T-Mobile

Mobile TV

Jason Ankeny — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 10:37:05 -0500

It's safe to say mobile television experienced serious growing pains throughout 2008. (Although to be fair, it could have been worse: No one actually aired Growing Pains on mobile TV this year.) The mobile broadcast platform showed occasional flashes of promise, tied mostly to live sporting events such as the Summer Olympics and golf's U.S. Open, but from an international perspective the medium is in serious trouble. This summer, the British Broadcasting Corporation admitted a free mobile TV trial available to subscribers of Orange, Vodafone, T-Mobile and 3UK attracted less than 600 viewers per day, and launched a public consultation to consider its next move. That same week, electronics giant Toshiba announced plans to shutter its Mobile Broadcasting Corporation subsidiary in March 2009, citing anemic consumer interest. MBC's MobaHo! service launched in Japan in 2004 and attracted only around 100,000 subscribers in four years' time; Toshiba originally forecast subscriber totals in excess of a million by the end of 2007.

While more than 330 million mobile subscribers worldwide will own broadcast TV-enabled handsets by 2013, fewer than 14 percent will sign up for premium mobile TV services according to a recent forecast issued by market analysis firm Juniper Research. Despite forecasting annual worldwide end-user revenues of $2.7 billion by 2013, Juniper contends the development of handsets capable of receiving free-to-air analog and digital terrestrial TV signals will adversely impact the commercial prospects for dedicated mobile broadcast efforts.

In the meantime, the European Commission is poised to present a new document designed to galvanize mobile television adoption across the continent. In a recent interview, EU Information Society Commissioner Viviane Reding bemoaned operators' failure to fully capitalize on mobile broadcast opportunities like the Olympics and this summer's European Football Cup Championship. "The industry was not ready. It is as simple as that," Reding said. "I told them very clearly that the Olympic Games and the European Football Cup were an opportunity to launch this system, but they were not ready. It is an opportunity lost. Let's wait for the next one." Umm... what's the opposite of a ringing endorsement?

Video: Google Searching on the T-Mobile G1

Mike Dolan — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 09:03:09 -0400

An overview of Google search on the Android-powered phone, the T-mobile G1.

Andrew Seybold: Android winners lack innovation

Andrew M. Seybold — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 08:52:15 -0400

The Google Android developer contest is over, 50 companies entered and the winners have been chosen. Let me say right up front that I have a lot of respect for people who can design and code applications, they are a special breed of people. However, I must say that in reviewing what one would think would be the best of the best when it comes to applications, I was underwhelmed with the offerings. (Click here to see the winners).

Many of the applications, or ones like them, are already available on other platforms and some were launched years ago and failed. Very few of them seem to solve a problem I might have or help me do something faster and easier.

The top applications where the winning companies were awarded $270,000 from Google are particularly disappointing to me. One is a program to help locate a cab--there are at least two other companies out there doing the same thing. I recently saw similar applications from companies that entered the SiRF Location 2.0 Summit application contest, of which I was one of the judges. Two of the applications help comparison shop by providing product reviews and finding the best prices. Been there, done that. One of the issues that may not be obvious to those who write such applications is that each major chain store--at least in electronics--has its own model numbers that are specific--not only to the equipment--but to the store chain as well. This is why you see so many ads that state, "We will beat any price for this model."

One of the Android winners tracks your mobile carbon footprint and suggests transit and carpooling alternatives, which might be interesting to a very limited number of people. One changes your phone's settings based on location and other undetermined events, which might be fun. There is also one for workout enthusiasts. One is a social media player and social networking app, one enables personalization of your pictures and sharing with friends or sending them off to photo sites and, finally, one application helps you in the event of major and minor disasters.

I was pleased to see some of the programs using location-based services, which I believe can add real value to a number of applications. There were a lot of music and several game applications and one that will help with virtual storage and remote file access so you can keep your files in the cloud, accessible anywhere (or at least where you have data coverage).

A few of the applications look as though they might appeal to a larger audience including one designed to help keep track of personal events, track severe weather and emergencies in your area. There were also many social networking applications where you can share your location, track your friends and so on. I find it interesting that diverse groups of developers seem to have the same idea and develop applications that do essentially the same thing. None of the applications I saw listed make me think that the Android platform will come out of the chute with some really great applications or services.

What I did not see were applications that would enable me to select people out of my address book and then, without having to retype their name, locate them on Google Earth, get turn-by-turn directions to their houses or businesses or find their status (online, not available, etc). Nor did I see any really good navigation and/or turn-by-turn direction programs using Google Earth, any mapping platform or claim to report real-time traffic. And not a single application listed was compelling for the business community.

I guess I am disappointed. I like the Android concept and I like the fact the platform is open to all who want to develop on it. But similar to the Apple iPhone applications, I don't see any new thinking or new ideas emerging. Since Android is a brand new platform, it should be easy to turn my calendar into a "living" calendar so when information is put into it, it controls a smart back-end that tells me, for example, what time I need to leave to arrive at my on-site meeting, if my plane is on time, if there has been a gate change, whether I got my upgrade or the weather conditions in my destination city.

Google, like Apple before it, was starting with a clean slate and I was hoping to see some integration of products and services, not simply a bunch of standalone applications. I am sure serious work is being done by other developers, but I believe many share Google's apparent belief that the browser is the first and best way to access the Internet for information, which means that most of the applications on the Android platform will be more of the same, only on a different platform. Someone please prove me wrong!

Andrew Seybold is an authority on technology and trends shaping the world of wireless mobility. A respected analyst, consultant, commentator, author and active participant in industry trade organizations, his views have influenced strategies and shaped initiatives for telecom, mobile computing and wireless industry leaders worldwide.

Can rivals mimic Apple when it comes to the App Store?

Sue Marek — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 10:34:17 -0400

Thanks to Apple's launch of its iTunes App Store in July, the wireless app store concept has suddenly gained traction. Now Google, Symbian, T-Mobile USA and Microsoft are all likely to follow suit and open online stores where developers will sell downloadable software applications. Will consumers flock to these app stores? And perhaps more importantly, will developers profit from them? Article

Operators pledge support for AmberWatch Mobile

Fri, 30 May 2008 06:59:55 -0400

Proving the adage that "There's safety in numbers," the five major U.S. mobile operators--AT&T, Verizon Wireless, Sprint Nextel, T-Mobile USA and Alltel Wireless--jointly committed their support for the AmberWatch Mobile Initiative, a charitable effort that generates funds for the national child welfare non-profit AmberWatch Foundation. Paul Jacobs, CEO of fellow AmberWatch partner Qualcomm, officially announced the operators' participation during his keynote appearance Thursday at the wireless solutions provider's BREW 2008 conference in San Diego.

Powered by location-based solutions provider WaveMarket, the AmberWatch Mobile Initiative will raise funding and awareness for the foundation, which is dedicated to keeping children safe from molestation and abduction by establishing partnerships with local law enforcement and other officials. AmberWatch's "Be Safe!" Education Program offers children and their parents tips on staying safe from predators, delivering presentations at no cost to the school, municipality or local community group that hosts the event.

Although the carrier members are scheduled to take part in a series of fund-raising efforts to support the AmberWatch Mobile Initiative, details are presently scarce. "The wireless industry will roll out this program, which is great for kids," Jacobs said. "We'll give you updates as it progresses."

Presumably some funding will derive from WaveMarket's premium LBS services. The company's AmberWatch Mobile is a cross-carrier, GPS-based safety application enabling youngsters to reach out for assistance via mobile device. Alerts automatically include the child's location, viewable on a map from the web or a mobile phone--family members can also track a child's whereabouts on-demand or using "scheduled checks."

T-Mobile USA faces mobile billing lawsuit

Fri, 16 May 2008 06:59:57 -0400

Another day, another mobile content billing lawsuit: T-Mobile USA is the latest operator to face legal action following allegations subscribers were billed for wireless services without their consent. The class action complaint, moved from California state to federal court this week, alleges that plaintiffs Robin Moore and Crystal Butler were unfairly charged for mobile content services provided by T-Mobile partners including Flycell and Ringazza: "Defendant T-Mobile caused plaintiff Moore's cellular phone to include the unauthorized charge of $9.99 per month for Ringazza, and similarly caused plaintiff Butler's cellular phone bill to include the unauthorized charge of $9.99 for Flycell," the suit reads. "In doing so, defendant T-Mobile omitted necessary information from plaintiffs' cellular phone bills … including the means to contact the offending third-party company, such as a toll-free number." The suit goes on to state "T-Mobile benefits from this practice by taking a share of the monies collected."

Earlier this week, Sprint Nextel was slapped with a similar class action suit alleging the carrier charged subscribers for unauthorized mobile content purchases while failing to adopt procedures requiring customer authorization before download fees are assessed. In March, rival AT&T Mobility agreed to refund thousands of Florida consumers more than $10 million following accusations the operator billed subscribers for mobile content services advertised as free.

For more on the T-Mobile suit:
- read this RCR Wireless News article

Messaging drives T-Mobile USA's Q1 data growth

Thu, 08 May 2008 06:59:58 -0400

T-Mobile USA reported first-quarter net income of $462 million, up from $315 million a year ago--service revenues increased 14 percent to $4.57 billion from $3.99 billion in Q1 2007, growth the operator attributed to an increase of contract customers. T-Mobile USA added 981,000 new customers during the quarter, crossing the 30 million subscriber mark--churn fell to 1.7 percent in Q1 2008, down from 1.9 percent a year ago, although ARPU slipped to $51, a $1 decline from last year. Data services revenues were $760 million in the quarter, accounting for 16.6 percent of ARPU or $8.50 per customer, up from 15.8 percent/ $8.20 in the fourth quarter of 2007 and 14.3 percent/$7.50 in Q1 2007. According to T-Mobile USA, messaging revenues remain the primary driver behind data growth: The operator reports SMS and MMS swelled to 33 billion in the first quarter of 2008, compared to 24 billion in the previous quarter and 16 billion a year earlier. T-Mobile USA cited the popularity of its myFaves unlimited rate plan as a major catalyst behind its messaging growth.

For more on T-Mobile USA's Q1 results:
- read this release

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Crush or Flush bows on T-Mobile USA

Wed, 07 May 2008 06:59:56 -0400

Mobile social networking software and services provider Icebreaker announced its Crush or Flush community is now live on T-Mobile USA via the operator's T-Zones portal. According to Icebreaker, Crush or Flush--which enables users to meet, chat and flirt by browsing photo profiles--now boasts roughly 1 million registered U.S. subscribers, and is also available via carriers including AT&T, Alltel Wireless and Boost Mobile. The firm also released demographic data on its user population, noting that men make up 59 percent of total Crush or Flush members--77 percent of users are between the ages of 18 and 30 years old, and 56 percent are between the ages of 18 and 25. The average Crush or Flush member has 20 friends on the site. The states yielding the most members are California, Texas, New York, North Carolina and Florida.

For more on the Icebreaker/T-Mobile USA deal:
- read this release

How Nokia will change MyFaves

Tue, 06 May 2008 07:00:00 -0400

Earlier this year T-Mobile International CEO Hamid Akhavan announced its community-oriented MyFaves service had 5.2 million users in the U.S., and after five weeks, the offering had already garnered a quarter million users in Europe. "We believe that we have found the pulse of community," Akhavan said at the time.

Now that the carrier has located that pulse, you can bet it has no plans to lose it.

Last week T-Mobile announced a deal with Nokia to collaborate on accelerating mobile Internet services and personal social communities on mobile devices. As part of the announcement, the companies announced their intent to further enhance T-Mobile's MyFaves service, which launched last fall in Europe.

MyFaves allows subscribers to call any five numbers it designates as a "Fave" for an unlimited number of minutes each month. Users can swap in new numbers each month. T-Mobile basically created a mini-social network of the five most important people around their subscriber, and this still-nebulous deal with Nokia signals an intent to enrich and deepen the community aspects of that mini-social network.

Within the small group of successful mobile social networks, or those poised for success, are two types of offerings: Mobilized versions of the big social networks (MySpace, Facebook) and exclusively mobile offerings that typically use location-based features as a differentiator (loopt, Whrrl). The mobile social networking start-ups must make use of location in order to compete with the established brands, which boast millions of users. If T-Mobile is serious about making MyFaves a useful community offering, it needs to work toward making location a part of the next evolution of the MyFaves.

Who better than Nokia to take on such a task? The company just recently acquired one of the biggest location-based services company in the world, Navteq, for a cool $8.1 billion. Of course, MyFaves allows subscribers to pick any number, which means any carrier. And carriers aren't really ready to start sharing their location-based information with each other and quite a few regulators don't want them too either. So if T-Mobile, Nokia and Navteq are serious about enriching mobile social communities, they are going to have to start by bringing the carriers together first. - Brian

Deutsche Telekom pondering Sprint Nextel takeover

Mon, 05 May 2008 06:59:59 -0400

Deutsche Telekom AG is mulling a bid to acquire Sprint Nextel, a deal that if consummated would establish the European communications giant's T-Mobile USA unit as the U.S. market's largest wireless carrier. Citing sources familiar with the matter, The Wall Street Journal reports Deutsche Telekom management is still debating the merits of a Sprint bid and may not act for weeks or even months, if at all. The U.S. wireless industry's third largest carrier, Sprint Nextel boasts a market capitalization of $22 billion after its revenue fell to $40.1 billion in 2007 from $41 billion a year earlier--the operator also booked a net loss of $29.5 billion in the fourth quarter due to a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $29.7 billion. With 28.7 million customers at the end of December, T-Mobile USA lags a distant fourth, but a merger with Sprint would roughly triple its subscriber base and vault the company ahead of AT&T and Verizon Wireless. Two major obstacles loom, however: While T-Mobile USA's network operates on the GSM standard, Sprint relies on the rival CDMA format, posing an integration nightmare. There is also some question whether U.S. regulators would give their blessing to the deal.

For more on the DT/Sprint rumors:
- read this Wall Street Journal article

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T-Mobile and Nokia team on web, social networking

Fri, 02 May 2008 06:59:58 -0400

T-Mobile and Nokia announced an agreement to collaborate on new mobile web and social networking services, two months after T-Mobile denied a plot to dump Nokia devices tied to the handset giant's Ovi mobile web service over concerns Ovi would cannibalize the operator's in-house content platform. Per terms of the deal, Nokia will customize its devices to integrate a dedicated suite of T-Mobile services, while the operator will offer the Ovi platform across a range of Nokia devices. The companies will also partner to enhance T-Mobile's MyFaves community service.

For more on the T-Mobile/Nokia deal:
- read this release

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T-Mobile USA adds JuiceCaster

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 06:59:57 -0400

Mobile social networking service JuiceCaster announced its biggest U.S. operator deal to date, launching its version 6.0 across a dozen T-Mobile USA handsets. JuiceCaster promises one-touch photo and video sharing to more than 20 social networking and blogging sites including MySpace, Facebook and Twitter--the latest edition also enables users to post and view real-time video status updates on their mobile devices. T-Mobile will offer JuiceCaster 6.0 at $2.99 per month for unlimited use--the service is also available via Alltel, US Cellular and Cricket Wireless.

For more on the JuiceCaster/T-Mobile deal:
- read this release

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MySpace Music officially announced

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 07:59:59 -0400

Social networking giant MySpace officially confirmed its much-rumored MySpace Music retail effort, teaming with Universal Music, Sony BMG and Warner Music Group to offer consumers free, ad-subsidized streaming content as well as premium downloads a la Apple's iTunes. The New York Times reports all three major label partners will own minority stakes in MySpace Music, and will offer up their complete content catalogs--holdout EMI is widely expected to join the venture in the near future. In addition to full-length, DRM-free tracks, MySpace Music will also offer ringtones, concert tickets, t-shirts and related merch--MySpace CEO Chris DeWolfe said a subscription-based unlimited access model is also under serious consideration. Pricing details were not disclosed. "This is really a mega-music experience that is transformative in a lot of ways," DeWolfe added. "It's the first service that offers a full catalog of music to be streamed for free, with full community features, to be shared with all of your friends."

For more on MySpace Music:
- read this New York Times article

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Sony to launch feature films channel via AT&T

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 07:59:59 -0400

Sony Pictures Television announced a deal with AT&T to launch the first full-length movie channel on mobile via the operator's fledgling AT&T Mobile TV service, scheduled to debut in May. The linear Sony Pictures channel, dubbed PIX, is one of two new channels exclusive to the AT&T/MediaFLO USA effort--Sony imprints including Columbia, TriStar, Screen Gems and Sony Classics will supply content for PIX, with confirmed titles including Ghostbusters, Philadelphia and Stand by Me. Each film will run for one month, with new titles added weekly. "What you see a lot on the carrier decks is promotional content that people can snack a little on," said Sony Pictures vice president of mobile entertainment Eric Berger in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. "There's nothing currently there as deeply entertaining as these movies. We recognize that people are on the go with their mobile phone and coming and going. This isn't for people looking to view a movie for the first time. It's OK to miss the beginning."

For more on PIX:
- read this Hollywood Reporter article

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MySpace befriends mBlox for text alerts

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 07:59:56 -0400

MySpace announced a partnership with mobile transaction solutions provider mBlox to make the social networking giant's text message alert program available to subscribers on the Verizon Wireless, T-Mobile USA, Alltel Wireless, Virgin Mobile USA and U.S. Cellular networks. According to MySpace, the deals mean more than 90 percent of users are now able to receive its mobile alerts, which offer subscribers real-time notification of new messages, friend requests, comments and related profile activity. Users may sign up by logging in to MySpace and selecting the Text Alerts link on their individual homepage.

"Users have come to depend on our text message alerts for instant notification when family and friends reach out to them on MySpace," said MySpace senior director of mobile business development Brandon Lucas in a prepared statement. "This partnership with mBlox brings us a step closer to fulfilling our vision of empowering MySpace users to stay connected with their community wherever they are, whenever they like."

For more on the MySpace/mBlox deal:
- read this release

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AT&T Mobile TV finally on tap for May

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 07:59:59 -0400

AT&T and MediaFLO USA said the long-gestating AT&T Mobile TV service will finally launch in May 2008, more than a year after the firms formally announced their partnership. According to AT&T, the service will deliver full-length television content and sporting events from networks including CBS Mobile, NBC 2GO, FOX Mobile, Comedy Central, ESPN Mobile TV, MTV and Nickelodeon. AT&T Mobile TV will debut on two new exclusive handsets, the LG Vu and the Samsung Access, and will also feature two exclusive channels to be named later.

For more on the AT&T Mobile TV launch:
- read this release

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MySpace Mobile launches on Sprint

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 07:59:57 -0400

Sprint announced the launch of MySpace Mobile across all of its web-enabled handsets, becoming the first U.S. operator to offer subscribers free direct access to the new social networking site, which makes its formal debut after roughly six months in beta. Sprint and MySpace promise subscribers the tools to edit their MySpace profiles, view and add friends, browse photo albums, post blogs and bulletins, and send and receive messages via mobile device. According to MySpace, the mobile service generated more than a million unique users during beta trials. "Mobile is the next generation of social networking," said MySpace senior director of mobile business development Brandon Lucas in a prepared statement. "Our partnership with Sprint makes it easier and faster for customers to get the most out of MySpace when they're on the go."

For more on the MySpace Mobile debut:
- read this release

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Nokia premieres Mobile Filmmaking Awards

Wed, 19 Mar 2008 07:59:55 -0400

Nokia announced the launch of its 2008 Nokia Mobile Filmmaking Awards, encouraging contestants to upload their user-generated shorts to the handset giant's Share on Ovi free media sharing service. Nokia is mounting the contest in collaboration with Pangea Day, an event created by documentary filmmaker Jehane Noujaim to connect people via film in an effort to encourage viewers to consider the world from someone else's perspective. Consumers who register via Nokia's Ovi mobile web portal may vote to select five finalists, who will have their videos screened during the Pangea Day broadcast event May 10 and win a trip to the live Pangea Day broadcast site in Los Angeles.A panel of professional judges including Noujaim and pop musician Dave Stewart will select a grand prize winner who will also receive a production budget to record their trip to SoCal.

Contestants may submit their 2008 Nokia Mobile Filmmaking Awards entries through April 15. To be eligible for consideration, each short must clock in under two minutes and focus on one of the following themes: Acts of kindness, inspirational figures, the best part of the day or something that makes you smile. "This competition is a great way for anyone in the world to get involved in the global Pangea Day event and increases awareness for how converged mobile devices and services are helping to connect people of diverse backgrounds," said Nokia Entertainment and Communities executive vice president Tero Ojanpera in a prepared statement.

For more on the 2008 Nokia Mobile Filmmaking Awards:
- read this release

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LightPole debuts end-to-end publishing solution

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 07:59:56 -0400

Mobile application service provider LightPole announced the release its LightPole Publishing System, a solution promising publishers, bloggers and other content providers the tools to distribute content to mobile devices and engage subscribers in two-way communication. According to LightPole, the service enables subscriber access to real-time, location-based mobile information while supporting a variety of business models including subscriptions, transactions and advertising; publishers may also configure their content to enable reader comments, link sharing and online dialogue. LightPole launches its mobile infrastructure with third-party solutions from partners including Yahoo, Yelp, Platial and MappyHour--the service also supports hundreds of devices from AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile. LightPole also announced the completion of a Series A financing round led by Alloy Ventures.

For more on the LightPole Publishing System:
- read this release

Thumbplay rakes in $18 million in Series E

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 07:59:56 -0400

Mobile multimedia content portal Thumbplay raised $18 million in its Series E funding round, according to a regulatory filing reported by peHUB. Listed shareholders include Softbank Capital, i-Hatch Ventures and Verizon Investments. Thumbplay previously raised in excess of $35 million, including an unannounced $17 million Series D round completed last summer. Thumbplay membership-based, community experience offers subscribers ringtones, wallpapers, games and text-based services--operator partners include AT&T, Verizon Wireless, T-Mobile, Sprint and Alltel.

For more on Thumbplay's windfall:
- read this peHUB article

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