TheUnlockr » AT&T News

Mango-powered HTC Titan II coming to AT&T on March 18th

Dax Krishna — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 04:41:02 +0000

AT&T will be adding another HTC device to its line up this March in the form of the HTC Titan II, something many Windows Phone users must be looking forward to since it was announced last month. The device will sell for $199.99 with a two-year contract and will become available starting the 18th of the next month.

With a 4.7-inch SLCD touchscreen display, the HTC Titan II may be the biggest WinPho 7.5 device around, but the low resolution of 800×480 pixels could be a dealbreaker for many. Moving past that though, the handset is decked out with a 1.5GHz processor, an impressive 16MP lens on its back, stereo FM radio, 3G network support, WiFi, Bluetooth and aGPS. Seems alright, except the 16mpx lens can’t do better than 720p which is another letdown, but Microsoft could remedy this in the future with a software update.

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Jailbreaking exemption in the DMCA about to expire, we all need to make sure it doesn’t

David Cogen — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 17:39:55 +0000

You may or may not be aware of this, but back in 2010 in the midst of Apple chasing and complaining about users jailbreaking their devices, the government added something to the DMCA (Digital Millennium Copyright Act) originally created in 1998. They added a few clauses about jailbreaking. These additions essentially made it legal for anyone to jailbreak (or root) their own cell phone.

This essentially shut down Apple’s complaints that jailbreaking your device violating copyright as it allowed you to use unapproved applications on their product which, of course, is ridiculous. If you pay for a product, what you do with that product after the fact is entirely your business. And jailbreaking a device does not necessarily mean you are doing so to try and violate copyrighted material. If Apple’s argument were true, it would insinuate that you don’t own your iPhone after you pay for it, they still do and they can determine what you put on it. Thanks to the government and the EFF (Electronic Frontier Foundation) that had massive support for the exemption, Apple didn’t get their way.Which brings us to why we are mentioning it today, the exemption was never made permanent and as such is about to expire. In order to continue this protection for users everywhere, the EFF asks for your help. If you want to help extend this exemption or learn more about it, please head to the EFF’s site and contact the Copyright Office and explain to them how being able to freely modify your own handset is something you firmly believe in and is something that effects you. Hurry though, comments must be in to the Copyright Office by February 5th, 2012.

EFF Jailbreaking Page

Pantech Element tablet and Burst smartphone now on sale from AT&T

Dax Krishna — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 06:36:34 +0000

As revealed earlier, the Pantech-made Element tablet and the Burst smartphone are now available on AT&T. The slate will go for $300 on contract while the smartphone will cost a paltry $50, both on a two-year agreement.

Looking to get an edge in the already crowded Android world, Pantech sure has done some of its best work on the Element. If you didn’t catch our early post commending its features, in a nutshell, the device is a 1.2GHz dual-cored device with an 8-inch display, 16GB of onboard memory, LTE support, and Android 3.2 Honeycomb support, which will later be upgraded to ICS. And did I mention it’s waterproof? The Burst on the other hand is equally superb with a 1.2GHz dual-core CPU, a 5MP camera, 16GB of onboard storage, all tucked into a smaller form factor.Head over to AT&T to make your choice between the two or choose the combined package for just $249.99 here.Source

AT&T Holds Up Their End Of The Bargain: Files For FCC Approval of Spectrum Transfer To T-Mobile

Amy Eichelberg — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:18:29 +0000

As promised AT&T stands ready to hand over $1 billion in spectrum to T-Mobile as a direct result to their proposed $39 billion merger failing miserably. After opposition grew strong from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Department of Justice, AT&T withdrew their bid to acquire T-Mobile on December 19th. No surprise now that the FCC once again holds the key to this particular transfer going through successfully.

As the Wall Street Journal reports, both Ma Bell and T-Mo will need the FCC’s permission in order to move forward with the spectrum transfer. While, we can’t foresee the FCC having the same concerns with this transfer as it it did with the original merger we wouldn’t be surprised if AT&T was discreetly hoping they did.Source

AT&T Changes Their Data Plans Again, More Data For More Money

Amy Eichelberg — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:06:45 +0000

AT&T announced that they plan to adjust their data plans starting January 22nd with the goal of offering up additional data for their loyal subscribers. The catch being that with the added gigs comes a higher price. The newly tweaked plans include either 300MB of data for $20, 3GB for $30, or 5GB (including mobile hotspot access) for $50.

If you’re still relishing life with an older AT&T data plan, don’t worry as you and your plan will be grandfathered in. Just remember, if you do decide to take up Ma Bell on one of these new data plans you won’t be able to go back to your old set up. Reportedly, the only legacy plan that made the cut is AT&T’s 250MB tablet feature for $15. Continue reading below for the full press release.

AT&T LAUNCHES NEW DATA PLANSCustomers Get More Data, More ValueDALLAS, JANUARY 18, 2012 – AT&T today announced new data plans for smartphone and tablet customers that will launch this Sunday, January 22. The plans give customers more data and value.The new smartphone plans include:

HTC adds a few more devices to the unlocked bootloader list – Droid Incredible, Desire Z, Aria and ChaCha among others

Dax Krishna — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 06:18:10 +0000

Continuing with its quest to be more “open,” HTC has announced the unlock solution for a few more of its Android handsets. The current crop of devices includes the Aria, ChaCha, the T-Mobile G2, Droid Incredible, Desire Z, and the Status.

What does an unlocked bootload mean to me, you ask? Only that it will allow you to flash a custom ROM of your choice without having to circumvent the bootloader to actually do it, which means better ROMs that are more stable and bug free. HTC has taken the right step forward in this particular area we think – we only wish that other companies had similar thoughts – are you listening Moto?Head over to HTCdev if to see if your device has made it to the list yet.Source

Nokia Lumia 900 pops up at CES, headed for AT&T’s 4G network later this year

Dax Krishna — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 05:33:33 +0000

The older Lumias may be heading up to Canada this year but this new one is planning on putting in an appearance in the US pretty soon. The Lumia 900 was spotted at the CES 2012 recently and though better than the 710 or the 800, it still opts to remain closer to those two devices in design and specs than move along. For starters, the device will still have a single core CPU running at a clockspeed of 1.4GHz and run Mango 7.5 OS. The display technology is the same with ClearBlack but the screen size has been bumped up to 4.3 inches, and an improved 8MP camera graces this device compared to the older ones. As for the design, it seems to be carried over and the Lumia 900 features a similar unibody polycarbonate body. The only major difference should be the support for AT&T’s 4G network support, which should be a dealmaker coupled with an affordable price tag.Check the video above for now and we’ll get you more when we know.Source

Samsung Galaxy S II Skyrocket HD Blasting To AT&T: LTE, 1.5GHz Dual Core, Ultra Thin Design

Amy Eichelberg — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 19:22:10 +0000

During the AT&T Developer Summit at CES, Ma Bell beefed up their handset portfolio today by unveiling the illusive Samsung Galaxy S II Skyrocket HD. The smartphone rocks an uber thin design and brags an impressive 4.65-inch HD Super AMOLED display at 1280 x 720 resolution. Additional spec highlights include a 1.5GHz dual-core CPU, LTE support, and a removable battery.

AT&T is staying quiet on pricing for now, but plans to launch the Skyrocket HD within the “coming months”. Continue on for the full AT&T Developer Summit PR.

AT&T Unveils 4G LTE Android Smartphones and Tablet Planned for Early 2012AT&T Goal is to Deliver AT&T Customers the Industry’s Best Mobile Broadband Experience With Leading 4G LTE Device Portfolio, Along with Best-in-Class Apps and NetworkDallas, Texas, January 09, 2012Key FactsFrom the stage of the AT&T Developer Summit — one day before the 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas — AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets President and Chief Executive Officer Ralph de la Vega unveiled five smartphones and one tablet powered by 4G LTE and the Android platform that are planned for availability from AT&T* in early 2012.New LTE Samsung smartphones include the Samsung Galaxy Note™, a 5.3-inch device combining the benefits of various mobile devices while maintaining smartphone portability, exhibited on stage by Dr. W.P. Hong, Head of Global Product Strategy Team, Samsung Electronics.Pantech Chief Marketing Officer S. Jay Yim also addressed summit attendees about the first LTE-connected Android tablet under $300, the Pantech Element™, planned for availability on Jan. 22.De la Vega announced the first 4G LTE smartphone from Sony

Leak: Pantech Element LTE Tablet Marketing Poster Spied at AT&T Corporate Store

Amy Eichelberg — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 06:43:59 +0000

As the Pantech Element LTE tablet has been under heavy speculation that it would make its official appearance at CES 2012, it comes as no surprise that marketing material has leaked out prior to its launch. It appears that a corporate AT&T store received official marketing posters for the tablet, and even took it upon themselves to throw up the ads in an eager fashion for everyone to see. According to Engadget’s tipster, the tablet sports a waterproof 8-inch display with a 1.5GHz CPU, 16GB of internal storage and of course, AT&T LTE speeds.

The device is expected to be priced at $300 on a two-year commitment or $450 without. As far as availability stands, the slab should go on special order the week of January 15th, and is slated to hit retail shelves in the coming weeks. Who just got excited?Source

AT&T Nearly Doubles LTE Coverage By Adding 11 New Markets

Amy Eichelberg — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 21:47:37 +0000

In an official statement released today, AT&T has confirmed that its LTE coverage has nearly doubled by adding on eleven new markets. The list of cities includes New York City metro, San Francisco / Oakland / San Jose, Los Angeles, Phoenix, San Diego, Raleigh and Austin. Additionally, AT&T confirmed that its massive LTE expansion is expected to be completely deployed by the end of 2013. Continue reading below for the full press release for more coverage.

AT&T ROLLS OUT 4G LTE TO CUSTOMERS IN 11 MORE MARKETSAT&T 4G LTE Now Available in 26 Markets Including NYC Metro, San Francisco, Los AngelesAT&T’s Blazing Fast 4G Speeds, Device Lineup, Apps Will Make for Best Customer Mobile Broadband ExperienceSAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 5, 2012 – AT&T* customers are now enjoying blazing fast 4G LTE (Long Term Evolution) speeds in 11 more markets, including New York City metro area, San Francisco and Los Angeles. This addition makes AT&T 4G LTE available in a total of 26 markets to 74 million consumers. John Stankey, President and Chief Executive Officer-AT&T Business Solutions, provided an update at Citi’s 22nd Annual Global Entertainment, Media and Telecommunications Conference in San Francisco.New markets where AT&T 4G LTE is now available are: New York City metro area, Austin, Chapel Hill, Los Angeles, Oakland, Orlando, Phoenix, Raleigh, San Diego, San Francisco and San Jose.The expansion adds to 15 AT&T 4G LTE markets launched in 2011: Athens, Ga.; Atlanta; Baltimore; Boston; Charlotte; Chicago; Dallas-Fort Worth; Houston; Indianapolis; Kansas City; Las Vegas; Oklahoma City; San Antonio; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and Washington, D.C.”We’re building a 4G LTE network that’s blazing fast, and we offer dual layers of 4G technologies to provide customers with a more consistent speed experience,” said Stankey. “Our network, together with our unsurpassed 4G device portfolio and innovative applications, will give our customers an industry-leading mobile broadband experience.”AT&T is the only U.S. carrier providing 4G using both HSPA+ and LTE technologies. HSPA+, when combined with enhanced backhaul, provides customers with access to 4G speeds – meaning AT&T customers get a faster and more consistent 4G experience on their compatible devices, even when outside of a 4G LTE area. Customers of other carriers that have transitioned to 4G LTE without further speed upgrades to their existing networks are likely to see a jarring drop-off in speeds when they move out of LTE coverage.

Another benefit of AT&T’s network strategy is that only AT&T’s network lets your iPhone 4S download three times faster.

AT&T’s mobile broadband service currently covers 284 million people and more than 90 percent of the population, including the top 100 U.S. markets.

AT&T expects its 4G LTE deployment to be largely complete by the end of 2013.

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FCC Approves AT&T’s $1.9b Purchase of Qualcomm’s 700MHz Spectrum

Amy Eichelberg — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 03:26:26 +0000

Despite AT&T suffering a major setback with the recently failed T-Mobile acquisition, Ma Bell will still have reason to celebrate this holiday season after all. The FCC has officially approved AT&T’s purchase of Qualcomm’s 700MHz spectrum for a staggering $1.9 billion. The specific block of Qualcomm’s airwaves is currently being unused. After the deal is sealed, AT&T will be able to capitalize on the spectrum to increase download capacity for its rapidly increasing LTE network.

The FCC did approve the deal with a few of their own conditions as AT&T is asked to meet interference requirements and provide redata roaming to all its competitors on the spectrum. With only these minor stipulations set by the FCC, AT&T and Qualcomm could close this deal by the end of the year.

Update: AT&T just released a press release celebrating their FCC win, which can be read in full below.

AT&T Receives Regulatory Approval for Purchase of Wireless Spectrum from QualcommDALLAS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AT&T* announced today that it has received all required regulatory approvals for AT&T’s acquisition of spectrum from Qualcomm. AT&T is purchasing 700 MHz spectrum licenses covering more than 300 million people for approximately $1.9 billion.

“This spectrum will help AT&T continue to deliver a world-class mobile broadband experience to our customers,” said Bob Quinn, senior vice president-Federal Regulatory, AT&T. “We appreciate the FCC Chairman, the Commissioners and their staff for completing its review before the holidays.“As spectrum is the lifeblood of the U.S. wireless industry, we are pleased that the FCC did not reduce the spectrum screen, however, we continue to believe any changes to the process by which it is allocated should be subject to open and transparent public discussion and clear to everyone with an interest in ensuring the health of our industry.”The companies expect to close the transaction in the coming days.

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AT&T Officially Gives Up On T-Mobile Acquisition

Amy Eichelberg — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 01:31:04 +0000

Announced in an official press release today, AT&T has officially abandoned their plans to acquire T-Mobile. The failed attempt at merging with T-Mobile will cost AT&T in upwards of $4 billion, and the wireless giant is not happy about it either. AT&T blames the FCC and the DoJ for standing in their way, after both agencies came down hard on the controversial deal.

Not all hope is lost for T-Mobile, as they have now entered into a roaming agreement with AT&T. The deal will last for seven years, and will increase T-Mobile’s coverage from 230 million potential customers to 280. Additionally, T-Mo will receive AWS spectrum in total of 128 cellular markets (which includes 12 of the top 20 nationwide markets).

As expected Sprint, who was a naysayer from the beginning, didn’t wait long to add their two cents into the mix. Here is what the Now Network had to say about the squashed deal.

“Earlier today, AT&T terminated its definitive merger agreement with Deutsche Telekom to acquire T-Mobile USA. This is the right decision for consumers, competition and innovation in the wireless industry.

“From the beginning, Sprint has stood with consumers who spoke loudly and clearly that AT&T’s proposed takeover of T-Mobile would create an undeniable duopoly that would have resulted in higher prices, less innovation and fewer choices for the American consumer.

“Sprint commends the Department of Justice, the Federal Communications Commission and the bi-partisan group of state attorneys general who gave voice to the concerns of consumers across the country. We look forward to competing fiercely in the robust, competitive market that exists today and continuing to deliver the world class service and products that consumers have come to expect from Sprint.”

Continue reading for AT&T’s full press release below.

AT&T Ends Bid To Add Network Capacity Through T-Mobile USA Purchase
Company Reaffirms Its Commitment to Mobile Broadband LeadershipDallas, Texas, December 19, 2011AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) said today that after a thorough review of options it has agreed with Deutsche Telekom AG to end its bid to acquire T-Mobile USA, which began in March of this year.The actions by the Federal Communications Commission and the Department of Justice to block this transaction do not change the realities of the U.S. wireless industry. It is one of the most fiercely competitive industries in the world, with a mounting need for more spectrum that has not diminished and must be addressed immediately. The AT&T and T-Mobile USA combination would have offered an interim solution to this spectrum shortage. In the absence of such steps, customers will be harmed and needed investment will be stifled.

“AT&T will continue to be aggressive in leading the mobile Internet revolution,” said Randall Stephenson, AT&T chairman and CEO. “Over the past four years we have invested more in our networks than any other U.S. company. As a result, today we deliver best-in-class mobile broadband speeds – connecting smartphones, tablets and emerging devices at a record pace – and we are well under way with our nationwide 4G LTE deployment.

“To meet the needs of our customers, we will continue to invest,” Stephenson said. “However, adding capacity to meet these needs will require policymakers to do two things. First, in the near term, they should allow the free markets to work so that additional spectrum is available to meet the immediate needs of the U.S. wireless industry, including expeditiously approving our acquisition of unused Qualcomm spectrum currently pending before the FCC. Second, policymakers should enact legislation to meet our nation’s longer-term spectrum needs.

“The mobile Internet is a dynamic industry that can be a critical driver in restoring American economic growth and job creation, but only if companies are allowed to react quickly to customer needs and market forces,” Stephenson said.

To reflect the break-up considerations due Deutsche Telekom, AT&T will recognize a pretax accounting charge of $4 billion in the 4th quarter of 2011. Additionally, AT&T will enter a mutually beneficial roaming agreement with Deutsche Telekom.

*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.

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AT&T Captivate Glide now rooted

Dax Krishna — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 15:54:33 +0000

If any of our readers have been itching for some custom ROM action on their QWERTY device called the Captivate Glide on AT&T, you should know that the device is now rootable and ready to take on some custom ROMs once they start appearing. The same goes for the Rogers version of the device (SGH-I927R) with pretty much the same procedure to get root.

People over at XDA churn out wonders like these on a regular basis but the hero this time is lambgx02 and you might want to look up his post on the forum to know the whole deal before jumping in. As we see it, the procedure seems easy enough if you know your way around Odin.

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White Samsung Galaxy S2 Skyrocket now available on AT&T, LG Nitro HD follows behind

Dax Krishna — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 13:52:58 +0000

The white knight isn’t the only treat AT&T is bringing its customers this season as there is something to whet their appetite for the dark too. Released yesterday alongside the long-awaited Skyrocket, the LG Nitro HD packs the same punch but clad in more darker hues than the SGS2 variant.

Both feature dual-core CPUs boasting clockspeeds of 1.5GHz per core, 8MP shooters on their backs and run Android 2.3.5 but there are some big difference you need to know about if you have to choose between the two. While they have the same screen size of 4.5 inches, the Nitro HD trumps the Skyrocket by packing in more resolution at 720×1280 pixels but if you want to overlook the display size and are looking for more space, the choice easily is the Skyrocket since it comes with 16GB of onboard storage against 4GB on the Nitro HD. Still, both are great devices and you would be better off with either of these, as both are ICS ready and will eventually get that juicy new update as soon the respective companies decide to let it loose.

Both devices are priced at $249.99 with a two-year contract – head here if you want the Skyrocket or this page if it’s the Nitro HD you have a liking for.

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AT&T Confirms LG Nitro HD With December 4th Release Date

Amy Eichelberg — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 18:59:16 +0000

Ahead of LG’s big event, AT&T has confirmed the existence of the LG Nitro HD handset alongside a firm launch date of December 4th. The 4G LTE device houses a dual-core 1GHz chip underneath an impressive 4.5-inch AH-IPS LCD display with 720p. The handset is expected to present a slightly sharper display than the Samsung Galaxy Nexus, and appears to be better outdoors with its 500-nit brightness.

Additional spec highlights include the Android 2.3 OS, an eight-megapixel rear camera with a 1.3-megapixel front camera, and a total of 20GB of available storage.

The LG Nitro HD will cost consumers $250 with a new 2 year contract, and is slated to ship on December 4th. Interested consumers will have to physically visit their nearest AT&T dealer, as this device is only available in stores.

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