The results from the American Customer Satisfaction Index are in, and parroting a recent study by Consumer Reports, Verizon Wireless is named the front-runner with the most happy subscribers among the big four carriers. The survey takes a number of factors into account, such as call clarity, dropped calls, network coverage, data speeds, helpfulness of in-store staff, diversity of plans and the quality of the carrier's websites. As the dust settled, Verizon notched a three-point gain to chart a score of 73 (out of 100), whereas ACSI's previous front-runner, Sprint, held steady with a score of 71. AT&T is portrayed as "in a statistical dead heat with Sprint," which climbed one point to chart an ACSI score of 70. Meanwhile, satisfaction among T-Mobile customers fell a point, which caused the carrier to pull up the rear with a score of 68.

On the whole, ACSI suggests that subscribers are generally more satisfied with regional providers and MVNOs, as the little dogs hold an aggregate score of 78. Speaking in broader terms, the ACSI reports that the wireless industry has reversed its two-year trend of sliding customer satisfaction to hit a benchmark score of 72, which matches the industry's 10-year high. Naturally, improvements still need to be made across the board, but at least things seem to be moving in the right direction.

Filed under: Wireless, Mobile

Comments

Via: FierceWireless

Source: ACSI

We've already spent some quality time with Nokia's handsome Lumia 925 and while it's no secret the company's Windows Phone flagship is coming to the US courtesy of T-Mobile, we'd never actually seen the carrier-branded model -- until now, that is. Nokia brought T-Mobile's version of the handset to CTIA 2013 where we took it for a brief spin. As you'd expect, the phone is identical to its global twin save for the operator's logo below the capacitive button and the radios which support T-Mobile's bands. Unfortunately, the Lumia 925 we played with was not final, so the software was off limits. In terms of hardware, it features the same 4.5-inch 1,280 x 768 AMOLED screen, 1.5GHz Snapdragon S4 Pro processor, 1GB RAM, 16GB of storage and 8.7-megapixel camera with OIS. This is definitely one of Nokia's most attractive designs yet, and we're looking forward to getting our hands on a review unit soon. In the meantime, why not check out the gallery below?

Gallery: Nokia Lumia 925 for T-Mobile hands-on

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Microsoft, Nokia, T-Mobile

Comments

By most accounts, the HTC One is the most compelling Android smartphone on the market today, but only three of the major US carriers are wise enough to sell it. Up until this point, we've put the AT&T and Sprint models through their paces, and now we have an opportunity to round out the trio with T-Mobile's version. Given the carrier's recent shift to an unsubsidized pricing model -- which brings lower monthly fees in exchange for purchasing your phone outright -- you may be in for some sticker shock with the HTC One, which runs $580, but you can also pay $100 down with installments of $20 per month over the course of two years.

If you're currently on the fence about whether the HTC One is right for your needs, you'll definitely want to check out our full review, which features an in-depth look at the phone's design, camera and the many novel features that you'll find with HTC's custom software environment, Sense 5. Here, we'll explore the subtle nuances of T-Mobile's version, with plenty of benchmarks, impressions about the voice quality and battery life, an overview of the bundled apps and a comparison to the One's closest competitors on T-Mo. There's plenty to cover, so join us after the break as we explore everything that you need to know about the HTC One for T-Mobile.

Gallery: HTC One for T-Mobile review

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, HTC, Google, T-Mobile

Comments

Tempted to just send a quick SMS saying you're on the road to grab the milk? Don't -- or your recipient could receive a much more dire message, says a consortium of carriers including AT&T, Sprint, Verizon and T-Mobile. Along with more than 200 other organizations including the DOT, NHTSA and NTSB, the carriers have joined AT&T's "It Can Wait" campaign, which began in March 2010. The message will feature prominently at carrier stores, Best Buy, Goodyear and RadioShack locations, while insurer USAA is bringing the texting-while-driving simulator we saw earlier (in the video after the break) to more locations. In addition, HTC, Pantech and Samsung will preload AT&T's DriveMode app (on select devices from the carrier) which impedes the practice, and you'll soon notice ads warning against it across social media and Clear Channel broadcasters. In case none of that drives the point home, remember that piloting a two-ton vehicle with any distractions is a ridiculously bad idea -- let alone one that takes your eyes completely off the road.

Filed under: Cellphones, Verizon, Sprint, AT&T, T-Mobile

Comments

We've gotten word of a new BlackBerry smartphone today, and we now also have some news about familiar one. Verizon, Sprint and T-Mobile have all confirmed that they'll soon be carrying the BlackBerry Q10, although some are being more specific with details than others. Verizon is saying that it will be available sometime in June (it has an exclusive on the white version), while Sprint will only go as far as to say "late summer," with neither offering a price. T-Mobile will also be rolling out the phone sometime in June, and has confirmed that it will cost $99.99 down with its new plan structure, or $579.99 if you want to buy it outright. All this follows business registation for the device, which began last month. We've yet to hear anything more from AT&T, but it has already committed to the device and will presumably be launching it in roughly the same timeframe as well.

Update: T-Mobile has reached out to let us know that while general T-Mobile customers have to wait until June, business customers can order the Q10 today, with delivery typically expected within a week.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Verizon, Sprint, Blackberry, T-Mobile

Comments

Source: Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile

Now that Nokia's launched it's metal-accented Lumia 925, you may want to know where to grab one. Well, in the UK, Vodafone will start carrying a 32GB version of the handset exclusively next month, while O2 said it'd be the only UK carrier with a white model -- which you'll be able to grab on June 13th. As for the others, Three confirmed via a tweet that it'd carry the new handset and that it would be compatible with its Ultrafast services, while EE and Orange have yet to announce anything. Meanwhile, we heard from T-Mobile that it will be the exclusive home of the 925 in the US, at least at launch. We've touched base with all the carriers for more info, so check back to see if you'll be able to grab one from your provider of choice.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Nokia

Comments

Source: Vodaphone, Three (Twitter)

In the US, you'll be able to pick up the just-announced Nokia Lumia 925 on T-Mobile. T-Mobile's press release lists all the specs of its first LTE-packing Windows Phone 8 device, but provides no details on pricing or release date. Those will be revealed "at a later date," and interested parties can register for updates at the link below. In the meantime, if you're wondering how this new flagship compares to the Verizon-bound Lumia 928 then we can answer that question right here.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Nokia

Comments

Source: T-Mobile

After a month of offering the iPhone 5 for $100 down, T-Mobile has quietly increased the upfront cost by $50. Even with the price hike, it's still less expensive than on most other carriers, but some type of warning would've certainly been appreciated. As for the rest of T-Mobile's new pricing scheme, its $20-a month, two-year amortization schedule remains intact. Consider us skeptical, but hopefully this is just a case of growing pains, and unannounced promotions won't be part of the UnCarrier's game plan going forward.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, T-Mobile

Comments

Via: TmoNews

Source: T-Mobile

Are you using an iPhone 5 on T-Mobile? Are you in an area with re-farmed 1900MHz HSPA+ spectrum? Well rejoice! Some enterprising folks over at TmoNews have hacked Apple's carrier update for T-Mobile to boost data speeds on the 1900MHz (PCS) HSPA+ band. Better yet, this tweak applies to both T-Mobile's iPhone 5 and the AT&T / unlocked versions -- no jailbreak required. While the official carrier update enabled LTE for the iPhone 5 on T-Mobile, it also decreased data speeds on re-farmed PCS HSPA+ spectrum for many users. The hacked file makes a number of adjustments: it enables Release 9 for dual-carrier HSPA+ and sets the band preference to "auto" from AWS. Follow the source link below for more details and step-by-step instructions.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Apple

Comments

Source: TmoNews

T-Mobile USA has been making a big push for pre-paid customers since it launched its Uncarrier plans in March, and it seems to be working -- unfortunately, at the expense of more lucrative post-paid clients. While pre-paid revenue bumped to $503 million over $474 million last quarter, post-paid revenue fell to $3.2 billion, a drop of 4.7 percent, and overall revenue dropped by about the same percentage to $4.7 billion from $4.9 billion in Q4 2012. Net income also swooned year-over-year to $107 million from $200 million, but was up over last quarter, when the company took a small net loss.

On the bright side, the company did pick up 579,000 customers in total, and claimed its lowest client turnover rate, 1.9 percent, since way back in 2008. Another silver lining has been the addition of the iPhone, as the company has already pushed around 500,000 of the 4, 4S and 5 models out the door since it launched at the Uncarrier event -- perhaps due to the very attractive pricing. Of course, with MetroPCS soon joining forces with T-Mo thanks to the recent merger, all that might change -- once we see how the powers-that-be decide to divvy up the two carriers.

Filed under: Mobile

Comments

Source: T-Mobile

Americans wanting one of 2013's Sony flagships have had access to the Xperia ZL for awhile, but they've had to chase down an importer if they wanted the glass-backed chic of the Xperia Z. Sony has quietly put that dilemma to rest by offering the Xperia Z through the US Sony Store. For $630, locals can get an unlocked version of the flagship in black, purple or white, albeit only with HSPA+ 3G for carriers like AT&T and T-Mobile; there's no LTE to be found. Those who do want 4G speeds won't have to pay a premium, however, when Sony is selling the LTE-equipped ZL for the same $630. While neither deal will be quite as tempting as subsidized phones at major carriers, those willing to pay full price for Sony gear can now afford to be a little picky.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Sony, AT&T, T-Mobile

Comments

Via: Xperia Blog

Source: Sony Store

While Sony intrigued us with the Xperia L's blend of a low-end smartphone with a higher-end camera, it wasn't very specific on just where we could eventually buy one: "worldwide" doesn't help, folks. Courtesy of an FCC filing, there's now a hint that the phone might show up in North America. The L has surfaced at the US agency carrying HSPA-based 3G compatible with the likes of AT&T, Straight Talk and T-Mobile, as well as Canadian carriers of all sizes. Even with a manual included in the filing, though, there's no telltale clues as to which providers in either country might be interested. Without any built-in LTE, the Xperia L we see here is more likely to reach either smaller networks or go the carrier-independent route -- if it comes to North America at all, that is.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Sony

Comments

Source: FCC

Holy Magenta! T-Mobile TV is now available for iOS. Just a few weeks removed from the carrier's launch of the iPhone 5, its entertainment streaming app offers a free 30-day trial run with content from Fox News, the Associated Press, Campus Insiders and ACC Digital Network. Those looking to extend their mobile media fix can opt for a $13 a month Prime Pack that opens up programming from the likes of ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, MTV, Spike TV, Comedy Central and VH1. In addition to its flagship package, the carrier offers a set of themed packs that range from $6 to $10 a month. To take the self-proclaimed UnCarrier's mobile boob tube for a test drive, head on over to the source link below -- just be sure that your device is running iOS 4.3 or higher.

Filed under: Software, Mobile, T-Mobile

Comments

Via: Electronista

Source: iTunes

Over six months ago, a joint venture between AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon called Isis launched a trial of its nascent mobile payment service in Austin and Salt Lake City. Not only was its debut already delayed, we also haven't heard more than a peep from the company since. CEO Michael Abbott, who is the keynote speaker at ETA 2013 in New Orleans, has opened the discourse but still isn't giving many specific details on the future. When we asked him about his company's expansion plans, Abbott simply told us that "when [we're] ready, we'll start putting it out in different places and see where to go from there." In essence, he views progress in the mobile payments field as a constant evolution, which often involves taking smaller steps to accomplish a greater purpose. You can find the full quote below the break.

Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless, Mobile

Comments

T-Mobile has been slowly inching closer to closing its acquisition deal with MetroPCS, and the day for inking that contract is finally here. Less than a week after MetroPCS shareholders approved the merger, which would give them a total cash payment of $1.5 billion, the deal is done, and T-Mo is a publicly traded company. In addition to giving Deutsche Telekom a 74 percent stake in the new company, the deal will bring nine million new prepaid customers to T-Mobile. According to the Uncarrier's President and CEO, the network would "continue our legacy of marketplace innovation by tearing up the old playbook and rewriting the rules of wireless to benefit consumers." T-Mobile plans to keep the MetroPCS brand, holding on to its retail outlets too, pitching to different demographics with the two carriers, according to AllThingsD. MetroPCS broke the news to its customers first through Facebook, although Big Magenta followed swiftly with the official press release -- you'll find that right after the break.

Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless, Mobile, T-Mobile

Comments

Source: MetroPCS (Facebook), T-Mobile

Samsung's latest flagship, the GS4, landed on Sprint and AT&T a couple of days ago, and now it's T-Mobile's turn to join the party -- at least by way of its virtual stores. Taking advantage of the carrier's recently unveiled pricing scheme, the Galaxy S 4 will be available starting at $149.99 up front for the 16GB model (plus the $20 extra per month for the next two years, of course). Now, if you're looking to physically pick one up instead, you'll have to wait a little longer, as it won't be available at brick-and-mortar shops until May 1st.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Samsung, T-Mobile

Comments

Source: T-Mobile

This week I'm writing from a special place: from the perspective of a Google Glass owner. Well, to be honest I'm not wearing them this exact moment -- I'm actually at 30,000 feet, making the most of a Gogo connection, and when your phone is in airplane mode there's not much point in wearing the headset. Unless, of course, you're looking for a conversation starter. In that role, the headset performs impeccably even when turned completely off.

It's been an interesting couple days wearing the headset around, days I'll continue to chronicle on the site because I know many of you are eager to know what Glass is like. I know this because I've had dozens of strangers come up to me and ask, "What's it like?" Suffice to say, Glass is very interesting and the potential is compelling, but right now the thing is somewhat frustrating in its limited functionality. That'll change real soon as more developers get to grips with the Mirror API.

Filed under: Apple, Samsung, Sony, Google, Sprint, AT&T, T-Mobile, Nintendo

Comments

It feels like only yesterday we told you HSN would be the first retailer offering T-Mobile's Nokia Lumia 521, and although the place hasn't changed, the date has. The Lumia 520 variant wasn't expected to be available through HSN's online store until tomorrow, but in a bit of good news to kick off your Friday, the order page is now live. An off-contract handset will set you back $149.95, or four payments of $37.49. The next confirmed date we have for availability is May 11th at Microsoft and Walmart stores, so if you're looking to bag one of the budget Windows Phone 8 handsets before then, head to the source link and hit the virtual checkout -- not only may stock run dry, but HSN could've accidentally pulled the trigger early and hide the page when orders start rolling in.

[Thanks, Tim]

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, T-Mobile

Comments

Source: HSN

Wanting to get first dibs on the Lumia 521 for T-Mobile? If so, it looks that you may need to tune into HSN on April 27th, because -- strange as it sounds -- the television network is offering the earliest access that we know of. Here, you'll be able to score T-Mobile's variant of the Lumia 520 for $149.95 off-contract, which includes a bonus car charger and screen protector. Following its arrival at HSN, the Lumia 521 will then hit Microsoft retail stores and Walmart on May 11th, with the same off-contract pricing. As you may recall, a previous leak from TmoNews suggested the smartphone would hit T-Mobile stores yesterday, but this date has come and gone without official availability (or even an announcement) from the carrier. Fret not, though, because we've done a bit of digging, and our sources tell us that the Lumia 521 is currently set to hit general availability on May 22nd, which by all measures should include all T-Mobile stores. Naturally, you now have some options to weigh, even if one of them might cost an ounce of your pride.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Nokia, T-Mobile

Comments

Wireless access in New York City's subway system has so far been limited, at best: two GSM carriers, one WiFi provider and six stations does not a full network make. Coverage is getting much wider, however, as Transit Wireless just flicked on access in 30 extra stations. While cellular service with this batch is still limited to AT&T and T-Mobile for now, it reaches a much wider swath of Manhattan that includes Times Square, Rockefeller Center and the Museum of Natural History. Those on CDMA carriers also won't be left hanging for long -- both Sprint and Verizon have nearly finished making deals to join the project, with Sprint aiming for service later this year. Although the deployment still leaves big holes in carrier support and geographic reach, it's a big leap for travelers with an urge to stay online while underground.

[Image credit: Retromoderns, Flickr]

Update: Verizon now tells us that it's also aiming for service by the end of the year.

Filed under: Cellphones, Transportation, Wireless, Networking, Mobile, Verizon, Sprint, AT&T, T-Mobile

Comments

Via: The Verge

Source: Governor Cuomo

By now, you're probably aware that MetroPCS shareholders voted in favor of a merger with T-Mobile, and with regulatory red tape out of the way, both companies are now set to become one on April 30th. Now, MetroPCS has laid its Q1 2013 financials bare, which provides us with an excellent peek at T-Mobile's future partner. First off, the company is making money, and its operational income is actually rising, but it's also dealing with increased costs from loans, taxes and the like. Overall, MetroPCS reported a net income of $19.4 million for the first quarter, which is down from $21 million just one year ago.

Speaking of loans, MetroPCS has a ton of them. Its liabilities now sit at $10.3 billion, and its managed to take on $3.4 billion in financing during the last year alone. From a balance sheet perspective, 75 percent of the company's assets exist as debt, and this is a burden that T-Mobile must now take on. Naturally, much of this merger was in effort to score additional spectrum, but Ms. Magenta also stands to gain 9 million new customers once the deal completes, 39 percent of which are LTE subscribers. Better yet, with a churn rate of 2.9 percent, they're sticking around now more than any previous time in company history.

Filed under: Wireless, Mobile, T-Mobile

Comments

Source: PR Newswire

Stepping into a carrier's store can be like a visit to the candy shop for the gadget junkie, but once playtime is over and it's time to choose just one, the decision can get a bit overwhelming. You'll find Android phones that range in size from tiny to massive, Windows Phone handsets that cover the rainbow in colors and, of course, the ubiquitous iPhone, which has a price point to suit every need. There's also the latest BlackBerry, which melds a familiar name with a brand-new operating system.

Naturally, it's no easy task to sort through the wide number of options on the market today, and it's even more difficult to find the best of the best. That's where Engadget's smartphone buyer's guide comes in handy. Here, you'll find a very exclusive list of the smartphones that we confidently use and achingly desire. Regardless of your financial situation or platform preference, you're bound to find a stellar choice that's a great fit for your needs. So read on as we round up the very best smartphones of the season.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Apple, Samsung, HTC, Nokia, Google, Verizon, Sprint, AT&T, T-Mobile

Comments

More details on the BlackBerry Q10's release in the US are starting to surface. T-Mobile confirmed in an email that its business customers will have the opportunity to register for the device starting next week on April 29th, with availability and pricing details to follow "at a later date." General consumers will likely have to wait a little longer, if T-Mobile follows the same launch strategy that it did with the Z10. Of course, registration doesn't actually equate to pre-orders or actually purchasing the phone yet -- all we've heard from official channels is that it'll be coming towards the end of May -- but it's still a solid confirmation that QWERTY fans will at least be able to get their BB10 on in the very near future.

Filed under: Cellphones, Blackberry, T-Mobile

Comments

It hit a few snags along the way, but T-Mobile's merger with MetroPCS now appears to be all but a done deal. Bloomberg is reporting that MetroPCS shareholders voted to approve the deal this morning, following a recommendation from two previously opposed shareholder advisory firms that the merger be approved last week -- and approval from the board before that. According to Bloomberg, the final terms of the deal give T-Mobile parent Deutsche Telekom a 74 percent stake in the new company, with MetroPCS shareholders receiving a $1.5 billion cash payment. Most notably for T-Mobile, the deal brings nine million new prepaid customers into the fold, as well as the all-important wireless spectrum that MetroPCS currently owns.

Filed under: Mobile, T-Mobile

Comments

Source: Bloomberg