Sprint Nextel, the nation’s third-largest wireless operator, announced this morning that it’s doing away with its 5GB $30 a month mobile hotspot add-on for smartphones and tablets.

Instead, beginning May 18, customers can choose between 2GB or 6GB data plans priced at $20 or $50 a month, respectively. As always, the deal involves some fine print you should be aware of…(...)
Read the rest of Sprint axes 5GB/$30 mobile hotspot plan, replaces it with 2GB/6GB tiers

"Sprint axes 5GB/$30 mobile hotspot plan, replaces it with 2GB/6GB tiers" is an article by iDownloadBlog.com.
Make sure to follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Google+.

I already opined on crazypants analysts predicting carriers would put the iPhone in its place because they reason Apple wields far too much power in the wireless industry.

Newsflash: we’ve been hearing for years that disgruntled carriers will drop iPhone subsidies and hurt Apple’s bottom line in the process.

Surprisingly enough, fear of customer-retention rates spiking if they did has so far outweighed concerns of their profits taking a short-term hit because fewer people could afford a non-subsidized iPhone.

The fact of the matter is, it’s never been about Apple or even industry politics for that matter. This is about a sought-after device with the proven ability to bring in new customers.

It’s simple: make the iPhone more pricier and expect customers to flee to another network that offers it subsidized…(...)
Read the rest of Why carriers put up with high iPhone subsidy

"Why carriers put up with high iPhone subsidy" is an article by iDownloadBlog.com.
Make sure to follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Google+.

It looks like Verizon is going to add to its already impressive LTE coverage map next week. The carrier announced on Thursday that it plans to flip the 4G switch on in more than 20 new markets on May 17.

Folks with an LTE-flavored iPad will be able to take advantage of Verizon’s Long Term network in Myrtle Beach, SC, Jersey Shore, NJ (fist pump) and other northeast areas. Keep reading for the full list…(...)
Read the rest of Verizon bringing LTE to the Jersey Shore and other new markets on May 17

"Verizon bringing LTE to the Jersey Shore and other new markets on May 17" is an article by iDownloadBlog.com.
Make sure to follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Google+.

As Sprint, the nation’s third-largest carrier, begins its long-overdue nationwide 4G LTE rollout, those keeping their fingers crossed for some crazy fast download speeds on a next-generation 4G LTE iPhone will be in for an unpleasant surprise.

While the carrier will keep unlimited data, whether or not the next iPhone has LTE (and we know the Now Network will be eligible for a 4G LTE iPhone), the handset will theoretically achieve much greater downloads speeds on rival AT&T’s and Verizon’s networks.

Here’s why…(...)
Read the rest of Sprint’s 4G LTE will be slower than AT&T’s or Verizon’s

"Sprint’s 4G LTE will be slower than AT&T’s or Verizon’s" is an article by iDownloadBlog.com.
Make sure to follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Google+.

As T-Mobile USA is getting ready to roll out an iPhone-compatible HSPA+ 19000 MHz network later this year (they already host more than a million iPhones on their network), the long overdue iPhone-friendly network expansion isn’t stopping them to take potshots at Apple’s smartphone and rival AT&T.

Their latest commercial, a part of the broader campaign dubbed ‘Alter Ego’, likens the speed of an iPhone 4S on the AT&T network to an ordinary motorcycle, which gets overtaken in a blink of a second by a badass 1000cc Ducati motorcycle….(...)
Read the rest of T-Mobile ad disses the iPhone 4S on AT&T’s network

"T-Mobile ad disses the iPhone 4S on AT&T’s network" is an article by iDownloadBlog.com.
Make sure to follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Google+.

Folks looking to move their iPhone service to the often-cheaper T-Mobile network will be happy to hear this. The nation’s fourth largest carrier has just announced that it plans to roll out an iPhone-ready network by the end of the year.

According to a recent press release, T-Mobile is modernizing its 4G network this year by launching HSPA+ services in the 1900 MHz band. This will improve data speeds, in-building service, and yes, compatibility with Apple’s smartphone…
(...)
Read the rest of T-Mobile: iPhone-compatible HSPA+ network coming later this year

"T-Mobile: iPhone-compatible HSPA+ network coming later this year" is an article by iDownloadBlog.com.
Make sure to follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Google+.

The New York Times points to some interesting comments, regarding Apple, made by AT&T’s chief executive Randall Stephenson at the Milken Institute’s Global Conference earlier this week.

During an on-stage interview, the CEO discussed a wide range of topics including his regret for initially allowing iPhone users to have unlimited data, and how it affected AT&T’s bottom line…(...)
Read the rest of AT&T CEO talks the iPhone, unlimited data and iMessage

"AT&T CEO talks the iPhone, unlimited data and iMessage" is an article by iDownloadBlog.com.
Make sure to follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Google+.

Carrier options for US iPhone customers have dramatically multiplied over the past two years. The handset, which was once only available from AT&T, is now offered on nine wireless providers across the country.

Actually, 10 carriers if you count Straight Talk. You may or may not know this, but the nationwide prepaid provider is compatible with the GSM iPhone. You don’t even need to unlock your handset to switch to it…(...)
Read the rest of Straight Talk: the silent iPhone partner

"Straight Talk: the silent iPhone partner" is an article by iDownloadBlog.com.
Make sure to follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Google+.

In the midst of all of the talk regarding Apple releasing a smaller iPad to reach out to budget shoppers, one analyst has another idea on how the company could lower the slate’s cost to infiltrate the budget tablet market. Carrier subsidies.

Analyst A.I. Houriani, of Seeking Alpha, believes that Apple could sell a lot more iPads if it could convince carriers to absorb some of the tablet’s up front costs in exchange for multi-year contracts — similar to what they do with iPhones…(...)
Read the rest of Would you buy a carrier-subsidized iPad?

"Would you buy a carrier-subsidized iPad?" is an article by iDownloadBlog.com.
Make sure to follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Google+.

9to5Mac points to an interesting presentation given at the recent Barcelona Informa MVNO Industry Summit by Whitey Bluestein. The wireless industry analyst believes that Apple is about to launch its own wireless service courtesy of MVNO.

This isn’t the first time we’ve heard rumors regarding the iPhone-makers becoming a Mobile Virtual Network Operator, but Bluestein believes this is set to happen in the “near future.” And he makes a pretty convincing argument too…(...)
Read the rest of Analyst believes Apple will soon become a mobile operator

"Analyst believes Apple will soon become a mobile operator" is an article by iDownloadBlog.com.
Make sure to follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Google+.