largest by far in the United States, and we continue to grow the network and bring Verizon’s unparalleled 4G LTE services to more and more people,” said Verizon’s chief technical officer David Small. Verizon’s 4G LTE network now covers more than 200 million people in 195 different markets. Read on for the carrier’s press release.

Verizon Continues To Grow Its 4G LTE Network, Launching Service In Five New Markets And Expanding In Three Others On Jan. 19 

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Verizon Wireless, owner of the nation’s fastest 4G network, is kicking off 2012 by turning on 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) in five new markets and expanding the network in three others on Jan. 19. The continued growth of the 4G LTE network represents Verizon’s commitment to strengthening and enhancing the network and delivering the highest performance and reliability for its customers.

Following the launches on Jan. 19, more than 200 million people in 195 markets across the United States can take advantage of the blazingly fast speeds offered by Verizon’s 4G LTE network. Customers can choose from a wide variety of 4G LTE devices, including the Spectrum™ by LG, available starting tomorrow. The Spectrum by LG was one of six new 4G LTE devices announced at the 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES). From the expanded 4G LTE DROID family, to the new Samsung Galaxy Tab™ 7.7 and the Verizon Jetpacks™, Verizon Wireless now offers something for everyone on its 4G LTE network.

On Thursday, Jan. 19, the company will turn on its 4G LTE network in Glens Falls and Utica, N.Y.; Lawton, Okla.; and Brownsville and McAllen, Texas. The company is also expanding its network on Jan. 19 in Atlanta, Houston and Spokane, Wash.

“As we enter 2012, Verizon’s 4G LTE network remains the largest by far in the United States, and we continue to grow the network and bring Verizon’s unparalleled 4G LTE services to more and more people,” said David Small, chief technical officer of Verizon Wireless.

4G LTE Speed and Coverage

In real-world, fully loaded network environments, 4G LTE users should experience average data rates of 5 to 12 megabits per second (Mbps) on the downlink and 2 to 5 Mbps on the uplink. When customers travel outside of a 4G LTE coverage area, devices automatically connect to Verizon Wireless’ 3G network, enabling customers to stay connected from coast to coast. Verizon Wireless’ 3G network is the most reliable high-speed data network in the country and allows customers in 3G coverage areas who purchase 4G LTE devices today to take advantage of 4G LTE speeds when the faster network becomes available in their area, or when they travel to an area already covered by 4G LTE.

Two of Verizon’s newly announced 4G LTE smartphones have unannounced global roaming capabilities, however they will not be usuable at launch. The Motorola DROID 4 and LG Spectrum, which were both announced this week at the Consumer Electronics Show, both contain GSM and CDMA radios for data usage overseas. However, due to upcoming network enhancements, both devices will soon be able to take advantage of their global capabilities. “The LTE phones work globally in over 40 countries that currently use CDMA technology,” said Verizon spokeswoman Brenda Raney. “For the new LTE phones to provide global roaming voice and data in non-CDMA countries, we are working on a few network enhancements so we can provide customers with the best voice and data roaming experience. We anticipate this capability to be available this year, likely the first half of the year.”

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Verizon Wireless covers 190 markets and 200 million people with the its 4G LTE network. It is the largest and most advanced 4G network in the United States, and possibly the world, no matter what other companies may claim. The carrier plans on going all in on LTE, having it become a “hard requirement” for future devices. Whether it is smartphones, tablet, or mobile hotspots, all future devices will feature 4G LTE connectivity. Read on for more.

When talking with CNET, Keith Lampron, Verizon’s associate director of device marketing, said that Verizon isn’t just an Android and iPhone carrier. The company has every intention of further supporting BlackBerry and adding more Windows Phones to its lineup, however they must meet the 4G LTE requirement moving forward. The only devices omitted from the new LTE standards are phones that run on Verizon’s push-to-talk network, which will remain 3G-only for the time being.

The carrier is on track to complete its LTE network by the end of 2013, according to Lampron. While Verizon may have the largest and most advanced network, it has not been the most stable, with three nationwide 4G LTE outages in the month of December. However, Verizon remains optimistic and claims the outages were the result of inevitable growing pains. ”We’re paving the way here for the rest of the world on LTE,” said Lampron.

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In addition to spending some time with the new Motorola DROID 4, we just went Inside The Actor’s Studio with Ed Zander’s old the new RAZR. The Motorola DROID RAZR MAXX is similar to the DROID RAZR but offers a larger battery for up to 21 hours of usage on a single charge. Despite the larger battery, however, the device still feels super thin. We didn’t notice a hint of lag while flying through menus, but we did notice that there was some sluggishness inside the web browser while loading websites. The DROID RAZR MAXX also comes equipped with 32GB of on-board storage, which should be plenty for storing movies, music and photos. Unfortunately it still runs Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) but we hope, and suspect, that Motorola has plans to upgrade the phone to Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich). The RAZR MAXX will cost $299 with a new two-year contract when it makes its debut on Verizon Wireless. Photo’s are all in the gallery, minus James Lipton.

We just swung by the Motorola booth to check out the Motorola DROID 4, a handset that had been the subject of a half-dozen rumors before the show. The DROID 4 packs a solid 5-row keyboard that was really easy to type on but it’s also very thin and measures just 0.5-inches thick. The smartphone comes equipped by a sharp 4-inch qHD display, a 1.2GHz dual-core processor, support for Verizon’s 4G LTE network, 1GB of RAM, 16GB of internal storage, an 8-megapixel camera, and the ability to record 1080p video. We think this is the most exciting step for the keyboard-toting DROID family, although we’re more partial to the DROID RAZR MAXX for its thinner design and longer battery life. Verizon promises to upgrade the DROID 4 to Ice Cream Sandwich, but the handset will launch with Android 2.3.5 when it makes its debut. We checked out the black model but Verizon also has white and purple models ready to go. The DROID 4 will cost $199.99 with a new two-year contract when it launches sometime soon.

At the Consumer Electronics Show, Verizon Wireless and Motorola announced the much-anticipated DROID 4, the fourth installment of Verizon’s original flagship device. The DROID 4 comes in at only half an inch thick and includes the expected 5-row keyboard with a 4-inch qHD display. The device features a 1.2GHz dual-core processor, 1GB of RAM, 4G LTE connectivity, 16GB of internal storage, a microSD slot, and an 8-megapixel camera capable of recording 1080p video. The DROID 4 will be released with Android 2.3.5 and receive an update to Ice Cream Sandwich in the future. Verizon’s popular DROID RAZR will be adding the color purple to the lineup of black and white models, and have its priced dropped to $199. Additionally, Verizon announced the DROID RAZR MAXX designed for customers who are looking to push things to the limit. The device features a larger battery with an estimated 21 hours on a single charge. As the longest-lasting smartphone available, the MAXX is still only 8.99 mm thick. The DROID RAZR MAXX comes equipped with 32 GB of total memory and will be $299.99 with a new two-year customer agreement.

Verizon, ZTE, and Novatel also announced Verizon Jetpacks, two global ready 4G LTE mobile hotspot. Both Jetpacks allow up to 10 Wi-Fi enabled devices to share Verizon’s blazing fast 4G LTE network and come with an OLED screen and interactive keypad to manage connection settings and to display data alerts. When using the Jetpack, international travelers will have access to the Web in more than 205 countries, including more than 125 with 3G speeds all from their Wi-Fi-connected devices. Verizon’s 4G LTE network reaches more than 200 million people in the United States covering a total of 190 markets. Pricing hasn’t be announced, however all announced devices will be available with in the “coming weeks.” Read on for Verizon’s press release.

Verizon Wireless and Motorola Unveil Thinnest and Most Powerful 4G LTE QWERTY Smartphone: DROID 4 by Motorola

Raw Power and Innovative Design Empower Customers to Take Care of Business Like Never Before

LAS VEGAS and BASKING RIDGE, N.J., Jan. 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Today at the 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Motorola Mobility, Inc. (NYSE: MMI) and Verizon Wireless introduced the new DROID 4 by Motorola, the thinnest and most powerful 4G LTE QWERTY smartphone offering the power and capabilities to handle even the most demanding lifestyles. Verizon Wireless leads the way in 4G with the fastest and most reliable 4G network in the United States, covering more than 200 million people in 190 markets. The DROID 4 will be in the Verizon booth (Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall, Booth #30259) as well as in the Motorola booth (Las Vegas Convention Center, Central Hall, Booth #8644).
DROID 4 is deceivingly slim at half an inch thin – packing not only a dual-core 1.2 GHz processor and 1 GB of RAM, but also a five-row QWERTY keyboard with a PC-like layout and edge-lit keys for fast, precise typing, even in the dark. It’s Business Ready with government-grade encryption to keep data secure. It features software tools such as MotoCast™ for remote access to music, pictures and videos on home or work computers, Smart Actions application to automate everyday tasks and the revolutionary webtop application for a multi-window environment with full Firefox® browser on a larger screen to boost productivity while on the road. An 8-megapixel camera with 1080p HD video capture and Mirror Mode to display images and video on an HDTV, give DROID 4 users even more flexibility while at work or for play. DROID 4 delivers expected speeds of 5 to 12 megabits per second (Mbps) and upload speeds of 2 to 5 Mbps within 4G LTE Mobile Broadband coverage areas for blazing fast Web browsing, video streaming and online collaboration.
A full suite of accessory options extends the power of DROID 4 and allows consumers to work however they work best. Accessories compatible with DROID 4 include the 10.1-inch Lapdock 100, 14-inch Lapdock 500 Pro with built-in webcam and Ethernet connection, HD Dock, HD Station and vehicle navigation mount.
Additional features
Powered by Android™ 2.3.5 Gingerbread, to be upgraded to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich
4.0-inch qHD display with scratch and scrape resistant glass
MotoCast for remote streaming of photos, videos, music, documents, presentations and more from home or office computers
4G LTE Mobile Hotspot supporting up to eight Wi-Fi-enabled devices
Water-repellent nanocoating for splash resistance
16 GB on-board memory (actual formatted capacity is less); Support for up to 32 GB microSD™ card
Business Ready with government-grade encryption (FIPS 140-2) for email, calendar and contacts; preloaded with Citrix® Receiver™ for Android (available in webtop) for desktop virtualization and access

The DROID 4 by Motorola will be available in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores and online at www.verizonwireless.com in the coming weeks.
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.

Verizon Wireless Introduces The Verizon Jetpack™, A Global Ready™ 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot Developed By ZTE

01/09/2012
LAS VEGAS, NV and BASKING RIDGE, NJ — From the 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Verizon Wireless and ZTE today announced the Verizon Jetpack ™ – EuFi890. Developed by ZTE, the Jetpack is a Global Ready ™ 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot. Harnessing the power of the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network, the Jetpack allows customers to share blazing fast internet connectivity with up to 10 Wi-Fi-enabled devices. The Jetpack will be in the Verizon booth (Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall, Booth #30259) and ZTE booth (Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall, Booth #35466).

The compact Jetpack comes equipped with an OLED screen and interactive keypad to help manage connections and settings and to display data usage alerts. Consumers and international business travelers alike can enjoy Web access in more than 205 countries, including more than 125 with 3G speeds, on their Wi-Fi-enabled devices using the Jetpack to watch movies, listen to music and conduct business. Verizon Wireless leads the way in 4G with the fastest and most reliable 4G network in the United States, covering more than 200 million people in 190 markets.

Key features:

4G LTE – Customers in the United States can expect fast download speeds of 5 to 12 megabits per second (Mbps) and upload speeds of 2 to 5 Mbps in Verizon Wireless 4G LTE Mobile Broadband coverage areas
Global Ready, allowing customers to enjoy wireless data service in more than 205 countries, including more than 125 with 3G speeds
Supports Quad Band EDGE and HSPA
Support for up to 10 Wi-Fi-enabled devices
OLED display with interactive keypad
Backward-compatible with the Verizon Wireless 3G network
Data usage alerts via text message displayed on the Jetpack
Wi-Fi Connectivity: 802.11 b/g/n
Supports Windows®, Macintosh®, Linux, and most other Wi-Fi enabled devices
Security: WEP/WPA/WPA2 and VPN pass-through support
Dimensions: 3.49” x 3.49” x .70”
Weight: 4.7 oz
The Verizon Jetpack, developed by ZTE, will be available in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores and online at www.verizonwireless.com in the coming weeks.

For additional 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.

VERIZON WIRELESS: Verizon Wireless And Motorola Announce New Additions To DROID Family At CES 2012
January 9, 2012

VERIZON WIRELESS AND MOTOROLA ANNOUNCE NEW ADDITIONS TO DROID FAMILY AT CES 2012

New DROIDS and New Colors – Verizon Wireless and Motorola Have Something for Everyone

LAS VEGAS and BASKING RIDGE, N.J. – From the 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Verizon Wireless and Motorola Mobility, Inc. (NYSE: MMI) today announced an expansion of the DROID RAZR™ family. In coming weeks, customers will see the DROID RAZR™ by Motorola in Purple and the DROID RAZR™ MAXX™ by Motorola. Both new DROIDs are powered by America’s fastest, most reliable 4G network and build upon the successful DROID RAZR by Motorola.

DROID RAZR – Thin, Powerful and now in Purple

DROID RAZR in Purple will debut in the coming weeks with 16 GB on-board memory and gives customers a third stylish option from which to choose. Regardless of color – classic Black, pristine White or Purple, the DROID RAZR is equipped with the same great features that let customers search the Web or download more than 300,000 Android Market™ apps at breakneck speeds on the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network. The DROID RAZR in Purple will be $199.99 with a new two-year customer agreement.

Taking DROID RAZR to the MAXX

The DROID RAZR MAXX by Motorola will join the DROID family for customers who want all the great features of the DROID RAZR, but need a smartphone that overachieves. DROID RAZR MAXX is designed for customers who spend their days and nights multi-tasking. This smartphone is a marathon runner with enough endurance to let customers talk on the phone for more than 21 hours straight on a single charge. It’s the longest-lasting smartphone on the block, and at just 8.99 mm, the device is still impossibly thin. The DROID RAZR MAXX comes equipped with 32 GB of total memory and will be $299.99 with a new two-year customer agreement.

The DROID Family by Motorola Complete with Tablets

The DROID family also includes the two recently launched DROID XYBOARD tablets by Motorola. Both boast the blazing speeds of Verizon Wireless’ 4G LTE network and the power of dual-core 1.2 GHz processors for lightning-fast Web browsing and multi-tasking. Customers can select what size XYBOARD they want to command by choosing either the 10.1-inch or 8.2-inch DROID.

Ice Cream Sandwich Update

DROID RAZR and DROID RAZR MAXX are powered by the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network and run on Android™ 2.3.5 Gingerbread, to be upgraded to Android™ 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. The DROID XYBOARD tablets will also be upgraded to Android 4.0. Both DROID smartphones will be available in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores and online at www.verizonwireless.com in the coming weeks.

Additional Features and Smart Accessories

A full suite of accessories that extend the power of DROID RAZR and DROID RAZR MAXX by Motorola are also available from Verizon Wireless. Accessories compatible with both DROIDs include the 10.1-inch Lapdock 100, 14-inch Lapdock 500 Pro with built-in webcam and Ethernet connection, HD Dock, HD Station and vehicle navigation mount. Plus, each device has all the software needed to customize DROID RAZR or DROID RAZR MAXX to the fullest. Stream music, photos and videos from home or work computers straight to the smartphone with MotoCast™, or automate everyday tasks by creating rules using Smart Actions.

Samsung on Monday announced a new version of its Galaxy Tab 7.7 tablet for Verizon Wireless from the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Verizon added 4G LTE support, but unfortunately we were deep in the confines of a Las Vegas hotel so we couldn’t get a real taste for the faster data speeds. We love the Super AMOLED Plus display, the surprisingly thin form factor and the compact 7.7-inch screen. The unit also feels very solid and we didn’t get the usual plastic feeling from some Samsung devices. The Galaxy Tab 7.7 runs Android Honeycomb and not the newer Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich operating system, but hopefully an update is made available soon. Neither Verizon Wireless nor Samsung announced a release date or pricing, but we expect it should be available in the coming months. Check out our full hands on gallery with the Galaxy Tab 7.7 for Verizon.