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Tag: at-t

  • RIM Introduces BlackBerry Torch 9800

    Today, Research In Motion launched the BlackBerry Torch 9800 – RIM’s first slider smartphone. It features a capacitive touch screen, a slide-out QWERTY keyboard, and the new BlackBerry 6 operating system, which includes a WebKit browser.

    BlackBerry 6 features a redesigned interface that seamlessly works with the touch screen and trackpad, includes “expanded messaging capabilities with intuitive features to simplify the management of social networking and RSS feeds,” and provides integrated access to the BlackBerry Messenger, Facebook, Twitter, MySpace and other instant messaging applications.

    According to RIM, new WebKit-based browser renders HTML web pages (as well as HTML email) “quickly and beautifully for a great browsing experience”. It features tabs for accessing multiple sites simultaneously, pinch to zoom and an auto-wrap text zoom feature that can intelligently wrap text in a column while maintaining the placement of a page’s key elements.

    Key BlackBerry Torch features include:
    • new form factor – Touch/QWERTY combination smartphone
    • touch-sensitive trackpad located on the front face of the device
    • BlackBerry App World pre-installed (supporting carrier billing through AT&T)
    • 3.2" 360 x 480 capacitive touch screen display
    • 5.0MP camera with flash, auto focus, image stabilization and geo-tagging
    • Support for 3G networks (HSDPA)
    • 512MB Flash memory, 4GB on-board memory, microSD/SDHC memory card slot (4GB card included, cards up to 32GB supported)
    • Built-in GPS and Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n)
    • Network Support
    o GSM/GPRS/EDGE: 850/900/1800/1900 MHz
    o HSPDA/UMTS: 800/850/1900/2100 MHz
    • Approximately 4.4" x 2.4" x 0.57" (closed), 5.8" x 2.4" x 0.57" (open)

    In the U.S, the BlackBerry Torch will be available for AT&T customers on August 12 for $199.99 with 2-year service agreement on a qualifying rate plan and data plan required.

    “We were the first to launch the BlackBerry solution in 1999 and have a rich history of innovation and collaboration with Research In Motion,” said Ralph de la Vega, president and chief executive officer, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets.

    “The two companies that brought the first BlackBerry smartphones to market have teamed up again with the new BlackBerry Torch, creating a true generational shift in hardware and operating system for this enormously popular service,” he added.

    Mike Lazaridis, president and co-ceo, Research In Motion, said: “This is one of the most significant launches in RIM’s history and we are proud to introduce the new BlackBerry Torch and BlackBerry 6 together with AT&T.”

    Related articles
    BlackBerry Bold 9650 Coming to Verizon
    RIM Introduces BlackBerry Bold 9650 and Pearl 3G
    comScore: Motorola and RIM Lead U.S. Smartphone Market

  • AT&T Releases Mobile Conferencing App for iPhone

    Mobile conferencing iPhone App from AT&T is now available on the App Store.

    It integrates multiple conferencing products including audio conferencing, web conferencing and video conferencing into a single UC application.

    The app includes the following features and functionality, depending on connectivity:

    • View whiteboard
    • Call Me and Dial In features that simplify audio setup
    • Interactive participants list: See/hear the other participants in the conference, their emoticons and mode of connection
    • Use emoticons to signal opinion
    • Alert other participants when stepping in or out of the conference
    • Use notes to chat with one or all participants
    • Answer polls
    • Host an event
    • Invite others to join an event

    According to Ron Spears, president and CEO of AT&T Business Solutions, converging communications technologies are driving business demand for integrated voice, web and video conferencing services, to reduce costs and speed decisions.

    “Collaboration across a broad sweep of individuals – employees, suppliers and partners, as well as across geographic and organizational boundaries – is a daily necessity. AT&T is bringing its Unified Communications capabilities to integrate voice, email, messaging and web conferencing in business apps that drive the productivity of businesses regionally, nationally and globally,” he said.

    AT&T Connect supports virtual meetings with both internal and external participants. The service can be provisioned to include standalone audio conferencing, multi-point video, regular/mobile phone and VoIP-based audio, application sharing, whiteboard/presentation, web touring, polling, reporting, recording and editing.

  • AT&T Reports Strong First-Quarter Earnings

    A day after Apple announced its record march quarter revenue, AT&T reported strong first-quarter earnings results highlighted by rapid growth in mobile broadband, further expansion of AT&T U-verse services and solid gains in IP-based and business services.

    For the Q1 2010, AT&T’s consolidated revenues totaled $30.6 billion, up $78 million, or 0.3 percent, versus the year-earlier quarter.

    Operating expenses were $24.6 billion versus $24.8 billion; operating income was $6.0 billion, up from $5.7 billion in the first quarter of 2009.

    The company’s operating income margin was 19.6 percent, up from 18.8 percent in the year-earlier quarter.

    First-quarter 2010 net income attributable to AT&T totaled $2.5 billion ($0.42 per diluted share), reflecting a previously disclosed noncash charge of $995 million, related to recently enacted changes in the tax treatment for the Medicare Part D subsidy. Excluding this charge, first-quarter earnings would have been $3.5 billion ($0.59 per diluted share). These results compare with net income of $3.1 billion, or $0.53 per diluted share, in the year-earlier first quarter.

    Record First-Quarter Subscriber Gain
    AT&T posted a net gain in total wireless subscribers of 1.9 million, the highest first-quarter total in the company’s history, to reach 87.0 million in service. According to the company, first-quarter net add growth reflects continued rapid adoption of smartphones and a host of connected devices such as eReaders, global positioning systems and alarm monitoring systems.

    Connected devices in service increased by 1.1 million in the quarter to reach 5.8 million, and retail postpaid net adds totaled 512,000 to reach 65.1 million.

    14.9 Percent Growth in Strategic Business Services Revenues
    Revenues from new-generation capabilities that lead AT&T’s most advanced business solutions — including Ethernet, VPNs, hosting, IP conferencing and application services — grew 14.9 percent versus the year-earlier quarter, continuing AT&T’s strong trends in this category.

    "We’re off to a great start to the year, and our fundamental outlook for the business continues to be quite positive,” said Randall Stephenson, AT&T chairman and chief executive officer.

    Related articles
    Apple Announces Record March Quarter Revenue

  • AT&T Selects LTE Equipment Suppliers

    AT&T announced the selection of Alcatel-Lucent and Ericsson as equipment suppliers for the planned deployment of its LTE mobile broadband network.

    The company is planning a first field trials of LTE later this year. Commercial deployment is scheduled to begin in 2011.

    According to AT&T, after testing equipment from multiple suppliers in the field and in a lab environment, the company chose to extend existing relationships with Alcatel-Lucent and Ericsson, which provide equipment for the AT&T 3G network today.

    "Continued work with these two suppliers will enable AT&T not only to incorporate LTE equipment, but also to take advantage of compatibility between the suppliers’ existing 3G equipment and forthcoming LTE upgrades," states AT&T.

    As part of the supplier agreements, 3G equipment delivered to AT&T by the suppliers starting this year will be easily convertible to LTE, enabling AT&T to upgrade existing equipment and software rather than install entirely new equipment.

    “AT&T has a key advantage in that LTE is an evolution of the existing GSM family of technologies that powers our network and the vast majority of the world’s global wireless infrastructure today. As some competitors move away from their existing investment in niche 3G platforms, we are able to efficiently and quickly move toward LTE while enhancing our existing 3G performance and providing access to a strong ecosystem of customer devices,” said John Stankey, president and CEO of AT&T.

    The company also announced that it has designated Alcatel-Lucent and Ericsson as the domain suppliers for its Radio Access Network Domain. The multi-year agreement covers radio access network equipment needed to deliver LTE service. This equipment will be deployed at cell sites across AT&T’s network to enable LTE speeds and functionality. Financial terms of the supplier agreements were not disclosed.

    AT&T in January announced total 2010 capital expenditures are expected to be between $18 billion and $19 billion. These plans include an increase of approximately $2 billion in wireless network and backhaul investment.

    Earlier this year, AT&T upgraded 3G cell sites to HSPA 7.2 technology. Over the course of 2010 and 2011, the firm plans to combine this upgrade with enhanced fiber-optic backhaul connectivity.

    AT&T wireless network investment plans for 2010 also include construction of about 2,000 new cell sites and adding new radio controllers and carriers at a pace that doubles deployment in 2009.

    Related articles
    In-Stat: 4G LTE Gated by 3G Success, not WiMAX
    4G Mobile Consumer Service Revenue Will Exceed $70 Billion in 2014
    TeliaSonera Launches World’s First LTE Network

  • The Apple iPad is Here

    “It is a magical and revolutionary device at an unbelievable price,” said Steve Jobs unveiling Apple’s “latest creation” yesterday in San Francisco. Although we may doubt if the iPad really brings “magic” and “revolution” to us, we have to admit the prices are unexpectedly low. Yesterday, Apple’s stocks started to climb fast only when Jobs revealed how much we’ll have to spend on the device.

    All the rumors were saying the tablet will be not less than $999, and from this point of view the actual prices look really affordable. $499 for the basic version (16GB, no 3G) is something nobody expected; also $829 for the bloated 64GB, 3G version won’t scare anyone.

    So, what do you get for this price? iPad is 0.5 inch thick, 1.5 pound device with 9.7-inch, 1024 x 768, LED-backlit, responsive high-resolution Multi-Touch display that features IPS technology and has a wide 178 degree viewing angle.

    It’s powered by 1GHz “A4” chip designed by Apple (using their own P.A. Semi technology) and is claimed to have 10-hour battery life and a month of standby.

    It’ll come with a 30-pin dock connector, a microphone, a speaker, Bluetooth (2.1 + EDR), 802.11n WiFi and optional 3G, as well as an accelerometer and a compass.

    iPad comes in two versions—one with Wi-Fi and the other with both Wi-Fi and 3G. iPad includes the latest 802.11n Wi-Fi, and the 3G versions support speeds up to 7.2 Mbps on HSDPA networks.

    Every iPad is unlocked and comes with a GSM micro-SIM. Together with AT&T, Apple announced 3G pre-paid data plans for iPad: 250MB for $14.99 and an unlimited plan for $29.99 a month contract-free (with on-device activation and management, and a free use of AT&T WiFi hotspots). International deals will come in June.

    iPad syncs with iTunes just like the iPhone and iPod touch, using the standard Apple 30-pin to USB cable. The device features 12 Multi-Touch applications. Every app works in both portrait and landscape, automatically animating between views as the user rotates iPad in any direction.

    The operating system is based on iPhone OS, so the iPad can run all iPhone apps – either pixel-for-pixel in a window, or pixel-doubled fullscreen. Apple says they rewrote all of our apps for this display.

    Apple released a new SDK for iPad, allowing developers to target iPad’s specifics while developing new apps. The SDK includes a simulator that lets developers test and debug their iPad apps on a Mac, and also lets developers create Universal Applications that run on iPad, iPhone and iPod touch.

    Apple also announced the new iBooks app for iPad, which includes Apple’s new iBookstore that will feature books from “major and independent publishers”– five new big Apple’s partners: Penguin, Simon & Schuster, Hachette Book Group, Macmillian and Harper Collins.

    iPad has almost full-size soft keyboard but it also connects to the new iPad Keyboard Dock with a full-size traditional keyboard ($70). Additionally, there is a "camera connection kit" to allow to plug a camera in over USB or use an SD card ($30) and a leather case ($40).

    Unfortunately, iPad doesn’t support Adobe Flash and multitasking. There is also no camera and HDMI output.

    New Apple device will be available in late March worldwide for a suggested retail price of $499 for the 16GB model, $599 for 32GB and $699 for 64GB.

    The Wi-Fi + 3G models of iPad will be available in April in the US and selected countries for a suggested retail price of $629 for the 16GB model, $729 for the 32GB and $829 for the 64GB.

    Related articles
    Is an iPad a Revolutionary Device?

  • AT&T Enables VoIP over Its 3G Network for iPhone

    After “evaluating customers’ expectations and use of the iPhone compared to dozens of others AT&T offers,” the operator has finally taken the steps necessary so that Apple can enable VoIP applications on iPhone to run on AT&T’s wireless network.

    Previously, VoIP applications on iPhone were enabled only for Wi-Fi connectivity. At the same time, AT&T has offered a variety of other wireless devices that enable VoIP applications on 3G, 2G and Wi-Fi networks.

    In late summer, AT&T said it was taking a fresh look at VoIP capabilities on iPhone for use on AT&T’s 3G network, consistent with its regular review of device features and capabilities to “ensure attractive options for consumers.”

    In August Federal Communications Commission started the investigation asking both Apple and AT&T to clarify the reasons of the removal of Google Voice application from the App Store.

    Although we didn’t even know if the Google’s app would allow VoIP over AT&T 3G network, the company felt obligated to explain: “AT&T had no role in any decision by Apple to not accept the Google Voice application,” said Jim Cicconi, AT&T senior executive vice president, external and legislative affaire.

    And the situation has changed. Dramatically changed. “iPhone is an innovative device that dramatically changed the game in wireless when it was introduced just two years ago,” said Ralph de la Vega, president and CEO, AT&T Mobility & Consumer Markets.

    iPhone users in the U.S. will now be able to use VoIP apps when they’re connected to AT&T’s 3G network.

  • AT&T and TerreStar to Offer Integrated Cellular/Satellite Solution

    AT&T has announced plans to work with TerreStar to offer an integrated smartphone mobility solution that will combine primary cellular wireless connectivity with the ability to connect to a satellite network as a backup, using one phone number and one smartphone device.

    This new solution will provide users with an access to both cellular and satellite networks through a handset that is – as the companies claim – both smaller and more feature-rich than previous satellite devices.

    The TerreStar Genus smartphone combines GSM/GPRS/EDGE/UMTS/HSDPA terrestrial wireless capability with satellite voice and data capability. The device runs on the Windows Mobile and includes 2.6” touchscreen, WiFi, Bluetooth® and GPS.

    The device gives users the option to access theTerreStar satellite network when AT&T’s cellular wireless network is unavailable.

    AT&T wireless users with a line of sight to the satellite will be able to access voice and data coverage in the United States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands and in territorial waters.

    When cellular networks are unavailable, TerreStar’s satellite will act as a cell site in the sky to provide coverage to help users stay connected. The solution announced today is well-suited for government, energy, utility, transportation and maritime users. AT&T states that it can provide a critical communications back-up capability, important to public safety agencies, first responders, emergency services and disaster recovery groups.

    The integrated cellular/satellite solution will combine the satellite network-related charges on the customer’s regular wireless bill. AT&T’s monthly invoice will include the customer’s cellular voice and data service charges, the satellite network access subscription feature charge and the satellite voice and data roaming charges.

    It is expected to be available for enterprise, government and small business customers and their corporate liable users in the first quarter of 2010. AT&T informs that the company is working on a similar solution for consumers.

  • Windows Mobile 6.5 Phones Coming October 6th

    The new phones will be the first to feature Windows Mobile 6.5, the latest version of Microsoft’s mobile phone software.

    The company didn’t unveil any new details, they just promised “easy-to-use user interface”, “better browsing capabilities” and “access to valuable services”, which will be Windows Marketplace for Mobile (the company’s app store) and Microsoft My Phone (backup cloud service), that are also set to launch on October 6.

    “Windows phones bring together the best of the Web, the PC and the phone so you can connect instantly to the experiences you care about, no matter where you are,” said Steve Ballmer, Microsoft’s CEO at Mobile World Congress 2009 in February this year, when the company revealed the new series of smartphones.

    In North America mobile operators like AT&T, Bell Mobility, Sprint, TELUS and Verizon Wireless, and phone manufacturers like HP, HTC, LG, Samsung and Toshiba are committed to updating or expanding their portfolios to include phones with Windows Mobile 6.5

    Also AT&T has informed that starting on September 14th, customers with Wi-Fi-enabled Windows Mobile smartphones and unlimited/other qualifying data plans will receive unlimited access to AT&T Wi-Fi Hot Spots nationwide.

  • Apple Explains the Removal of Google Voice from App Store

    Not long after Apple removed the official Google Voice application and any other applications that use Google Voice functionality from its iPhone App Store, the Federal Communications Commission has asked both Apple and AT&T to clarify the reasons of the removal.

    The companies just answered FCC and published their statements.

    A bit surprisingly, Apple stated that the company has not rejected the Google Voice application, and continues to study it.

    As they explain, “the application has not been approved because, as submitted for review, it appears to alter the iPhone’s distinctive user experience by replacing the iPhone’s core mobile telephone functionality and Apple user interface with its own user interface for telephone calls, text messaging and voicemail.”

    Apple seems to be concerned also about the proper data protection: “When using Google Voice the iPhone user’s entire Contacts database is transferred to Google’s servers, and we have yet to obtain any assurances from Google that this data will only be used in appropriate ways.”

    The company gives the examples of other applications that have also fall into this category.

    Answering the question if Apple did act alone, or in consultation with AT&T, in deciding to reject the Google Voice application, the firm assures that it is acting alone and has not consulted with AT&T about whether or not to approve the Google Voice application.

    “No contractual conditions or non-contractual understandings with AT&T have been a factor in Apple’s decision-making process in this matter,” the statement says.

    “Let me state unequivocally, AT&T had no role in any decision by Apple to not accept the Google Voice application for inclusion in the Apple App Store. AT&T was not asked about the matter by Apple at any time, nor did we offer any view one way or the other,” said Jim Cicconi, AT&T senior executive vice president, external and legislative affairs.

    “AT&T does not block consumers from accessing any lawful website on the Internet. Consumers can download or launch a multitude of compatible applications directly from the Internet, including Google Voice, through any web-enabled wireless device. As a result, any AT&T customer may access and use Google Voice on any web-enabled device operating on AT&T’s network, including the iPhone, by launching the application through their web browser, without the need to use the Apple App Store,” says the company’s statement.

    Apple reminds that “there is a provision in Apple’s agreement with AT&T that obligates Apple not to include functionality in any Apple phone that enables a customer to use AT&T’s cellular network service to originate or terminate a VoIP session without obtaining AT&T’s permission.”

    For example, AT&T’s Terms of Service prohibit an AT&T customer from using AT&T’s cellular service to redirect a TV signal to an iPhone.

    “From time to time, AT&T has expressed concerns regarding network efficiency and potential network congestion associated with certain applications, and Apple takes such concerns into consideration,” Apple says.

    Asked to explain any differences between the Google Voice iPhone application and any VoIP applications that Apple has approved for the iPhone, the company answered that it does not know if there is a VoIP element in the way the Google Voice application routes calls and messages, and whether VoIP technology is used over the 3G network by the application.

    They also assured that they had never approved any application that works over AT&T’s 3G network.

  • ADVERTORIAL: IPTV World Forum North America – The Key Event For The IPTV Industry


    Both AT&T – now with over a million subscribers – and Verizon have made huge in-roads into the market with their IP based services.

    Largely as a result of these two companies’ successes, North America is expected to account for a large proportion of the world’s new IPTV subscriptions during the next few years.

    They join the significant number of regional and local telecoms operators in North America who pioneered this new digital TV platform – but the big question is whether any company bringing Pay TV to market this late – even those with the resources of AT&T – can gain significant market share on a national basis?

    The question also remains how regional telcos can build a compelling TV offering at a realistic level of investment.

    These are two of the many themes that will be addressed at the IPTV World Forum North America conference and exhibition being held 21-22 July 2009 at the Millennium Broadway Hotel, New York.

    The two-day event will draw together leading IPTV service providers, content providers, analysts and key technology vendors for what is expected to become one of the key events in the North American IPTV calendar.

    The programme will focus on all the key topical issues on IP&TV in North America, including:

    • monetising OTT in the TV experience
    • how to roll out whole home DVR
    • assessing the impact of the Broadband stimulus package on the US video market
    • hybrid solutions for the delivery of TV and IP and EPG2.0
    • content discovery and search

    A highly interactive, intensive, high level networking conference, it features quality case-study led presentations from carriers, service providers & content owners, interactive full value chain panel discussion and analyst roundtable briefings.

    A key feature will be the opportunities for delegates and all participants to discuss presentations and pose questions to the speakers after the sessions.

    Among the industry leaders participating are:

    • Terry Denson, VP of content Strategy and Acquisition, Verizon
    • Jeff Weber, Vice President of Video Product and Strategy, AT&T
    • Daniel O’Callaghan, Chairman IPTV Interoperability Forum (ATIS) and Principal Member of Technical Staff, Verizon
    • Franz Kurath, Executive Director, Broadband Content, AT&T Operations Inc.

    There will also be leading representatives from Surewest Communications, Cox Communications, Qwest Communications, OPATSCO and many more.

    The event also features an exhibition, where vendors, manufacturers and service providers can showcase their latest products and do business with a pre-qualified audience.

    During the conference sessions, a wide range of themes will be covered, such as considering how the influence of IP is being felt most keenly outside the managed telco services space.

    In particular, the rise of Over the Top TV services, delivered over the open internet, provides a potentially massive disruption to the traditional TV service model.

    Whilst these services clearly popular with the public, the search for successful business models – which enhance rather than undermine existing offers – remains a challenge that the industry must embrace.

    Then there’s the comparision between markets on either side of the Atlantic, with North American IPTV service providers facing a tougher test than their European counterparts.

    The latter have benefited from a natural watershed in the Pay TV marketplace thanks to the introduction of DVR (Digital Video Recorder), true VOD and Replay TV, and HDTV.

    In the US, VOD is an established cable offering and HDTV is available widely on cable and satellite.

    Cable operators have also pursued an increasingly aggressive triple-play strategy (they now have 24 million broadband Internet customers and 5 million telephone customers) and this makes it even harder to tempt customers from their legacy suppliers.

    Yet cable operators can also reap huge benefits from the implementation of IP, and potentially can enhance their services to combine IP efficiency & interactivity with existing bandwidth to deliver a highly compelling consumer solution.

    Also being covered is the new boom area in the global IPTV market, hybrid IPTV solutions – which combine managed IPTV with other delivery mechanisms such as DTH or Satellite.

    Already there have been landmark deployments from early IPTV adopters such as Orange/France Telecom, Portugal Telecom & BT Vision.

    Whilst SES Americom’s strategic withdrawal has marked an early failure in the US market, partnership models will increasingly be a feature of new TV service in North America, particularly in more circumspect times.

    This conference will provide participants with the opportunity to hear, learn from, and network with the leaders in the IP&TV American industry.

    IP&TV Forum North America is the second annual event and part of the IPTV World Series of events organised by Informa Telecoms & Media globally.
    For more information, please click HERE.