T-Mobile
Carriers Weigh in on FCC's Proposed Phone Unlocking Rule
T-Mobile and AT&T have submitted formal objections to the FCC over its proposed rule requiring carriers to unlock new phones after 60 days, regardless of whether the phone is fully paid off. (This type of unlocking would let customers use their phone with a different network.) T-Mobile and AT&T argue that — for their prepaid brands in particular — longer locking periods are necessary to ensure that phone subsidies are recovered. Prepaid phones sold by Metro by T-Mobile and Cricket (an AT&T brand) are typically subsidized so they can be sold far below their actual retail price. For example, Metro currently offers the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G — A $200 phone — for free. Metro currently locks phones for a full year to ensure the phone subsidy is recovered in monthly service charges. T-Mobile says that the FCC's proposed 60-day rule "would see subsidies reduced by 40% to 70% for both its lower and higher-end devices", and that a "handset unlocking mandate would also leave providers little choice but to limit their handset offers to lower cost and often lesser performing handsets." AT&T agrees, saying the proposed rule would create "upward pressure on handset prices and disincentives to finance handsets on flexible terms." Verizon is already subject to stricter phone unlocking rules as a condition of its FCC license for band 13, a core frequency band for its network. Verizon therefore voiced its support for the new rule, since it would create "a uniform unlocking policy that applies to all providers", effectively ending Verizon's current competitive disadvantage. However Verizon still acknowledged the need for longer locking periods in the prepaid market, saying "a longer, 180-day locking period for prepaid is necessary to enable wireless providers to continue offering subsidies that make phones affordable".
T-Mobile Enables Text Via Satellite as Carriers Prepare for Hurricane Milton
T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T have put out detailed information on how they're preparing for Hurricane Milton and responding to Hurricane Helene. For the first time, T-Mobile is activating Starlink Direct-to-Cellular satellite SMS service for its customers, including the ability to text 911. This experimental service is being deployed on a temporary, emergency basis in Florida as well as the areas previously impacted by Hurricane Helene. This service enables any ordinary T-Mobile phone to receive service via satellite (at this time, for texting only) when land-based networks are unavailable. Engadget reports that phones will display a network name of "T-Mobile SpaceX" when connected to the service. SpaceX advises that the service works best outdoors or, if necessary, near a window. Because the Starlink Direct-to-Cellular fleet is only partially deployed, service may be intermittent. Separately, Verizon announced that it's waiving all "domestic call, text, and data usage for postpaid consumer and Verizon Small Business customers most impacted by the storm in parts of Florida from Oct. 9th – Oct. 23rd, 2024."
T-Mobile Testing Satellite Coverage in Hurricane-Affected Areas
T-Mobile and SpaceX have received special permission from the FCC to test their new satellite coverage technology in areas affected by Hurricane Helene. The SpaceX Starlink system used by T-Mobile works with essentially all existing T-Mobile phones, using an existing cellular frequency band (band 25). T-Mobile has already activated the system to send out emergency alerts in North Carolina, which can be received by any compatible phone, not just those of T-Mobile customers. The two companies also said they "may" test "basic texting (SMS) capabilities for most cell phones on the T-Mobile network in North Carolina." Because of the limited number of satellites deployed to date, service is likely to be intermittent for now.
OpenSignal Rates Carrier's 5G Performance
OpenSignal has released its latest annual ranking of 5G networks worldwide. T-Mobile USA and Puerto Rico came in first in 5G availability among all 5G networks on the planet. In other key categories — like 5G download speed — no US carrier cracks the top-20 list globally. However, AT&T and Verizon did both place in the top 5 worldwide for "most improved" year-over-year in 5G download speed. In a similar report focusing on the US released in July, T-Mobile came in first for "average overall download and upload speeds" as well as "consistent quality". However Verizon came in first for video and gaming "experience" and 5G upload speed. AT&T, meanwhile, came in first for overall "availability" (regardless of technology).
T-Mobile Launches New Priority Lane for First Responders
T-Mobile has announced T-Priority, a new offering for first responder agencies that uses network slicing to give participating first responders a promised minimum level of service, a step beyond simple priority access that other networks offer. Thanks to network slicing — a feature of 5G SA networks like T-Mobile's — the portion of the network devoted to first responders can automatically grow to meet demand, such as during major emergencies. The first customer will be the City of New York. New "first responder rate plans launch later this year and are available for state, local and federal agencies. They're also available to businesses, like utility and transportation organizations, that provide critical support during emergencies."
T-Mobile Tests Wireless Emergency Alert Via Satellite
T-Mobile and SpaceX have successfully tested a wireless emergency alert (WEA) via the Starlink network's new direct-to-cell capability. The test message was sent by emergency operators and received by a Starlink direct-to-smartphone satellite currently in low earth orbit. The message was then automatically "broadcast to a geographic area impacted by the hypothetical evacuation notice and received by a T-Mobile smartphone" successfully. The service works in areas without cellular coverage. This can be particularly useful when a disaster — such as a wildfire — has damaged cell towers, creating new cellular "dead zones" at a time when emergency communication is critical. Of the 6,000+ Starlink satellites currently orbit, so far 175 have the new direct-to-cell technology that acts like a cell tower in space and can communicate with existing phones. SpaceX continues to add more Starlink satellites with this new functionality. "As that happens, T-Mobile intends to beta test the service before launching it commercially." T-Mobile promises a text message service initially, followed by voice and data in following years, as the system grows. Verizon and AT&T are testing a similar system from AST SpaceMobile, which will launch its first five commercial satellites into orbit (via a SpaceX rocket) tomorrow. Both systems will work with most existing phones, while "NTN" satellite services from Apple and Skylo (supporting Google and Samsung phones) require specific hardware support in each phone.
HMD Launches Barbie Phone in US
HMD has teamed up with Mattel for a Barbie Phone. The HMD Barbie Phone is a basic flip phone offering a simple, Barbie-themed interface (based on KaiOS). A number of Barbie-themed accessories are included, such as two extra back covers with different designs, a beaded lanyard with attachable charms, stickers for decorating the phone, and a pink charger. The phone itself includes a 5 megapixel camera with flash, memory card slot, MP3 player, and a 1,450 mAh (pink) battery. A Snake game is included, which has been re-themed for Barbie with watermelons. It has excellent support for Verizon and T-Mobile 4G networks, and decent support for AT&T's 4G network. It will sell for $129 unlocked from HMD. Pre-orders begin Sept. 23, with full availability Oct. 1.
Verizon, T-Mobile Protest Allocation of 4.9 GHz Band to AT&T's FirstNet
The FCC has proposed that the 4.9 GHz band be managed by FirstNet, a 5G network dedicated to public safety and operated by AT&T. The 4.9 GHz band (4,940–4,990 MHz) has been set aside for local public safety use since 2002, but local agencies have found it challenging to make full use of it with modern technologies. Meanwhile FirstNet and AT&T have years of experience operating a nationwide 4G/5G network dedicated to public safety. AT&T's agreement with FirstNet gives public safety users priority, but allows AT&T to use excess capacity on FirstNet for its own commercial network at times. For this reason, Verizon and T-Mobile have filed complaints against the FCC's plan, calling it a $14 billion giveaway to AT&T.
Pink Motorola razr+ Exclusive to T-Mobile
T-Mobile will have an exclusive on the "hot pink" color for the new Motorola razr+ flagship foldable phone in the US. Pre-orders start tomorrow, July 10.
Motorola Upgrades its razr Foldables Across the Board
Motorola has revealed its new razr and razr+ foldable phones for 2024. While the price points are unchanged at $700 and $1,000, both models get important upgrades. The most obvious and important is that the cheaper model now has the same large (3.6-inch) OLED touch display on the outside as last year's plus model, offering extensive functionality while closed. Both models also get the same new and improved main camera with 50 megapixel resolution and OIS, and much better waterproofing (IPx8 to withstand full immersion). Both also share a new hinge design that's 30% smaller while offering better reliability, stability, dust resistance, and "crease" resistance. Both have Gorilla Glass Victus protecting the outer display and a similar 6000-series aluminum frame. Both have a 6.9-inch flexible main display inside with FHD+ resolution, and HDR10+. Other features in common include Google Gemini AI pre-installed, 256 GB of storage, 15-watt wireless charging, Bluetooth 5.4, and a 32 megapixel internal camera.
- The razr (2024) has a 3.6-inch outer touch display and both displays have 120 Hz refresh. It's powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 7300X chip and 8 GB of RAM. The battery is 4,200 mAh and it fast-charges at up to 30 watts. The second camera remains a 13-megapixel wide-angle one. Wi-Fi is version 6E. Color options include grey, sand, and orange. (Grey will be most common in the US.) The back is a smooth "vegan suede" texture.
- The razr+ (2024) has an even larger 4-inch outer display and both displays have up to 165 Hz refresh. It's powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chip and 12 GB of RAM. Both the RAM and storage are faster than on the base model (LPDDR5x and UFS 4.0). The battery is 4,000 mAh (larger than last year), it fast-charges at up to 45 watts, and the wireless charging is two-way. The second camera is a 2x telephoto instead of wide-angle, with 50 megapixel resolution but no OIS. Wi-Fi 7 is supported. Color options include blue, green, peach, and pink. (Blue will be most common in the US, with a vertical "racing stripe" of smoother texture in the "vegan leather".)
Hands On with the T-Mobile REVVL 7 and REVVL 7 Pro
Carrier-branded phones are nothing new, but T-Mobile's line of REVVL phones is one of the most simple, consistent, and long-running such efforts in the US. Most years, we get two phones: an entry-level model and a step-up model; this year is no different. We checked out the T-Mobile REVVL 7 5G and T-Mobile REVVL 7 Pro 5G for a day and have some first impressions to share. Read on to find out what these phones are like in person.
T-Mobile Picks up the New Motorola Edge
Motorola has taken the wraps off the 2024 edition of its mid-range Edge phone. True to its name, this year's model has an "endless edge" design with a 6.6-inch pOLED display that curves at the sides. Other key specs include 144 Hz display refresh, Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 processor, 8 GB RAM, 256 GB storage, IP68 water rating, and a 50 megapixel camera with a Sony Lytia 700C sensor and OIS. The 5,000 mAh battery can fast-charge at up to 68 watts, or 15 watts wireless. There's also a 13 megapixel wide-angle camera, 32 megapixel front camera, and a customizable shortcut button on the side. The back is "vegan leather" in Midnight Blue. It will be carried by T-Mobile, Metro by T-Mobile, Spectrum, Consumer Cellular, Straight Talk, Total By Verizon, and Visible. Motorola will also sell it unlocked for $550 starting June 20th.
T-Mobile Snaps Up US Cellular Customers
As reported earlier this month, regional wireless carrier US Cellular is being sold for parts. T-Mobile has reached an agreement to take on US Cellular's wireless customers and stores, as well as "certain specified spectrum assets", for $4.4 billion. Current US Cellular customers will become T-Mobile customers. The spectrum will help T-Mobile improve the coverage and capacity of its network, particularly in rural areas. The deal also includes a long-term lease for space on at least 2,100 towers. Previous reporting points to Verizon negotiating to acquire the majority of US Cellular's spectrum assets.
T-Mobile Raising Prices on Existing Plans
T-Mobile is increasing the price for existing customers on many of its legacy plans next month. Customers on the newest Go5G plans and some older high-end plans are not affected, but customers on many older plans will see an increase of up to $5/month for each phone line, and/or $2/month for each "connected device". Some customers report seeing an increase only for connected devices, not voice lines. The new rates go into effect on bills issued starting June 5th. T-Mobile sent text message notifications to affected customers this morning. As part of its merger with Sprint, T-Mobile was committed to not raise prices for three years; that commitment expired last year. T-Mobile says this is its first price hike in a decade. AT&T and Verizon have also recently raised their rates.
Metro Launches new REVVL Phones with Unique Perks Attached
T-Mobile today announced the REVVL 7 series of T-Mobile-branded phones exclusively for T-Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile. T-Mobile also announced some slightly unusual perks exclusive to the REVVL series on Metro. First is no activation fees when activating a REVVL 7 5G or REVVL 7 Pro 5G (other brands incur a $25 activation fee). Metro is also introducing a lifetime limited warranty that covers "mechanical or electrical" issues for as long as you have the phone and maintain an account in good standing. Finally, Metro will give you a free charger for a new REVVL upon request. The REVVL 7 5G has a 6.58-inch LCD display with FHD+ resolution, Snapdragon 6 processor, 6 GB RAM, 128 GB storage (expandable), 50 megapixel main camera, 5,000 mAh battery, and 15W charging. It also has a headset jack, NFC, fingerprint reader, and an 8 megapixel front camera. It will come in Arctic Gray (silver). The step-up REVVL 7 Pro 5G has all of that plus support for overseas networks, a larger 6.78 AMOLED display, 8 GB RAM, 256 GB storage, OIS on the main camera, 25W fast charging, wireless charging (15W), a 16-megapixel front camera, Wi-Fi 6E, and USB 3.0. It will come in Azurite Blue (navy). The phones can be had for free for new customers or in some cases when trading in. Full retail price is $200 for the REVVL 7 5G and $250 for the REVVL 7 Pro 5G. They will be available on both T-Mobile and Metro starting May 23.
Carriers Fined for Misleading "Unlimited" Plans and "Free" Phones
All three big national carriers — Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T — have been fined a total of $10.2 million for misleading advertising and have agreed to change the way they market "unlimited" data plans and "free" phones. The agreement was reached between the carriers and 50 attorneys general, including New York Attorney General Letitia James who led the charge for the fines. According to the agreement, "'Unlimited' mobile data plans can only be marketed if there are no limits on the quantity of data allowed during a billing cycle".
T-Mobile, Verizon in Talks to Carve up US Cellular
The Wall Street Journal reports that US Cellular is in talks to sell its assets to T-Mobile and Verizon in two separate but related deals. The T-Mobile deal is reportedly further along and could close this month. That deal includes spectrum licenses and "some operations" for around $2 billion. The Verizon deal could take longer and is not guaranteed. The main assets of interest are spectrum licenses. US Cellular holds licenses in 30 states covering 51 million people. US Cellular's over 4000 towers are reportedly not part of either deal. It is unclear if one or both buyers would take some or all of US Cellular's customers. US Cellular is currently the largest regional wireless carrier left in the US.
Motorola Gives its Stylus Phone a Spec Bump
Motorola has revealed the 2024 edition of its moto g stylus 5G, a model that typically sits near the upper end of its moto g series of affordable phones. The new model addresses most shortcomings of last year's model, adding wireless charging and boosting the wide-angle camera resolution from 8 megapixel to a more-useful 13 megapixel. The selfie camera also gets a boost, from 16 megapixel to 32, and RAM gets a nice bump to a generous 8 GB. Wired charging is also faster at up to 30 watts instead of 20. Other specs remain similar, including the large AMOLED display with 120 Hz refresh, pop-out stylus, Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset, and 5,000 mAh battery. There's also NFC, expandable storage, and a headset jack. The body is water repellent with an IP52 rating, slightly thinner than last year's model, and has a "vegan leather" finish on the back. Motorola will sell it unlocked for $400 starting May 30th. It will also be offered by AT&T, Metro by T-Mobile, Cricket, Boost, Consumer Cellular, US Cellular, Spectrum, Xfinity Mobile, Google Fi, Optimum Mobile, Straight Talk, Total by Verizon, and Visible.
Mint Mobile Now Owned by T-Mobile
T-Mobile has completed its planned acquisition of Ka'ena Corporation, which includes the Mint Mobile brand. T-Mobile says Mint will "continue to operate autonomously ... similar to T-Mobile's successful acquisition of MetroPCS in 2013." T-Mobile is also introducing new perks for Mint customers, including a scam call screener and free roaming in Canada. T-Mobile also promises that Mint will continue to offer "a $15/month plan" of some type, but does not promise what that plan will include in the future. Also, "Ryan Reynolds will continue in his creative role on behalf of Mint."
FCC Fines Carriers for Selling Your Location Data Without Consent
The FCC today announced fines totaling nearly $200 million against T-Mobile (and Sprint), AT&T, and Verizon, for illegally selling real-time customer location data to third parties without consent and without "reasonable safeguards". The fines follow a multi-year investigation started under the previous administration. Today's fines were first proposed in early 2020. T-Mobile and Verizon objected and were able to reduce their fines, to over $92 million (including Sprint) and almost $47 million, respectively. AT&T is fined more than $57 million.
TCL 50 Series Reaches US on Metro
TCL's new 50 series of phones is reaching US shores with the launch of the TCL 50 XL 5G on Metro by T-Mobile tomorrow. At $159, it's one of the more affordable 5G phones available to date. As the "XL" implies, the phone has a large display at 6.78 inches. Compared to last year's TCL 40 XL, the new model has 5G, a sharper display (FHD+) and more RAM (6 GB). Other features are similar, including a 50 megapixel main camera, 18W fast charging, 128 GB storage expandable to 2 TB via microSD, fingerprint reader, and a headset jack. The TCL 50 XL 5G is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ chipset.
Samsung Expands Mid-Range Lineup with Galaxy A35 5G
Samsung is bringing more mid-range phones to the US this year with the introduction of the Galaxy A35 5G. Samsung brought the Galaxy A32 5G to the US in late 2021, but the A33 and A34 skipped the US. Samsung launched the A15 and A25 in January. The A35 is very similar to the A25, with just a slightly larger display (6.6 instead of 6.5 inches), IP67 water resistance, and Wi-Fi 6. Other specs are the same, including a FHD+ AMOLED display with 120 Hz refresh, 5,000 mAh battery, 25W fast charging, 50 megapixel main camera, 8 megapixel wide camera, 13 megapixel front camera, Samsung Exynos processor, 6 GB RAM, 128 GB storage (expandable), and NFC. The Galaxy A35 5G is available starting today from T-Mobile, US Cellular, and unlocked from samsung.com. Update: AT&T, Metro, Consumer Cellular, Spectrum, and Xfinity also started offering the A35 this week.
Asus Goes Big with Zenfone 11 Ultra
Asus has revealed its latest global flagship phone: the Zenfone 11 Ultra. This year's model abandons the compact form factor that was a hallmark of the Zenfone series in recent years; the 11 Ultra has a 6.78" FHD+ AMOLED display, whereas last year's model was just 5.9". This change in strategy allows Asus to all but combine its ordinary and gaming lineups; the Zenfone 11 Ultra is basically the same phone as the ROG Phone 8, with only a different outer design. The 11 Ultra has all of the top-end specs expected of a flagship phone in 2024. Unusually, it also includes a 3.5mm headset jack, which supports Hi-res Audio and Dirac Virtuo. The US model has very good support for T-Mobile and AT&T 5G and 4G networks. It will be available in four colors: black, gray, blue, and sand. For $900 unlocked, it comes with 12 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage. Pre-orders start today. From now until April 14, 2024, Asus is offering a free pair of ROG Cetra True Wireless earbuds worth $100. Read on for more specs.
Motorola Brings More Affordable 5G Phones to its 2024 Lineup
Motorola has announced the 2024 editions of the moto g 5G and moto g power 5G, priced at $200 and $300, respectively (MSRP, unlocked). Both phones offer 5G, a vegan leather finish on the back, 120 Hz display refresh, 50 megapixel main camera, 5,000 mAh battery, 128 GB storage (expandable), NFC, fingerprint reader (on the side), and a headset jack. For the moto g 5G, NFC is a key addition compared to last year's version. For the extra $100, upgrades on the moto g power 5G (compared to the moto g 5G) include a sharper display (FHD+ instead of HD+), double the RAM (8 GB instead of 4), better front camera (16 megapixel instead of 8), an 8-megapixel wide-angle camera (instead of 2-megapixel macro), faster charging (30-watt instead of 18), and wireless charging. Compared to last year's moto g power 5G, improvements include more RAM, the wide-angle camera, NFC, wireless charging, and faster wired charging. Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile will all offer both phones. The moto g 5G (2024) will come to T-Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile first, on March 21st. Boost, Consumer Cellular, Cricket, TracFone, US Cellular, Xfinity, Google Fi, Optimum, Cox, Straight Talk, Total by Verizon, Simple Mobile, Walmart Family Mobile, and Visible will also offer it. The moto g power 5G (2024) will launch with Cricket on March 22nd, and later with Metro, US Cellular, Straight Talk, Total by Verizon, Walmart Family Mobile, and Visible as well. Motorola's g series for 2024 also includes the already-announced, 4G-only moto g play (2024), which retails for $150.
T-Mobile Fills in the Gaps in its Mid-Band 5G Network
T-Mobile is activating large swaths of fast mid-band 5G coverage across the country, primarily in rural areas. This new coverage is the result of the FCC's Auction 108 for 2.5 GHz spectrum, which concluded in late 2022. The newly-acquired spectrum covers 80 million people, and T-Mobile is lighting up 5G service in that band covering 60 million people over the next few days. 2.5 GHz, also known as band 41, is already the backbone of T-Mobile's 5G network, offering the most bandwidth of any sub-6 GHz band, which is why T-Mobile brands it as "Ultra Capacity 5G". As a mid-band frequency, it also offers a good balance of fast data speeds and good physical reach. T-Mobile already owned licenses for this band and operated 5G service with it across much of the country. But the 2.5 GHz band was originally licensed in an unusual way that left many geographic gaps. Auction 108 aimed to fix that, and T-Mobile forked over $304 million to the FCC for licenses covering the gaps in its mid-band 5G network. The affected rural areas may have had 5G service before, but only in other frequency bands that don't offer as much bandwidth, resulting in relatively slow data speeds.
T-Mobile Successfully Tests Faster 5G Uploads
T-Mobile announced that it has achieved record-breaking uplink speeds of 345 Mbps on its 5G standalone (SA) network in a recent test using a new 5G technology called Uplink Transmit Switching. The technology combines carrier aggregation (CA) and SU-MIMO (single user multiple input, multiple output). This test delivered uplink speeds 25% faster than T-Mobile's previous record of 275 Mbps using sub-6 (non-mmWave) frequencies. The test used Nokia network equipment and a smartphone powered by a flagship Qualcomm Snapdragon chip. Not all 5G devices support Uplink Transmit Switching. T-Mobile's President of Technology Ulf Ewaldsson said: "we implore our partners around the globe to build the capability into the 5G ecosystem moving forward."
Samsung Launching Two New Affordable 5G Phones Today, Too
While Samsung's big news today is the new S24 series of flagship phones, the company is also quietly launching two new affordable 5G phones today: the Galaxy A15 5G and Galaxy A25 5G. The Galaxy A15 5G updates last year's A14 5G with a 6.5-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with 90 Hz refresh, a major upgrade for a phone that sells for $200. It also has double the built-in storage (128 instead of 64 GB), faster fast charging (25W instead of 15), and replaces the depth camera with a 5 megapixel wide-angle camera. Other specs carry over from the A14 5G, including a 5,000 mAh battery, 50 megapixel main camera, NFC, fingerprint reader, expandable storage, and a headset jack. It's powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ chipset. Verizon, T-Mobile, Boost, and US Cellular started selling the phone today, and samsung.com indicates that AT&T may offer it as well. The Galaxy A25 5G doesn't seem to be nearly as popular with US carriers, as there are no indications that any of the big three national carriers plan to offer it. It's quite similar to the A15 5G, with the upgrades being OIS on the main camera, an 8 megapixel wide-angle camera, 4K video capture, and 120 Hz display refresh. It's powered by a Samsung Exynos 1280 chipset. For these upgrades, US Cellular shows a list price of $300. Boost and TracFone may offer it, as well.
T-Mobile's Space-Based Coverage Tested Successfully
SpaceX has successfully used an off-the-shelf cell phone to text message via its Starlink satellite network. The new-generation Starlink satellites that enable the service just started launching last week. The system uses T-Mobile-exclusive spectrum in the US, and T-Mobile plans to launch the service nationwide — covering dead zones — later this year. Any recent T-Mobile-compatible phone (supporting 4G LTE in band 25) should be able to use the service. Only texting will be allowed initially, with voice and data to follow in 2025.
T-Mobile Achieves World-First 6-Carrier Aggregation
T-Mobile has achieved the world's first six-carrier aggregation connection using sub-6 GHz spectrum on its live production 5G network. This allowed the mobile device to access 245 MHz of total bandwidth and reach download speeds over 3.6 Gbps. Carrier aggregation lets mobile devices cobble together multiple simultaneous connections to the network at different frequencies, for more total bandwidth, enabling faster data rates. While two- and three-carrier aggregation is now common with sub-6 5G networks, six is a first. T-Mobile's test used two channels in band 41 (2,500 MHz), two channels in band 2/25 (1,900 MHz) and two channels in band 4/66 (1,700 MHz). All of these bands offer relatively broad coverage (compared to mmWave, which is short-range).
SpaceX Launches First Batch of Starlink Satellites with "Direct to Cell" for T-Mobile Service
T-Mobile is one step closer to offering 100% nationwide coverage — even in the most remote areas — using SpaceX's Starlink satellite network. Last night, SpaceX successfully launched its first batch of Starlink satellites upgraded with Direct to Cell capabilities. This will enable existing 4G LTE cell phones to connect directly to Starlink and receive service. T-Mobile plans to begin field testing the service "soon". Following successful testing, the service will launch "with text messaging, with voice and data coverage to follow in the coming years" as SpaceX launches more satellites with this capability. Other providers around the world have also signed up with SpaceX to use Starlink to expand coverage, "including Rogers (Canada), Optus (Australia), One NZ (New Zealand), KDDI (Japan), and others, with more to come." SpaceX and T-Mobile announced plans for this technology in 2022.
T-Mobile Adds Hulu to Top-End Plan
Starting January 24th, T-Mobile's "Go5G Next" plan will include a Hulu subscription at no additional charge, in addition to Netflix, Apple TV+, and MLB.tv. Go5G Next costs $100/month for one line, with significant discounts for multiple lines.
OnePlus' First Foldable Aims High
OnePlus has launched the OnePlus Open, its first foldable phone. The flagship-class phone has top-end specs, going head-to-head with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 and Google Pixel Fold in both design and features. The phone has a 7.82-inch flexible display inside, protected by Ultra-Thin Glass, with a carbon fiber support structure underneath to reduce the crease at the hinge. The unique "Flexion" hinge is an 8-axis mechanism that uses just 69 parts, compared to the industry average of more than a hundred components. OnePlus claims this improves durability, and has had it tested and certified for a million fold actions. The outer display measures 6.31 inches and is protected by Ceramic Guard, which OnePlus claims is 20% more impact resistant than Corning Gorilla Glass Victus. Both displays are "ProXDR" LTPO AMOLED panels with 2K resolution and 120 Hz refresh. It does sport OnePlus' signature alert slider switch. The Hasselblad rear triple-camera system includes a 48 megapixel main camera with a Sony LYTIA-T808 sensor featuring stacked-pixel technology that boosts light intake. There's also a 64 megapixel telephoto camera with 3x periscope optical zoom and 6x lossless zoom via sensor crop. The wide-angle camera is 48 megapixel and has auto-focus. The Open is powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip paired with 16 GB of RAM and 512 GB of UFS 4.0 storage. The 4,805 mAh battery can be fully charged in just 42 minutes thanks 67-watt fast charging. It has excellent support for T-Mobile's network, good support for Verizon's sub-6 network, and basic support for AT&T. The OxygenOS 13.2 software (based on Android 13) includes Open Canvas, a new interface for large screens with multi-window / split-screen tools and a "desktop-like taskbar". OnePlus will offer the Open in the US in black or green for $1,700. Pre-orders start today with full availability October 26th. Pre-orders include a free pair of OnePlus Buds Pro 2 earbuds, worth $180.
T-Mobile Pushing Customers on Old Plans Onto More Expensive Plans
T-Mobile is using an unusual strategy to nudge customers on older plans into paying more money. Customers on One, Simple Choice, Magenta and Magenta 55 Plus plans will soon receive a notice that they are being moved to an equivalent newer plan priced at approximately $10 more per line. Customers will have the choice to opt out of the change and keep their old plan, but must call customers service before a certain date (not yet announced) to do so. The plan changes take effect by default starting with the November bill cycle.
Motorola's new razr Foldable is Just $600
Motorola has announced launch details for its new razr (2023). Not to be confused with the higher-end razr+ that launched earlier this year, the new razr is a more affordable model. In fact, it is, by a wide margin, the most affordable foldable phone to reach the US to date. Motorola will sell it unlocked for $600 for a limited time, with a full retail price of $700. This new model keeps many of the high-end features of the pricier razr+, such as basically the same 6.9-inch flexible main display, 8 GB of RAM, a dedicated 13 megapixel wide-angle camera, wireless charging, and Wi-Fi 6E. Other features include a 64 megapixel main camera and a relatively large battery (4,200 mAh) for a flip-style foldable. The most obvious difference is the smaller outer display. But Motorola has added something new: Motorola Unplugged, a software feature that lets you take "digital breaks" where you choose just a few essential apps that will remain available while everything else disappears. Both AT&T and T-Mobile will offer this new razr, along with Metro by T-Mobile, Cricket, Xfinity Mobile, US Cellular, Boost, and Consumer Cellular. Motorola and most carriers will offer it starting October 19th.
T-Mobile Buying Low-Band Spectrum from Comcast, as Comcast Launches its own 5G Network
T-Mobile has reached an agreement to lease and then purchase radio spectrum licenses from Comcast worth $3.3 billion. The licenses are for 10 MHz of bandwidth around 600 MHz (band 71). T-Mobile already uses band 71 to provide blanket coverage. As one of the lowest frequencies in use for cellular networks, 600 MHz reaches long distances and well into buildings, with tradeoff of not providing the best high-speed data rates. This additional spectrum should help T-Mobile improve the baseline capacity of its network in areas where higher-frequency bands don't reach, improving network coverage and reliability. Comcast is preparing to launch its own 5G network starting this month in Philadelphia. The company has been testing its own 5G network in both the 600 MHz and CBRS (band 48) bands. Performance in the unlicensed band 48 has "exceeded our expectations", leading to the conclusion that Comcast is "unlikely to need the 600 MHz spectrum licenses that we currently hold to support our wireless customers." But the spectrum is valuable, especially to T-Mobile. Comcast has offered Xfinity Mobile wireless service to its home internet customers for several years using the Verizon network. Launching its own network in select markets will reduce traffic from Xfinity Mobile customers on the Verizon network, and presumably save money for Comcast. Verizon also uses band 48, so most of Xfinity's lineup of (Verizon-compatible) phones already support band 48, while not all support band 71.
Sonim XP10 Reaches T-Mobile
Sonim's flagship rugged smartphone, the XP10, is now available in some form from all three major US carriers. It launches today for T-Mobile business customers, after launching first on AT&T and more recently with Verizon. The XP10 supports sub-6 5G on both T-Mobile and AT&T. Like all Sonim phones, it has an ultra-rugged, waterproof design that can be used without a case. The Sonim XP3plus — a rugged flip phone — is also available for all three major US carriers. Sonim has been doing well in the US market, and recently announced plans to expand into more affordable durable phones for consumers. Those phones are expected to reach the market with "two tier-one carriers in North America" in 2024.
T-Mobile Updates its REVVL Affordable 5G Phones
T-Mobile has launched updated versions of its REVVL 6 series of affordable 5G phones. The new REVVL 6x 5G and REVVL 6x Pro 5G are similar to their predecessors, with a few upgrades like double the storage (now 128 GB on the 6x and 256 GB on the 6x Pro). That is the only notable change on the larger Pro model. The smaller 6x also gains a couple of features were previously exclusive to the Pro model: a 50 megapixel main camera and NFC; however it no longer supports the bands necessary for 3G or 4G service overseas. Other specs remain largely unchanged. The smaller 6x has a 6.52-inch HD+ display, 4,500 mAh battery, and 4 GB of RAM. The larger 6x Pro has a 6.82-inch HD+ display, 5,000 mAh battery, 6 GB of RAM, and wireless charging. Both are powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 700 chipset. Both have a fingerprint reader, expandable storage, and a headset jack. The REVVL 6x comes in Lunar Gray for $200. The REVVL 6x Pro comes in Moonlit Ocean (dark blue) for $230. Both are available starting today from both T-Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile.
T-Mobile to Lay Off 5,000 Employees
T-Mobile plans to lay off 5,000 employees over the next five weeks. The number amounts to about 7% of staff and will not affect retail nor customer care positions. The reductions will be in "primarily duplicative" corporate and "back-office" jobs. Five years ago when T-Mobile sought FCC permission to merge with Sprint, the companies promised 3,000 – 11,000 additional positions instead of layoffs.
T-Mobile Picks up Nokia's New Repairable, Affordable 5G Phone
HMD Global has two new, affordable Nokia phones for the US market, and one of them is an affordable 5G phone with a user-replaceable display, battery, and charging port. The new Nokia G310 5G uses HMD's "QuickFix" design. Through a partnership with iFixit, users can get easy-to-follow repair guides and genuine spare parts to repair their own phone. This helps a phone last longer, which saves the user money and is better for the planet. The Nokia G310 5G is powered by a Snapdragon 480+ 5G chipset, has a 6.6-inch HD+ display with 90 Hz refresh, and a 5,000 mAh battery. It also has a 50 megapixel main camera, NFC, 20-watt fast charging, 4 GB RAM, 128 GB of storage (expandable), and a fingerprint reader on the side. It will be available from both T-Mobile and Metro, starting at $186 on August 24th. The Nokia C210 is a 4G phone that starts at just $109. It's powered by a Snapdragon 662 chipset paired with 3 GB of RAM and 32 GB storage (expandable). The display measures 6.3 inches and the battery clocks in at 3,000 mAh. There's also a 13 megapixel camera. It hits Metro on September 14th.
Nothing Phone (2) Sports Upgraded Specs, More Useful Glyphs
Nothing has unveiled its Phone (2), which will be Nothing's first phone officially available in the US. The phone has good support for most of the sub-6 5G and 4G bands used by T-Mobile and AT&T. Like the Phone (1), it has a distinctive transparent back with a pattern of functional, customizable lights called "Glyphs". The Glyph interface gains many new features and third-party integrations, such as a shrinking bar that visually shows how far away your Uber driver is. The back now uses 3D glass for a curved-edge design that helps the Phone (2) feel thinner. Both the front and back are Gorilla Glass, with a 100% recycled aluminum frame between. The OLED display is larger at 6.7 inches and sports thinner bezels. It's also brighter and adds LPTO technology enabling 1–120 Hz refresh and always-on capability. The processor has been upgraded to Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 and the battery is larger at 4,700 mAh. The Phone (2) supports fast charging up to 45 watts, 15-watt wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging. The rear cameras are still 50 megapixel main + 50 megapixel wide, but the main has been upgraded to a higher-quality Sony IMX890 sensor capable of 8-frame HDR. The front camera is also improved with a 30% larger sensor and 32 megapixel resolution. It's available with 8 or 12 GB of RAM and 128 – 512 GB storage. Other features include NFC, Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi 6, and an in-display fingerprint reader. The phone comes with Nothing's OS 2.0 software, which has more distinctive theming of the icons and widgets. Nothing promises three years of OS upgrades and four years of security updates (every two months). The Nothing Phone (2) will ship July 17th starting at $599 in dark grey, or in white (with more RAM/storage) starting at $699 ($649 via pre-order).
