Tag: AT&T

T-Mobile vs. The iPhone or Hurry Up, T-Mobile!

August 4, 2008August 4, 2008 Bob Caswell 7 Comments

I don’t have a “smart” phone and am in the market. So what logically comes to mind? The iPhone, of course. But I’m a T-Mobile customer and most my extended family are as well, which means we can all talk to our hearts’ content without worrying about minutes. Thus, it’s hard for me to give up the plan my wife and I are on: 1,000 shared minutes for only $50.

But our contract with T-Mobile recently expired, so I thought I’d use that as leverage to see what T-Mobile could offer me to, you know, “retain” me. At the same time, though, I don’t want to admit that I’m mostly happy with their service. What followed was an interesting conversation with a T-Mobile “retention representative” I was transferred to.

Apple, Gadgets, Shopping

Google Testing Infrastructure In Case It Wants to Become a Wireless Carrier

November 16, 2007July 13, 2008 Bob Caswell 2 Comments

Google Cellphone The Wall Street Journal has the latest on Google’s cellphone plans via its usual mix of industry analysts and “people familiar with the matter.” Apparently, Google has already erected transmission towers all over its headquarters and is operating an advanced high-speed cellphone network under a test license from the FCC. Prototype cellphones with Android software (Google’s previously announced mobile platform) are currently running on it.

The idea is that Google is actually considering building and operating a wireless network that would provide consumers an option that is faster and cheaper than the AT&T’s and Verizon’s. But, of course, this news comes with all the standard disclaimers revolving around the fact that it’s too early to tell what the search giant will really do.

Google, Internet, Tech News

Google Goes Mobile Even More, Now Wants to Sell You Stuff

July 16, 2007August 20, 2008 Bob Caswell No Comments

According to the Wall Street Journal (subscription required), which cites its favorite source of “people familiar with the matter,” Google is working on a new search service for cellphones that will help consumers search for and buy ringtones, games, and other mobile content. Google has even considered including a “social-networking component” (whatever that means in…

Gadgets, Microsoft, Tech News

Bye Bye Cingular, AT&T Name Taking Over Monday: Cool Traded In for Stuffy

January 12, 2007August 20, 2008 Bob Caswell No Comments

AT&T won’t say how much the rebranding will cost but claims it will benefit from having one name on all its services. But is it worth it? The company will have to change signs in around 2,000 stores. And let’s not forget the cost of letterhead and employee uniforms. Though perhaps the most difficult cost to calculate: young consumers who like the hip feel of Cingular over the stuffy AT&T brand of yesteryear.

Gadgets, Tech News