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AT&T To Release App To Discourage Texting While Driving

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Texting while driving is a very real problem. At best it’s an annoyance to other motorists who have to contend with a person who’s probably driving too slowly at worst this habit can lead to accidents, with some of them proving to be fatal.

AT&T is addressing the problem of texting while driving behavior by releasing a new app that has been specifically designed to prevent or discourage texting while driving. The app is actually geared towards parents, who can control their children’s phones remotely by giving them access to their children’s cell phone service, allowing them to cut off the phone’s texting and internet browsing features and even the ability to receive and make calls when their children are driving. [Read more…]

NPD Reports Rise in 4G Device Sales for 4Q 2011

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The market research company NPD recently released the findings of a study it made regarding the sales of 4G devices in the market. The study revealed that the sales of 4G devices grew during the fourth quarter of 2011 compared to sales posted during the fourth quarter of 2010.

NPD reported that about 35 percent of smartphones that have been sold during 2011 4Q period were equipped with 4G capabilities. NPD clarified however that 22 percent of the smartphones sold for the period also includes devices that connects with HSPA+, which is not considered a true 4G technology like WiMax or LTE. [Read more…]

Is AT&T Going to End 2G service?

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It really is inevitable that old-school technologies will eventually be abandoned in favor of newer technologies. Sony has already done it in the mobile market with its decision to stop production of feature phones and just focusing on smartphone production. AT&T is also doing the same with, this time with mobile services.

AT&T has begun sending out notices that, while not announcing it outright, points to the fact that it is going to be abandoning its 2G network. The company has already talked about the need for additional wireless spectrum and it may follow T-mobile’s strategy of just using parts of the 2G network for 4G LTE development. [Read more…]

AT&T Reveals 3G pricing for PS Vita

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One of the cool features of the PS Vita, Sony’s new handheld gaming console, is 3G connectivity. This allows for online features to be built into the Vita without the need for WiFi. Of course, with a 3G feature, it’s logical that that this new console will be offered through mobile service providers.

Last year, Sony said that the PS Vita will be offered through AT&T. No further information were given up until this week when AT&T finally revealed the details of the PS Vita 3G service. The plan is actually similar to what AT&T already offers. [Read more…]

Devil’s Advocate: Why T-Mobile Users Will Love Their AT&T Overlords

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In a move that surprised tech pundits, business insiders and the press, AT&T announced that they have purchased all of T-Mobile USA for almost $40 billion.

AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) and Deutsche Telekom AG (FWB: DTE) today announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which AT&T will acquire T-Mobile USA from Deutsche Telekom in a cash-and-stock transaction currently valued at approximately $39 billion. The agreement has been approved by the Boards of Directors of both companies. […]

With this transaction, AT&T commits to a significant expansion of robust 4G LTE (Long Term Evolution) deployment to 95 percent of the U.S. population to reach an additional 46.5 million Americans beyond current plans – including rural communities and small towns.  This helps achieve the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and President Obama’s goals to connect “every part of America to the digital age.” T-Mobile USA does not have a clear path to delivering LTE. (via Mobilize Everything by AT&T).

AT&T will face an uphill battle getting this deal approved by the feds as acquiring T-Mobile will make the company the sole GSM carrier in the US (not to mention make it even harder to resurrect net neutrality).

Although a majority of T-Mobile customers have expressed outrage regarding the deal upon Facebook, there are at least a few reasons why they may end up loving their AT&T overlords (at least in the near future). [Read more…]